Office 2003 on two computers?

[Rinky]

I finally lost my mind with my desktop (Mass Effect seems to have messed it up really well...) and decided to buy a basic laptop for my non-gaming needs :).

I want to install my Office pro 2003 teachers' promo on the laptop, too - is this possible? I tried to find some information but the answers were yes/no/depends :). Some said desktop + laptop is fine, some said three computers, some said just one...

[Gagglegnash]

Hi

When I was doing stuff similar to this, back a while ago, the rule was that you could pretty much install it on as many computers as you wanted, provided that you only used it on one machine at a time.

The, "like a book," guideline was designed to placate people who moved around to several computers who didn't want/couldn't afford to buy several copies of the productivity software.

The EULA usually says one desktop and one laptop for personal use, but if you can demonstrate that you're only using one license at a time, they're usually good with it.

errr...

USED TO BE usually good with it. Tempus fugit.

On the other hand, Office 2003 was broken at distribution (if I remember right). Have you considered the OpenOffice.Org (http://openoffice.org/) productivity suite? You can put it on as many computers as you want, because it's FREE!

I have MS Office 2000 and OpenOffice 2.3 both installed. If someone isn't asking me for help with some MS Office feature, I no longer use the thing.

[a_unique_person]

Microsoft is very restrictive of it's licensing for individual purchases, depending on the product. I would bet they expect you to buy a new license.

[Gagglegnash]

Hi

Microsoft is very restrictive of it's licensing for individual purchases, depending on the product. I would bet they expect you to buy a new license.

^^ Safest bet ^^

[Rinky]

Microsoft is very restrictive of it's licensing for individual purchases, depending on the product. I would bet they expect you to buy a new license.

Yes, that's what I'd bet, too. I'll have to test it out and go for the OpenOffice if things go horribly wrong...

[a_unique_person]

Yes, that's what I'd bet, too. I'll have to test it out and go for the OpenOffice if things go horribly wrong...
I've had another look at OpenOffice. For free, it's much better than the original product. We are looking at using it at work for the people who would rarely use Office.

[BigAl]

I had a recent version of Teacher Edition and the EULA specifically
allowed for installation on two machines.

I'm a big fan of OpenOffice but if I'm involved with a large group that
distributes content in an MS format, I'm not going recommend OOo
to any but the most the most technically aware user.

[GreNME]

The retail versions of Microsoft's Office suite (up to 2003, at least) allowed for two installs-- specifically, one on a desktop and one on a laptop. The OEM versions (ones you get with the system), however, were restricted to one machine only. There are other NFR versions that may vary depending on how you got them (VL versus Subscription), but for the most common cases of retail and OEM the rule of thumb is to consider where you bought it if you're not sure of the type of license. If you bought it along with your new Dell/HP/Compaq you probably have an OEM, while if you got it boxed at your local Best Buy you most likely have a retail version.

[Hatchet]

Some said desktop + laptop is fine, some said three computers, some said just one...Seriously, ignore all the advice you've received on the internet (except this of course :)). Either check the EULA that came with the software, or call Microsoft and ask them. Different versions of the office products have different EULAs. There is no generic "correct" answer.

Cheers,

Paul.

[a_unique_person]

Office 2008 fixes all your questions. IIRC, you can't buy 2003 anymore. It will only run after you register, and strictly controls the authorisation of when and where you can do so.

[Hatchet]

IIRC, you can't buy 2003 anymore.Correct, but most 2008 EULAs have downgrade rights to 2003.

[Gagglegnash]

Hi

AHA!!

Search in your installation directory, and below, for a file name with EULA in it! If there is one, it may answer your question.


Mine is:
EULA.CHM
In:
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\1033
and states:
Applications Software. You may install, use, access, display, run, or otherwise interact with ("RUN") one copy of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, or any prior version for the same operating system, on a single computer, workstation, terminal, handheld PC, pager, "smart phone," or other digital electronic device ("COMPUTER"). The primary user of the COMPUTER on which the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is installed may make a second copy for his or her exclusive use on a portable computer.

Bob's your Uncle!

Ummm....

Actually, mine's Office 2000, so... maybe your nephew.

[Rinky]

I've been away for a while but yesterday I successfully activated the programme on my laptop. So, at least this version worked on two computers! Yessss! Thanks for your help, everyone.