MS Office Install

konradkonrad
edited May 2007 in Science & Tech
Hi guys,

I have Microsoft office on an old computer which I installed using the original disc a few years ago and would like to install it on my new comp but I can't find the disc. I'm wondering whether I can just copy the files from my old pc to the new one and install it that way and if so do I need only to copy the MS Office folder from program files?

I feel pretty dumb asking this because it seems like it should be simple to do but I got an error when I tried so I'm sure I'm doing something wrong..

It's an old version of MS Office (2002), the older pc is an emachines running XP and the new one is a Dell w/Vista.

Many thanks for any help.

konrad

Comments

  • primesuspectprimesuspect Beepin n' Boopin Detroit, MI Icrontian
    edited May 2007
    You cannot do this. You MUST run the installer from the CD, because office (and almost all other windows programs) use more than just the files in the folder - they create registry entries, link DLLs, etc.

    Sorry, the best I can tell you is that if you can prove ownership, Microsoft will replace your media for something like $25.
  • LeonardoLeonardo Wake up and smell the glaciers Eagle River, Alaska Icrontian
    edited May 2007
    This may not be the solution you're looking for, but may I recommend an alternative for you?

    Consider installing OpenOffice 2.0. It's a very nice office suite and is about 95% compatible with Microsoft Office. Unless you are a highly advanced MS Office user, Open Office should work well for you. MS Office and Open Office can read most of each other's documents. Distortion and formating problems are minimal. On new computer builds I've done, I've skipped MS Office and just installed Open Office. The suite includes word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation applications. FREEWARE!
  • konradkonrad
    edited May 2007
    Hey, thanks for the feedback. I guess if I can't properly install without the disc I'll just have to go into the attic and search a little harder... I know I have it somewhere but I need office up and running on my new machine asap so was hoping I could just copy over. Failing that, the $25 or so for a replacement sounds like a good option.

    I've heard about OpenOffice but never tried it, it's mainly my other half who uses office so my only worry would be whether she'd struggle with a new program when she's so used to microsoft. I wouldn't say she's highly advanced though so I think I'll investigate that before I go searching through my junk.

    konrad :smiles:
  • CycloniteCyclonite Tampa, Florida Icrontian
    edited May 2007
    Definitely worth a shot. If she's used to MS Office, then OpenOffice shouldn't take much adjustment.
  • LeonardoLeonardo Wake up and smell the glaciers Eagle River, Alaska Icrontian
    edited May 2007
    I've heard about OpenOffice but never tried it, it's mainly my other half who uses office so my only worry would be whether she'd struggle with a new program when she's so used to microsoft.
    As Cyclonite commented, OpenOffice is easy if the user already knows MS Office. In some ways, OpenOffice is easier, as it doesn't have all the (45678291235, to be exact) bells and whistles that MS Office has. I'm sure it's nice, but who uses even half of those features? (Improvements merely for the sake of putting "improved" on the label?) I guess I'll never be a highly advanced user. Sighhhhhhh.

    Anyway, back to reality - just install it and try it for a few days. Worst thing that can happen is you don't like it and spend a couple minutes uninstalling it.
  • konradkonrad
    edited May 2007
    Leonardo,I'm with you on the non-essential features that come with MS Office and many other progs for that matter. I really only need the basics so I'm gonna give OpenOffice a shot and if it doesn't suit my needs I'll just delete and buy again from MS.

    :smiles:
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