How do I copy a software program?

[Papa Deuce]

I OWN a software program from a company that is out of business, so I couldn't buy it again if my copy was ever destroyed....

How can I make a backup of that program?

Thanks.

 

[JR6ooo4]

burn it to a CD or DVD.
it is a good idea to do that on programs that you purchase with an instant download. also add a text file with the registration, password and any codes.

Mikeeee

 

[Papa Deuce]

burn it to a CD or DVD.
it is a good idea to do that on programs that you purchase with an instant download. also add a text file with the registration, password and any codes.

Mikeeee

Yes, but what is the process? I know all about MP3 stuff, but what program does data?

 

[themarquis]

You can probably use whatever program you use to copy music (etc.) onto CDs/DVDs. It depends on the program you use, but generally there will be an option to "create data CD" or "backup data" or something like that. If you don't see it, use the program's help files and search for data or backup data. Once you select the right option, the process should be pretty much identical to how you would make a music cd.

 

[themarquis]

oh, by the way, this will not work for ALL programs. If the program you have is something small and old, it will generally work. But ... most more recent programs need either the original disk itself or something called a "disk image" or .iso. Basically, the computer wants the original "stuff" (whether its on the original disk or is a perfect copy of *the disk itself*). It uses the "stuff" to install onto a computer. The "stuff" that is installed might be (and often is) different than the "stuff" that is on the disk itself. If that makes sense . Basically, it has to do with size (the stuff on a disk is compacted to save space) and copyright protection.

But ... give the copying onto a CD thing a try ... and test it out on another computer to make sure it will work okay. You might have to run some kind of "setup" or "install" file on the second computer to get it to install itself correctly.

lol ... I'm a NERD!

 

[Michelle67]

Flash drive?

I'm zero help on the CD/DVD thing. I burned my first one ever a couple of weeks ago, which was possible only because I'm running Vista (which says "whaddya wanna do with that?" when you put a blank CD/DVD in) which my husband informs me is "Windows for Dummies." Yeah, that would be me.

 

[Papa Deuce]

oh, by the way, this will not work for ALL programs. If the program you have is something small and old, it will generally work. But ... most more recent programs need either the original disk itself or something called a "disk image" or .iso. Basically, the computer wants the original "stuff" (whether its on the original disk or is a perfect copy of *the disk itself*). It uses the "stuff" to install onto a computer. The "stuff" that is installed might be (and often is) different than the "stuff" that is on the disk itself. If that makes sense . Basically, it has to do with size (the stuff on a disk is compacted to save space) and copyright protection.

But ... give the copying onto a CD thing a try ... and test it out on another computer to make sure it will work okay. You might have to run some kind of "setup" or "install" file on the second computer to get it to install itself correctly.

lol ... I'm a NERD!

I should be OK, then. I have the original disc. The program, I imagine is small in size and is about 4 years old.

 

[themarquis]

I should be OK, then. I have the original disc. The program, I imagine is small in size and is about 4 years old.

ah ... I didn't realize you have the disk. There should be an option in the program you use to make cds to just copy the disk itself to another disk -- "make backup copy" or "backup data disk" or something like that. If the makers of the software used any copy protection, you won't be able to make a "perfect" copy that you'll need to install on another computer. Best way to do it is try to copy it and then try installing on anohter computer to make sure it works properly.