How do I get backed up copies of programs to work?

[oceanauk]

I have backed up programs onto cdr discs and now I'm trying to reinstall them onto my computer. I have literally just copied the program onto disc from the Programs folder on the computer and now I want to reinstall to that folder. But I can't get any of them to work. I'm sure I've done it before or am I missing something important? All the components for each program seem to be there - for example I'm trying to load TMPGEnc - which I paid for and now it won't work and I have no record of the licence anywhere. Any ideas please? Thanks

[bluejonjo]

You cant back up a program from the programs folder! You either need to copy the original software cd (which legally you can do once) or if you download, make a copy off ALL the downloaded files before you install. This insures you get all the installers and little "tentacle" files that are installed to the root or system directory.

[OBonio]

As bluejonjo said, copying from Program Files isn't enough to back up. There are rergistry entries created and system files installed. You need to have the original install files in order to get them back on your system.

[oceanauk]

I see - so how do you correctly back up your programs to be able to restore your computer (as in my case I've had to do a complete system recovery) - I've purchased a lot of programs via the internet and my license no.s were backed up in my outlook express - which I have also lost!! Big doh!!!

[Quicksilver]

You should always save the e-mail they send you with the license or activation key into a folder which, in turn, should be backed up onto removable media (cd, dvd etc). You then download the programme again and use your saved e-mail to activate it. The only other thing to do is to e-mail the site, explain what you've done and they might give you a fresh license number or activation key. It's useful to save a hard copy of the e-mail too.

[oceanauk]

thank you quicksilver - that makes sense!! Be easier to copy the pages I've been emailed then programs anyway!! Thank you everyone.

[bluejonjo]

You know, if your not to hot with IT, it may help to make a paper copy of your licence codes. Little black book or something??