microsoft XP software

I realize that this is not the perfect section for this, but since it covers a lot of areas, I think this is a good place to start. Fredi, don't move this just yet.

I just recieved Office XP 2002 Proffessional from Microsoft tonight. Let me just say that it is a major dissapointment, and a very large step for Microsoft in a horrible direction. They are challenging people with the way the XP series will be marketed. Although I won't speak on behalf of WinXP until I get it in the fall, here goes on Office:

SUBSCRIPTION SOFTWARE
The version that I have is a one year subscription. I have to activate my subscription to use the software by contacting MS with my serial number and hardware I believe. Apparently MS still hasn't decided on going this route during the official release, but as of now you have to pay for a subscription as well as the software.

HARDWARE REGISTRATION
You have 19 times (they told me 50, but the software told me 19) to boot the software before you have to register your hardware. Each time you make a "significant" change, you need to once again call or e-mail MS. The microsoft representative wasn't even sure what that meant, so I will assume that everytime you change your hardware you have to make the phonecall. This doesn't work for me at all since I take my NIC card out all the time.

This is an attempt to stop home users from installing on all home machines. The software is still very expensive. I have the proffessional edition and it will cost an arm and a leg. There is a standard edition without Access, and there is going to be a SE version for the first 90 days that will include a MS optical mouse. The prices are not good at all.

JUST ANOTHER PATCH
The features in XP are basically all the same with a few new ones. They are claiming it to be a new brand new version, but basically you aren't getting anything new except the above two pains. I watched a demo of all the new and "exciting" features, and there aren't any.

I still haven't even installed the software, and quite frankly I don't plan too. I got the software for free, and will recieve subscription updates for free if they choose to go that route, but unless there is a nice and handy "patch" to be downloaded, I just don't see any benefits. Microsoft claims that they are taking the route that many other software developers have taken. Nonetheless, there are cracks for all of them so I think we can sleep tight for Office XP if you really wanted to, but with the upcoming release of WinXP I just don't see any choice but to avoid it. Cracking an OS is not an option in my opinion.

Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.
Pablo PicassoEdited by dhlucke on 05/01/01 10:50 AM.

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I like to reimd you as a few of us beta tested fer office 2000 and win 2000. Both in their beta stages really really sucked.Just let final release come before you pass judgement.Its good to be evil.

SPUDMUFFIN

Just some advice from your friendly neighborhood blue man :smile:

Reply to Anonymous

The reason I brought this up in the manner I did is becuase I'm not talking about a Beta version. I have the final release. That's why I can't speak on behalf of WinXP.

I wouldn't say the product sucks, but there isn't much new to it beyond the two killers above. Hardware registration and a possible but currently active subscription process ruins the office suite of programs imop.

Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.
Pablo Picasso

Reply to dhlucke

This is only slightly off topic, but I think is worthy in this thread.

I remember hearing somewhere that the large majority of offices where MS products are deployed are still using Office '97, and are reluctant to upgrade to Office 2000.

I wonder how well this new package will be received by the public. Obviously the manufactured PC that ship with Word will have the new XP software when it comes out, but I think most people won't feel justified in dropping $300+ for more of the same that will most likely require them to upgrade their hardware as well.

Just my 2¢

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I have not yet begun to procrastinate.

Reply to Anonymous

Um what are you talking about they havnt finished the final build. Beta 1 and 2 soon to be 3 in the next month or so. Geeze if you dont like it dont use it as a evil guy that i am even im tired of hearing about how everyone hates what Microsoft does, give me a break go use linux then.

SPUDMUFFIN

Just some advice from your friendly neighborhood blue man :smile:

Reply to Anonymous

Geez...I guess I'm a friggin retard. Sorry. I must have completely missunderstood the Microsoft representative's entire 2 hour seminar and the other 6 that I have gone to before. I'm so sorry....

Look, I'm sure Microsoft will have a zillion patches, for this version in my hand (critial update is activated once again), but that's not the point. The only real thing that might change is the subscription process. I have to actually subscribe every year to use this software. Do you think that is right? Regardless of whether I get it for free, what about the average Joe Smoe? How will you feel when you have to pay $300-$600 for the software only to pay a yearly fee as well?

I did read an article on some site today that claimed that MS didn't care whether or not you change your hardware a hundred times. They apparently claimed that it won't be a problem unless you have your serial number online, in which case they'll deactivate your # (since it will obviously have too many hardware configuration numbers), so that NO hardware config will work. But why even have it then? If I can get 100 hardware identification codes for myself and my closest friends, then aren't we right back where we started? I just don't understand this whole concept of hardware locking software.

Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.
Pablo Picasso

Reply to dhlucke

If you made the product you would get very very upset when people pirated it wouldnt you??? Its yer time and money man if you are moral you would say yes and if you are AMD orientated well you would say no since by how it all seem to play out yer all cheapo's.

SPUDMUFFIN

Just some advice from your friendly neighborhood blue man :smile:

Reply to Anonymous

You're completely right. Microsoft is being really stupid lately. I think it all started when they decided to go ahead with the .NET initiative.

Microsoft seems to believe that everyone in the world now uses the internet 24/7. And that people NEVER do things like build a new computer, taking as many components from their old computer as possible, and install their old OS on this new computer. (Which is perfectly legal because the old computer is no longer in use.)

Frankly, from a network administrator's standpoint, XP scares the living drek out of me. I mean companies tend to just buy one copy of the software, and then buy a large number of site licences. Then they just use the one CD, and the one CD key/serial number/whatever and install it on every machine. And it sounds like XP makes this simple business approach completely impossible.

Besides the simple fact that there are a LARGE number of questionable routes that Microsoft is forcing all of their customers along.

I can see that either Microsoft is suddenly going to loose a LOT of sales, or that Microsoft is going to rapidly change their whole software direction. Suddenly Linux doesn't look all that bad.

<pre>1 Print "You too can be annoying, if you try."
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Reply to slvr_phoenix

This is copied from another websight.......

Hi Kyle,

I want to clear some things up about Windows Product Activation. First, we need to know that EVERY piece of hardware you have in your system has UNIQUE identifiers. (MAC Address for NIC’s, Processor ID’s, RealTime Clocks, etc.) When you enter a PID in Windows XP, it is hashed against several pieces of hardware in your machine. (I’m not at liberty to tell you what pieces of hardware, or how many.) The resultant value is then passed to a clearinghouse (on the internet, or by phone if you prefer) and a verification code is sent to activate windows. In effect, it ties the PID to that specific computer, in its current configuration. Microsoft is aware that customers will change the configuration of their computer. Changes in hardware are expected, and allowed. It is only when a PID is trying to be cleared on several hundred/thousand configurations that Microsoft would even care. Microsoft isn’t in the business of screwing customers, but they would definitely like to give the shaft to thieves.

Windows Product Activation DOES NOT require you to get a new product key every time you want to reinstall/format windows. Not the first time you reinstall, not the 8 billionth time you reinstall. (You have to go through the Activation process, but you are passing the same AUTH string to the clearinghouse, it NEVER counts against you. There is no timeout for reinstalling Windows against the same hardware, or several future hardware upgrades.) Activation takes less than 10 seconds on a 56k modem, or 5 minutes on the phone with a telephone representative. It also takes place before ANY personal information is even entered.

Your product key is bound to the hardware in your system. If you change your hardware SIGNIFICANTLY, you can still reactivate. (In fact, only on HIGH volume keys with different hardware will MS stop accepting the pirate key.) ie. Customer has a product key, he can go through a FEW COMPLETE computer overhauls, use the same product key, and be just fine. NOW, if a product key is used in 1000 different hardware configurations, we don’t let THAT product get activated. The PID has then become worthless. Nobody can activate Windows with it. This makes PID sharing (the most common form of Windows piracy) a little more costly. If YOU ever want to reinstall the Windows YOU bought, YOU better keep your key, and not give it away, or post it on the internet.

In a test environment, which I’m sure you will be using Windows for in a lot of scenarios, you probably won’t have a Windows that’s more than 30 days old before you wipe it. (no need to activate…)

We’ve determined that a crack will be out for this method of activation within one week after RTM, but this is not to stop those guys. This is to stop the casual piracy of Windows, and I think it will be a viable solution. Bottom line is you should pay for the software you use.

Hope that helps clear that up. It’s not going to hurt anyone but the people it’s targeted to hurt: the software pirates.

Here is a little additional information he shared with us in a following email.

A point I want to clear up:

Microsoft has no way of knowing what KIND of hardware is in your machine. The identification value is a HASH. A PRODUCT OF OPERATIONS PERFORMED ON SEVERAL PIECES OF HARDWARE. It's a totally unique number BASED from your hardware. It doesn't scan hardware and send it WITHOUT permission. That would take too long, and, consequently, is PROTECTED under law already. We know that hardware is unique, so by HASHING the unique hardware ID's against a unique PID, we have a totally unique identification number to track how many times a specific PID has been used on different configurations.

If you take a truth and follow it blindly, it will become a Falsehood and you a Fanatic.

Reply to Pettytheft

Thanks! I was wondering how the hashing routine worked.

Also, did you all know that you don't have to enter ANY personal info when you send the PID online? I read the small print at the bottom of the screen and it said that you only have to enter info on the lines that have a "*" by them. I then looked and noticed that the only line with a "*" by it was the line that shows what country I'm in (I was installing Office 2000 sr1).

It's still sneaky of Microsoft though. Because most people won't notice that the lines with the "*" are the only required ones. So therefore most people will still give M$ a load of "Marketing Info".

Also, if you choose to register by mail and then enter wrong info you are screwed, and have to re-install your OS. So don't do that OK! Make one wrong move and it could be all over (at least for several hours as you re-install your whole OS). I still don't like the system and think it's really arrogant and invasive. But the info you just gave me makes the registration-activation process not seem quite as bad as I thought.

Thanks.

:wink: :cool: :wink: :cool: :wink: :cool: :wink: :cool:
:smile: Have a day :smile:

Reply to Fa1c0n

I'm still not sure how some of the ID stuff happens though.

A friend of mine tried to install Office 2000 sr1 on her's PC and a friend's PC, and it didn't work she said. So it sounds like if you buy a whole new system, then your copy Office 2000 (that cost you $600!) will no longer work on the new PC. I haven't tried it, but I can't imagine this being true.

:wink: :cool: :wink: :cool: :wink: :cool: :wink: :cool:
:smile: Have a day :smile:

Reply to Fa1c0n

Thanks for posting that. This is the article I was refering to. What is the point of the hardware registration at all? Seriously it sounds more like microsoft is trying to gather information more than anything else according to this letter which states that microsoft will be very lenient.

But when it comes down to it, will microsoft be that lenient? I don't know since microsoft themselves told me that one of the main reasons for this process was to eliminate home users from only buying one copy and then installing on their friends and family's PC's.

If this letter is correct, then I could call microsoft now, activate my computer, then call again when I build a new computer and get another number, thus leaving my old one in place. Or will MS cancel the old number? Could I just call 10 times and hook up my closest buddies?

Either way, I DO NOT approve of microsoft gathering my hardware information. What will be next? Will I constantly have to reenter numbers and call microsoft everytime I have a lan party and stick my NIC card in?

Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.
Pablo Picasso

Reply to dhlucke

I'll install the Office XP Proffessional later tonight, and let you know exactly what they ask and do.

Even if the hardware thing is no big deal, or if it can be cracked, it still leaves the issue of the software being a subscription as of right now.

Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.
Pablo PicassoEdited by dhlucke on 04/26/01 04:13 PM.

Reply to dhlucke

Quote :

"When you enter a PID in Windows XP, it is hashed against several pieces of hardware in your machine. (I’m not at liberty to tell you what pieces of hardware, or how many)."

I also really ticks me off that Microsoft says that they are "not at liberty to tell" me what exactly they are doing inside my machine and what is the exact info they are gathering!

Again, it just shows that they think they can own anything. And that they are trying to rule the world (very subtley) through ruling ALL PC opertating systems on ALL computers and requiring that ALL of them require a connection to Microsoft in order to run. This is like requiring every business to ask permission from Microsoft before they can get any work done. It's pretty close to absolute power! Most companies are totally dependant on M$ and have invested hundreds of thousands or millions in M$ software. Microsoft knows that they have most of the world by the balls. I know this sounds like a conspiracy theory, and I'm not that kind of person, but when you really think about it, M$ will have more power with XP in some ways than many of the worlds governments (if they ever try to abuse it). And we all completely trust and know that they will never do that. Big brother Bill will make sure nothing bad ever happens to us... NOT!. M$ will always do what they think is best for us (whether we agree with M$ on what they think is best or not) No one deserves that much trust.

:wink: :cool: :wink: :cool: :wink: :cool: :wink: :cool:
:smile: Have a day :smile:

Reply to Fa1c0n

Quote :

I'll install the Office XP Proffessional later tonight, and let you know exactly what they ask and do.

Thanks! I'll be very interested to hear what you find out.

:wink: :cool: :wink: :cool: :wink: :cool: :wink: :cool:
:smile: Have a day :smile:

Reply to Fa1c0n

Ok, I'm debating on how much information to pour down everyone's throats.

First off, in order to even begin the installation I had to update Windows.

I am going to paste in here a bunch of stuff that I either typed by hand from the dialog boxes, or I got from the help file and privacy policy text files:

First of all, here is what the help file for the initial setup said:

The only real interesting part here is that it crashed my computer and I had to start in safe mode to get running again. A large part of this setup was something called "Microsoft Internet Software"

Quote :

Microsoft Office Setup: Install Windows and Office Component Updates

There is a minimum level of system functionality that Microsoft Office requires to run the typical features of many applications. Setup has determined that newer versions of some system components on your computer are required to run Office. Some of the system components that Office evaluates for a minimum level of sufficiency include the following:

· Data Access (OLEDB and ODBC) components
· Internet Explorer
· Fonts

After any necessary system components are updated, you will need to restart your computer. Office setup will automatically resume.

Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.
Pablo Picasso

Reply to dhlucke

Ya thats the way it installs for a AMD system, With and Intel its done in two seconds.=)

SPUDMUFFIN

Being Evil Is Good. Cause I Can Be A Prick And Get Away With It. :lol:

Reply to Anonymous

Ok, next is the EULA. Keep in mind that right now it is a subscription based software. There is a checkbox to enter a non-subscription cd key, so it is apparent that they have not decided whether or not to go this route and have left me with at least a way to convert my software to non-subscription.

Quote :

END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR MICROSOFT SOFTWARE.

IMPORTANT-READ CAREFULLY: This Microsoft End-User License Agreement ("EULA" ) is a legal agreement between you (either an individual person or a single legal entity, who will be referred to in this EULA as "You" ) and Microsoft Corporation for the Microsoft software product that accompanies this EULA, including any associated media, printed materials and electronic documentation (the "Software Product" ). The Software Product also includes any software updates, add-on components, web services and/or supplements that Microsoft may provide to You or make available to You after the date You obtain Your initial copy of the Software Product to the extent that such items are not accompanied by a separate license agreement or terms of use. By installing, copying, downloading, accessing or otherwise using the Software Product, You agree to be bound by the terms of this EULA. If You do not agree to the terms of this EULA, do not install, access or use the Software Product; instead, You should return it to Your place of purchase for a full refund.

SOFTWARE PRODUCT LICENSE

The Software Product is protected by intellectual property laws and treaties. The Software Product is licensed, not sold.

1. GRANT OF LICENSE. This Section of the EULA describes Your general rights to install and use the Software Product The license rights described in this Section are subject to all other terms and conditions of this EULA.

General License Grant to Install and Use Software Product. You may install and use one copy of the Software Product on a single computer, device, workstation, terminal, or other digital electronic or analog device ("Device" ). You may make a second copy of the Software Product and install it on a portable Device for the exclusive use of the person who is the primary user of the first copy of the Software Product. A license for the Software Product may not be shared.

Alternative License Grant for Storage/Network Use. As an alternative to the rights granted in the previous section, You may install a copy of the Software Product on one storage Device, such as a network server, and allow individuals within Your business or enterprise to access and use the Software Product from other Devices over a private network, provided that You acquire and dedicate a license for the storage Device upon which the Software Product is installed and each separate Device from which the Software Product is accessed and used. A license for the Software Product may not be used concurrently on different Devices.

General License Grant to Install and Use Subscription Product. The following licensing terms apply to You instead of the license grants in the previous two paragraphs if You licensed a subscription-based Software Product (a "Subscription Product" ). You may install one copy of the Subscription Product on a single Device and use the Subscription Product for the term of Your subscription. You may also exercise the additional license rights described in the paragraphs below, but only for the term of Your subscription. The initial subscription period begins on the date You first activate Your copy of the Subscription Product and ends three hundred and sixty five (365) days thereafter. You cannot use the Subscription Product after Your subscription expires unless You renew or extend Your subscription. By renewing or extending Your subscription, You will be entitled to continue using the Subscription Product for a specified period of time beyond the date when Your previous subscription would have otherwise ended. All the terms and conditions of this EULA will continue to apply to Your use of the Subscription Product during any subsequent renewal periods unless otherwise specified. After the expiration of Your subscription, You can continue to open, view and print any documents You created with the Subscription Product.

Additional License Grant for Media Elements. The Software Product may include certain photographs, clip art, animations, sounds, music and video clips (together "Media Elements" ). If so, the following terms describe Your rights to the Media Elements:

o Except as specified in the next Section, You may use, copy and modify the Media Elements and distribute copies of the Media Elements, along with Your modifications, as part of Your software product(s) and service(s), including Your web site(s).

o You are not licensed to do any of the following:

o You may not sell, license or distribute copies of the Media Elements on a stand-alone basis or as part of any collection, product or service where the primary value of the product or service are the Media Elements.

o You may not use or distribute any of the Media Elements that include representations of identifiable individuals, governments, logos, initials, emblems, trademarks, or entities for any commercial purposes or to express or imply any endorsement or association with any product, service, entity, or activity.

o You may not create obscene or scandalous works, as defined by federal law at the time the work is created, using the Media Elements.

o You must indemnify, hold harmless, and defend Microsoft from and against any claims or lawsuits, including attorneys' fees, that arise from or result from the use or distribution of Media Elements as modified by You.

o You must include a valid copyright notice on Your products and services that include copies of the Media Elements.

o You may not permit third parties to distribute copies of the Media Elements except as part of Your product or service.

Additional License Grant for SharePoint Team Services. The Software Product may contain a copy of the Sharepoint Team Services. If so, You may install one copy of such software on one Device and allow an unlimited number of individuals within Your business or enterprise to access and use the Sharepoint Team Services from other Devices provided that You acquire and dedicate a license to the Software Product for the Device upon which the Sharepoint Team Services are installed.

Reservation of Rights. All rights not expressly granted are reserved by Microsoft.

2. DESCRIPTION OF OTHER RIGHTS AND LIMITATIONS.

Academic Edition Software. If the Software Product is identified as "Academic Edition" or "AE," You must be a "Qualified Educational User" to use the Software Product. If You are not a Qualified Educational User, You have no rights under this EULA. To determine whether You are a Qualified Educational User, please contact the Microsoft Sales Information Center/One Microsoft Way/Redmond, WA 98052-6399 or the Microsoft subsidiary serving Your country.

Mandatory Activation. You may not be able to exercise Your rights to the Software Product under this EULA after a finite number of product launches unless You activate Your copy of the Software Product in the manner described during the launch sequence.

Copy Protection. The Software Product may include copy protection technology to prevent the unauthorized copying of the Software Product or may require original media for use of the Software Product on the Device. It is illegal to make unauthorized copies of the Software Product or to circumvent any copy protection technology included in the Software Product.

Not for Resale Software. If the Software Product is labeled "Not For Resale" or "NFR," then, notwithstanding other sections of this EULA, Your use of the Software Product is limited to use for demonstration, test, or evaluation purposes and You may not resell, or otherwise transfer for value, the Software Product.

Limitations on Reverse Engineering, Decompilation, and Disassembly. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the Software Product, except and only to the extent that such activity is expressly permitted by applicable law notwithstanding this limitation.

Separation of Component Parts. The Software Product is licensed as a single product. Its component parts may not be separated for use on more than one Device unless expressly permitted by this EULA.

Trademarks. This EULA does not grant You any rights in connection with any trademarks or service marks of Microsoft.

No rental, leasing or commercial hosting. You may not rent, lease, lend or provide commercial hosting services to third parties with the Software Product.

Support Services. Microsoft may provide You with support services related to the Software Product ("Support Services" ). Use of Support Services is governed by the Microsoft policies and programs described in the user manual, in "online" documentation, or in other Microsoft-provided materials. Any supplemental software code provided to You as part of the Support Services are considered part of the Software Product and subject to the terms and conditions of this EULA. You acknowledge and agree that Microsoft may use technical information You provide to Microsoft as part of the Support Services for its business purposes, including for product support and development. Microsoft will not utilize such technical information in a form that personally identifies You.

Software Transfer. Except as specified in this Section, the initial licensee of the Software Product may make a one-time permanent transfer of this EULA and Software Product only directly to an end user. This transfer must include all of the Software Product (including all component parts, the media and printed materials, any upgrades, this EULA, and, if applicable, the Certificate of Authenticity). Such transfer may not be by way of consignment or any other indirect transfer. The transferee of such one-time transfer must agree to comply with the terms of this EULA, including the obligation not to further transfer this EULA and Software Product. Subscription Products are non-transferable.

Termination. Without prejudice to any other rights, Microsoft may terminate this EULA if You fail to comply with the terms and conditions of this EULA. In such event, You must destroy all copies of the Software Product and all of its component parts.

3. UPGRADES.

Standard Software Product. If the Software Product is labeled as an upgrade, You must be properly licensed to use a product identified by Microsoft as being eligible for the upgrade in order to use the Software Product. A Software Product labeled as an upgrade replaces or supplements (and may disable) the product that formed the basis for Your eligibility for the upgrade. You may use the resulting upgraded product only in accordance with the terms of this EULA. If the Software Product is an upgrade of a component of a package of software programs that You licensed as a single product, the Software Product may be used and transferred only as part of that single product package and may not be separated for use on more than one Device.

Subscription Based Software Product. The following terms apply to You instead of the terms in the previous paragraph if You licensed a Subscription Product. If Microsoft releases any upgrades or new versions of the Subscription Product during the term of Your subscription, You will be entitled to receive a copy of such upgrade(s) or new version(s) at no additional cost, except for any applicable connection charges, taxes, duties and shipping costs if You select fulfillment by mail. Such upgrades shall be considered part of the Subscription Product and subject to all of the terms and conditions of this EULA unless otherwise indicated in any license agreement that accompanies such upgrade or new version.

4. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS. All title and intellectual property rights in and to the Software Product (including but not limited to any images, photographs, animations, video, audio, music, text, and "applets" incorporated into the Software Product), the accompanying printed materials, and any copies of the Software Product are owned by Microsoft or its suppliers. All title and intellectual property rights in and to the content that is not contained in the Software Product, but may be accessed through use of the Software Product, is the property of the respective content owners and may be protected by applicable copyright or other intellectual property laws and treaties. This EULA grants You no rights to use such content. If this Software Product contains documentation that is provided only in electronic form, you may print one copy of such electronic documentation. You may not copy the printed materials accompanying the Software Product.

5. BACKUP COPY. After installation of one copy of the Software Product pursuant to this EULA, you may keep the original media on which the Software Product was provided by Microsoft solely for backup or archival purposes. If the original media is required to use the Software Product on the Device, you may make one copy of the Software Product solely for backup or archival purposes. Except as expressly provided in this EULA, you may not otherwise make copies of the Software Product or the printed materials accompanying the Software Product.

6. U.S. GOVERNMENT LICENSE RIGHTS. All Software Product provided to the U.S. Government pursuant to solicitations issued on or after December 1, 1995 is provided with the commercial license rights and restrictions described elsewhere herein. All Software Product provided to the U.S. Government pursuant to solicitations issued prior to December 1, 1995 is provided with RESTRICTED RIGHTS as provided for in FAR, 48 CFR 52.227-14 (JUNE 1987) or DFAR, 48 CFR 252.227-7013 (OCT 1988), as applicable.

7. EXPORT RESTRICTIONS. You acknowledge that the Software Product is of U.S. origin. You agree to comply with all applicable international and national laws that apply to the Software Product, including the U.S. Export Administration Regulations, as well as end-user, end-use and destination restrictions issued by U.S. and other governments. For additional information, see http://www.microsoft.com/exporting/.

8. APPLICABLE LAW.

If you acquired this Software Product in the United States, this EULA is governed by the laws of the State of Washington.

If you acquired this Software Product in Canada, unless expressly prohibited by local law, this EULA is governed by the laws in force in the Province of Ontario, Canada; and, in respect of any dispute which may arise hereunder, you consent to the jurisdiction of the federal and provincial courts sitting in Toronto, Ontario. If this Software Product was acquired outside the United States, then local law may apply.

Should you have any questions concerning this EULA, or if you desire to contact Microsoft for any reason, please contact the Microsoft subsidiary serving your country, or write: Microsoft Sales Information Center/One Microsoft Way/Redmond, WA 98052-6399.

9. LIMITED WARRANTY

LIMITED WARRANTY FOR SOFTWARE PRODUCTS ACQUIRED IN THE US AND CANADA. Microsoft warrants that the SOFTWARE PRODUCT will perform substantially in accordance with the accompanying materials for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of receipt.

If an implied warranty or condition is created by your state/jurisdiction and federal or state/provincial law prohibits disclaimer of it, you also have an implied warranty or condition, BUT ONLY AS TO DEFECTS DISCOVERED DURING THE PERIOD OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY (NINETY DAYS). AS TO ANY DEFECTS DISCOVERED AFTER THE NINETY (90) DAY PERIOD, THERE IS NO WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF ANY KIND. Some states/jurisdictions do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty or condition lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.

Any supplements or updates to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, including without limitation, any (if any) service packs or hot fixes provided to you after the expiration of the ninety (90) day Limited Warranty period are not covered by any warranty or condition, express, implied or statutory.

LIMITATION ON REMEDIES; NO CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES. Your exclusive remedy for any breach of this Limited Warranty is as set forth below. Except for any refund elected by Microsoft, YOU ARE NOT ENTITLED TO ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, if the Software Product does not meet Microsoft's Limited Warranty, and, to the maximum extent allowed by applicable law, even if any remedy fails of its essential purpose. The terms of Section 11 below ("Exclusion of Incidental, Consequential and Certain Other Damages" ) are also incorporated into this Limited Warranty. Some states/jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have others which vary from state/jurisdiction to state/jurisdiction.

YOUR EXCLUSIVE REMEDY. Microsoft's and its suppliers' entire liability and your exclusive remedy shall be, at Microsoft's option from time to time exercised subject to applicable law, (a) return of the price paid (if any) for the Software Product, or (b) repair or replacement of the Software Product, that does not meet this Limited Warranty and that is returned to Microsoft with a copy of your receipt. You will receive the remedy elected by Microsoft without charge, except that you are responsible for any expenses you may incur (e.g. cost of shipping the Software Product to Microsoft). This Limited Warranty is void if failure of the Software Product has resulted from accident, abuse, misapplication, abnormal use or a virus. Any replacement Software Product will be warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period or thirty (30) days, whichever is longer. Outside the United States or Canada, neither these remedies nor any product support services offered by Microsoft are available without proof of purchase from an authorized international source. To exercise your remedy, contact: Microsoft, Attn. Microsoft Sales Information Center/One Microsoft Way/Redmond, WA 98052-6399, or the Microsoft subsidiary serving your country.

LIMITED WARRANTY FOR SOFTWARE PRODUCTS ACQUIRED OUTSIDE THE US AND CANADA. FOR THE LIMITED WARRANTIES AND SPECIAL PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO YOUR PARTICULAR JURISDICTION, PLEASE REFER TO YOUR WARRANTY BOOKLET INCLUDED WITH THIS PACKAGE OR PROVIDED WITH THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT PRINTED MATERIALS.

10. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES. THE LIMITED WARRANTY THAT APPEARS ABOVE IS THE ONLY EXPRESS WARRANTY MADE TO YOU AND IS PROVIDED IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES (IF ANY) CREATED BY ANY DOCUMENTATION OR PACKAGING. EXCEPT FOR THE LIMITED WARRANTY AND TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, MICROSOFT AND ITS SUPPLIERS PROVIDE THE SOFTWARE AND SUPPORT SERVICES (IF ANY) AS IS AND WITH ALL FAULTS, AND HEREBY DISCLAIM ALL OTHER WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS, EITHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY (IF ANY) IMPLIED WARRANTIES, DUTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY, OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OF ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OR RESPONSES, OF RESULTS, OF WORKMANLIKE EFFORT, OF LACK OF VIRUSES AND OF LACK OF NEGLIGENCE, ALL WITH REGARD TO THE SOFTWARE, AND THE PROVISION OF OR FAILURE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT SERVICES. ALSO, THERE IS NO WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, QUIET POSSESSION, CORRESPONDENCE TO DESCRIPTION OR NON-INFRINGEMENT WITH REGARD TO THE SOFTWARE.

11. EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL AND CERTAIN OTHER DAMAGES. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS OR CONFIDENTIAL OR OTHER INFORMATION, FOR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, FOR PERSONAL INJURY, FOR LOSS OF PRIVACY, FOR FAILURE TO MEET ANY DUTY INCLUDING OF GOOD FAITH OR OF REASONABLE CARE, FOR NEGLIGENCE, AND FOR ANY OTHER PECUNIARY OR OTHER LOSS WHATSOEVER) ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT, THE PROVISION OF OR FAILURE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT SERVICES, OR OTHERWISE UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY PROVISION OF THIS EULA, EVEN IN THE EVENT OF THE FAULT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY, BREACH OF CONTRACT OR BREACH OF WARRANTY OF MICROSOFT OR ANY SUPPLIER, AND EVEN IF MICROSOFT OR ANY SUPPLIER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND REMEDIES. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY DAMAGES THAT YOU MIGHT INCUR FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ALL DAMAGES REFERENCED ABOVE AND ALL DIRECT OR GENERAL DAMAGES), THE ENTIRE LIABILITY OF MICROSOFT AND ANY OF ITS SUPPLIERS UNDER ANY PROVISION OF THIS EULA AND YOUR EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ALL OF THE FOREGOING (EXCEPT FOR ANY REMEDY OF REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT ELECTED BY MICROSOFT WITH RESPECT TO ANY BREACH OF THE LIMITED WARRANTY) SHAL BE LIMITED TO THE GREATER OF THE AMOUNT ACTUALLY PAID BY YOU FOR THE SOFTWARE OR U.S. $5.00. THE FOREGOING LIMITATIONS, EXCLUSIONS AND DISCLAIMERS (INCLUDING SECTIONS 7, 8, AND 9 ABOVE) SHALL APPLY TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EVEN IF ANY REMEDY FAILS ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.

13. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This EULA (including any addendum or amendment to this EULA which is included with the Software Product) is the entire agreement between you and Microsoft relating to the Software Product and the support services (if any) and they supersede all prior or contemporaneous oral or written communications, proposals and representations with respect to the Software Product or any other subject matter covered by this EULA. To the extent the terms of any Microsoft policies or programs for support services conflict with the terms of this EULA, the terms of this EULA shall control.

Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.
Pablo Picasso

Reply to dhlucke

Ok, next I activate the subscription: This was very easy, and little did I realize that this 2 second process had already sent my hardware configuration. This is text from the dialog boxes.

Quote :

SUBSCRIPTION ACTIVATION

To begin your Microsoft Office XP Professional subscription, you must activate this product. This products will run 19 more times before you will be required to activate it.

If you do not activate your copy of Microsoft Office, the product will go into Reduced Functionality Mode. In Reduced Functionality Mode, you will not be able to save modifications to documents, or create a new document, and additional functionality may be reduced.

No existing Office files or documents will be harmed, and you can easily get Office out of this mode by following the instructions outlined in the screens presented.

PRIVACY POLICY

The only customer information needed to activate this product is the country/region where the product will be used. Your personal contact information (e.g. name and address) is not required to activate this product, but you have the option to register your product including this information. If you choose to register your product, the information you provide will be used by Micrsoft and its subsidiaries to provide you with information about new products and services, and to mail product updates if you are eligible.

Microsoft will process and store this information in the United States and, if you do not live in the United States, possibly in your country of residence. If at any time you would like to ensure that this informationo is accurately recorded, please contact your Microsoft subsidiary or Customer Service Center. Any inaccuracies will be promptly corrected.

If at any time you wish to withdraw the permission for Microsoft to use or distribute your personal contact information for marketing and marketing research purposes, please contac your Microsoft subsidiary or Customer Service Center.

Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.
Pablo Picasso

Reply to dhlucke

Have i told you yet you are a moron??? Cause if some how i forgot to well ill say it now YER A [-peep-] MORON!!! geeze post the EULA else where [-peep-] head.

SPUDMUFFIN

Being Evil Is Good. Cause I Can Be A Prick And Get Away With It. :lol:

Reply to Anonymous

Well, now the software is running, so the first thing I wondered was "when do I register my hardware". I found my answer in the help file.

Quote :

Office Activation Wizard Privacy Policy
Microsoft asks that you activate your product to verify that your installation is done with a genuine Microsoft product. When you activate your product, no personal information will be sent to Microsoft. Activation may be completely anonymous. The only information you are required to provide to activate your product is your country/region.

During activation, the Office Activation Wizard creates a unique hardware identification that represents the configuration of your PC at the time of activation. The hardware identification does not include any personal information, any information about software or data that may reside on your PC, or any information about the specific make or model of your PC. The hardware identification identifies only the PC solely for the purpose of activation. The Office Activation Wizard can detect and tolerate changes to your PC configuration. Minor upgrades will not require re-activation. If you completely overhaul your PC, you may be required to activate your product again.

During activation, you may also provide your personal contact information (e.g. name and address) if you want to register your product with Microsoft. If you choose to register your product, the personal contact information that you provide will be securely stored by Microsoft and will be protected from disclosure to third parties without your consent.

If you choose to register your product, you will have the opportunity to decide whether you want to receive special offers. If you select the option "Receive offers from Microsoft" during activation, Microsoft will send you information about Microsoft products and services. If you do not want to receive this information, do not select the "Receive offers from Microsoft" option. If you select the option "Receive offers from Microsoft on related third-party products and services" during activation, Microsoft will carefully select other companies to send you information. If you do not want Microsoft to do this, do not select the "Receive offers from Microsoft on related third-party products and services" option.

To ensure that the information you provide to Microsoft through the Office Activation Wizard is correct, you can review and update this information by contacting Microsoft at any time. In some Office products you may use the Office Activation Wizard to do this over the Internet or by telephone. If these options are not available to you, you may update or change any information you provided by sending a description of changes you would like made and your Product ID (found in the dialog box displayed when you click the About command on the Help menu of any Office application) to the address below. You may also contact the Customer Service Center nearest you. Microsoft will update your information to reflect any corrections or changes you would like to make. It is important that you provide your Product ID so that Microsoft can accurately identify your activation record.

Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.
Pablo Picasso

Reply to dhlucke

Ok, now I realize that I just posted alot, but it's everything you would want to know about the subscription process and the hardware registration.

I will be reminded 60 days before my subscription runs out to renew. If I don't renew, my software goes into reduced functionality mode as described above.

The only thing I don't really know is what exactly was sent to microsoft regarding my hardware configuration? The only personal information that I sent was my country that I know of.

If there is anything else someone needs just let me know. I'm sure the EULA was enough to read as it is....

For the record, I am running a P2 400, with Win98se. Everything is upto date, so I'm not sure what Office required in the begining just to begin the installation.

Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.
Pablo Picasso

Reply to dhlucke

I'm still a bit confused on the subscription deal. Is this of office products only or for all future XP products.

Are you required to renew your subscription. If so that is absolute Crap!

If you take a truth and follow it blindly, it will become a Falsehood and you a Fanatic.

Reply to Pettytheft

Right now Office XP IS a subscription based software. From what I understand so is WinXP. However, they might change this before the official release of their products. According to them, it is still at their discretion. Like I said, there is a box to input a key for a non-subscription based version. I did try my key in that box, but it didn't work. Nonetheless, if they don't go subscription I'll have to get a new cd key to continue using the software. Each subscription has to be renewed yearly.

Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.
Pablo Picasso

Reply to dhlucke

By the way. Thanks for your incredibly thorough posts! You really did some work documenting and putting all this here for our good.

Thanks for going to the trouble! You are a true community member in my book.

:wink: :cool: :wink: :cool: :wink: :cool: :wink: :cool:
:smile: Have a day :smile:

Reply to Fa1c0n

Are people expected to pay for that subscription renewal at the end of the year? If so then I wont be buying a single piece of that software.

If you take a truth and follow it blindly, it will become a Falsehood and you a Fanatic.

Reply to Pettytheft

I'm sure that they have a think tank of extremely intelligent people, combined with a think tank of average people on the street, and combined they are trying to figure out exactly how much they can get away with.

Right now, my guess is that they are set to release it as subscription software unless some public outcry tells them not too. I'm sure that once the reviews come out a month before it's release, they'll decide whether or not to ship it with a subscription based cd-key, or a normal cd-key. Alternatively they might just try this for a year and see if the public has got to the point where we will tolerate anything.

Personally I think MS is treading on thin ice. Sure, people that buy new computers won't object to recieving the software in their bundle, but I doubt that many others will enjoy going out and spending $300-$500+ for the software only to pay a yearly fee as well. Families nowadays have several computers, and there is no chance in hell that they are going to buy copy for each hardware config as well as pay a subscription. Pretty soon MS products will be like a normal monthly bill...insurance, gas and electricity, credit card, rent, and the microsoft montly bill. BTW, they didn't have a figure on the subscription fee yet.

Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.
Pablo Picasso

Reply to dhlucke

No problem. There have been a number of "rumor" threads based on stuff on the internet, but I thought I'd give a first hand report. I'll do the same for WinXP when I get it in the fall.

Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.
Pablo Picasso

Reply to dhlucke

I pulled out my second video card yesterday (pci) and office still runs. I can't remember if I had my NIC card in there when I installed XP, but it's not in there either and it's running. I doubt they're checking pci cards.

Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.
Pablo Picasso

Reply to dhlucke

You can take your hard drive and boot from another computer from that drive (make a copy of the hardware config first). I'm very curios if xp still works..

Misu
__'_

Reply to misu

Just thought I'd give my last two cents about Office XP. It sucks. There is something wrong with Outlook and the address book. Maybe it was with the upgrade, but I don't know. Either way half the time I send e-mail it just gets denied right away. I get a message 2 seconds later with the bad news.

I'm not sure why some emails get sent and some don't, so I'm going to have to uninstall and go back to the old version. It's not worth my time or money to play around with it.

Stupid MS.

Did you ever wonder WHY aliens only abduct idiots?

Reply to dhlucke

I have had similar problems with the address book. Especially when trying to print out address on labels in Word from the Outlook address book. It seems that you now have to have two different address books, one for outlook and one for windows and word. It seems that MS has made this set of software even less productive.
Why is this, do you think?

Back off man, I'm a scientist

Reply to Bubba

I have no idea what they were thinking. I'm going to go back and use netscape I think. I'm a bit fed up with the whole thing. If I send e-mails to multiple recipients, some go through and some don't. I'm not sure what the problem really is.

I think that I have to type in every email address from hand instead of using the address book, but I'm not in the mood for this. I'm trying to figure out if I can transfer all my addresses and e-mail to netscape right now.

Did you ever wonder WHY aliens only abduct idiots?

Reply to dhlucke

Forum Old Man/Woman's Club : Other - microsoft XP software

Please mind

Focus On

microsoft XP software

Forum Old Man/Woman's Club : Other - microsoft XP software

Please mind