flowerst
Level 1 (8 points)
Desktops

Q: Software Registration

I recently bought an "untested" PowerBook G4. I booted it up and it came with a copy of MS Office and some professional-grade chemistry software. I plan on reselling this machine, but do I own the right to sell the software bundled with it? It's not registered in my name (obviously), but did I get the right to redistribute it when I bought the machine? Thanks for any help in advance!

Posted on Aug 30, 2016 3:37 PM

by Kenichi Watanabe,Solvedanswer
Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe
Level 8 (38,066 points)
Mac OS X
A:

Typically no, unless you have the installation media for that installed software (which you include with the package).  If you have the original software installation disc that came with it (or a compatible Mac OS installation disc), you should erase its hard drive and give it a fresh OS installation.

Posted on Aug 30, 2016 3:57 PM

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flowerst

Q: Software Registration

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  • by Kenichi Watanabe,Solvedanswer

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Aug 30, 2016 3:57 PM in response to flowerst
    Level 8 (38,066 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 30, 2016 3:57 PM in response to flowerst

    Typically no, unless you have the installation media for that installed software (which you include with the package).  If you have the original software installation disc that came with it (or a compatible Mac OS installation disc), you should erase its hard drive and give it a fresh OS installation.

  • by Allan Eckert,

    Allan Eckert Allan Eckert Aug 30, 2016 4:11 PM in response to flowerst
    Level 9 (53,353 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 30, 2016 4:11 PM in response to flowerst

    The person you bought from by all rights should have erased the software before selling you the PowerBook.

  • by ChitlinsCC,

    ChitlinsCC ChitlinsCC Aug 30, 2016 4:27 PM in response to flowerst
    Level 5 (7,448 points)
    Notebooks
    Aug 30, 2016 4:27 PM in response to flowerst

    Software is not "purchased" really - but rather "licensed" for use under the terms of the "fine print" of the "license agreement" that nobody ever reads.

    It is sort of like leasing a car rather than buying it.

    Most all agreements prevent you from reselling the software even if you have the original packaging and media - I promise Microsoft products are like this.

    Now how the software publisher might ENFORCE this agreement is beyond me - unless you or the person you sold it to called up Microsoft seeking support.