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#1 2009-10-05 6:08 pm
- SheDevil
- Member
- Registered: 2009-10-05
- Posts: 3
Copying Macbook HD?
I did a classic: spilled water on my Macbook keyboard, and now some keys don't work. I know I'm lucky, because I've heard of much worse happening.
When I called one of my local Apple stores, I was told that I might lose everything during repairs, so back it up. Fine for docs, music and photos, but what about applications? I bought it second hand, largely for the applications. Thing is, I didn't get all the discs when I got the computer.
The person told me to copy the hard drive, I think? That way I could still use the applications on that computer, but if it is copied onto an external drive, they can also be used on my new iMac (I needed somewhere else to work in the meantime, so I committed to Mac and bought a refurbished iMac). I am a newbie, so I don't really know how to do what the guy on the phone was telling me.
So, how do I keep the applications to be put back on the laptop after repairs and if possible, so I can also use them on the iMac from the external drive, since I may be 'loaning' the Macbook to my mother (I can't pay her to take my old PC).
Please, not too techy-sounding an answer without explanations (or links where I can get more in-depth understanding of what you're saying). Rookie, here, remember. I have a lot to learn about Macs, and hope to become way more proficient, but in the meantime, please be kind...
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#2 2009-10-05 10:20 pm
- dv
- Negusa Negest
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- From: Minneapolis, MN
- Registered: 1999-08-30
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Re: Copying Macbook HD?
you can use a program called carbon copy cloner to clone your disk to an external hard drive, then clone it back if you have to.
I bought it second hand, largely for the applications. Thing is, I didn't get all the discs when I got the computer.
So... you know you don't have a license to run that software, right?
"Now commences the process of cutting off the head, which generally takes from an hour to an hour and a half by an expert workman with a sharp blade." -Reuben Delano, Wanderings and Adventures
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#3 2009-10-05 11:13 pm
- SheDevil
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- Registered: 2009-10-05
- Posts: 3
Re: Copying Macbook HD?
Even though it was legally installed by the then owner and the serial numbers/license used on my computer? Damn! I should have been thinking better when I bought it, not just won over by all the apps I wanted. So is it okay if I just leave them on the laptop and only use them there? Or am I still a pirate?
Last edited by SheDevil (2009-10-05 11:20 pm)
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#4 2009-10-06 8:51 am
- Nefarious
- Tuning Fork
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Re: Copying Macbook HD?
If nobody else is using those serial numbers, then all is kosher. If you have possession of any CD / DVD installers of those apps, then you are kosher.
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#5 2009-10-06 4:27 pm
- Robert B Technician
- MyService
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- From: Santa Clara, CA
- Registered: 2009-02-26
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Re: Copying Macbook HD?
Using carbon copy cloner with an external HD is the way to go. Most apps just authenticate on a serial number, but some authenticate on the serial number of the machine. As long as Apple or an AASP is repairing the book, the serial number should not change and all should be good.
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#6 2009-10-06 9:21 pm
- dv
- Negusa Negest
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- From: Minneapolis, MN
- Registered: 1999-08-30
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Re: Copying Macbook HD?
SheDevil wrote:
Even though it was legally installed by the then owner and the serial numbers/license used on my computer? Damn! I should have been thinking better when I bought it, not just won over by all the apps I wanted. So is it okay if I just leave them on the laptop and only use them there? Or am I still a pirate?
This blurb from the Microsoft Office EULA is pretty typical. (My bold.)
16. TRANSFER TO A THIRD PARTY. The first user of the software may make a one-time transfer of the software, and this agreement, directly to a third party. The first user must uninstall the software before transferring it separately from the device. The first user may not retain any copies. Before any permitted transfer, the other party must agree that this agreement applies to the transfer and use of the software. The transfer must include the proof of license. If the software is an upgrade, any transfer must also include all prior versions of the software.
The rule of thumb is, if you don't have the media or original serial numbers, it's not legal. If they installed them and kept the original media, it's extraordinarily likely that they're still using the program w/ the same serial number on their new machine.
So, you both are pirates: you because you're using a copy of the program you don't technically have a license for. Them because they resold a copy of the software in violation of the EULA. (Which you do, technically, agree to when you install the software. Sadly, most people don't read them.)
"Now commences the process of cutting off the head, which generally takes from an hour to an hour and a half by an expert workman with a sharp blade." -Reuben Delano, Wanderings and Adventures
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#7 2009-10-07 3:14 am
- SheDevil
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- Registered: 2009-10-05
- Posts: 3
Re: Copying Macbook HD?
Thanks everyone. This has been a lesson in what to think about should I ever again buy a used computer with an eye on the software that comes with it. Of course, as an intelligent and literate person, I should have already known the above. Unfortunately, wasn't thinking. Except about saving a lot of money when I saw the ad. My biggest problem is the stuff I have already done on my laptop using the applications I only have on there, and can not otherwise access.
Last edited by SheDevil (2009-10-07 3:28 am)
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