Buying Used Editing Software

[rontokyo]

Has anyone actually read the Licensing Agreement that comes with all computer software to know what problems, if any, there are in buying *used* software [in this case music editing]? Can such used software be registered if it has been registered by the previous owner? If it can't be registered, does that mean that the annoying "Register Now" splash will appear each time the application is opened?

[-=Rudy=-]

IMHO, there should not be a problem taking over someone else's software IF the previous owner quits using it and completely deletes the software from their computer. The license, in effect, is most likely for use on one computer by one individual.

As for the registration "nag screen", a lot of programs give you a choice to register online, register by fax, or "quit bothering me". I rarely register my software, as it just increases my junk e-mail. If it's needed to download an upgrade, I'll do it.

[rontokyo]

I re-installed some software and read the Licensing Agreement--it *is* legal to sell software providing the seller has "written permission" from the company in question [in this case Sonic Foundry/Sony]. My guess is that unless the seller notifies the company and "unregisters" his copy of the software, the new owner of the software will be unable to register and will then not receive an authorization code. No authorization code, no access to the software. Of course, not all software requires an authorization code. But I guess the smart thing to do would be to contact Customer Service and find out from the horse's mouth.

[Grant]

Ron, Sorry if i'm hijacking your thread, but I also have an issue with Sony/Sonic Foundry that I can't fix. I purchased my copy of SF 5.0 and have a serial number. I installed it on a Win98 machine. But, since I moved up to XP, I can't use the same number, and I can't find any proof that I purchased it. I emailed Sony and they just give you that canned response. I don't actually need SF 5.0, but I need it for the batch converter that came with it.

Any advice?

[rontokyo]

I bought my copy of 5.0 as a download and have reinstalled it *at least* three times in the last few years due to one crash and a couple of hard drive reformats. Each time I registered online and have never had a problem. All to say that I don't know why SF/Sony wouldn't let you use the same number. Have you changed your email address? As regards the batch converter, I'll PM "advice."

[-=Rudy=-]

One thing I noticed about SF 6.0 is that the "authorization code" is tied to a unique number generated by your computer. Batch Converter 5.0 is a standalone program wtih SF 6.0, but I do remember it being part of SF a few years ago.

[rontokyo]

Interesting, Rudy, as it's SF 6.0 that I'm considering buying used. I've emailed SF/Sony customer support for more info about this, but it would appear that there could be problems enabling the software should the authorization code be linked to an individual computer. This may be the problem that Grant's experiencing now. Re: the batch converter, I got it as a standalone with 5.0, though I seem to recall that it was to be included with later 5.0 editions.