Trust and Deprecating Hardware and Software

dw85745 said:

Berton:

It's NOT as simple as one would think. Can't just grab the HLP file, press button and get CHM. Lot of work involved.

Right, which is why I mentioned converters.
convert hlp to chm at DuckDuckGo

As for "real DOS" I still have a Laptop/Notebook with MS-DOS 6 and Windows 3.1, works fine but needs a CMOS battery.

If you run certain software for 40+ years, then my friend you don't need anyone or anything to tell you whether this software is trusted or not.

If you're running old hardware this doesn't undermine software that you use, you only need to build a check list to help you with trusted programs, ex:

1. Set group policy to restrict running only digitally signed software, in the following location:
Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\Security Options
User Account Control: Only elevate executable files that are signed and validated (Enabled)

2. Configure system to install only software that is recommended by MS, as follows:
- Sign into Administrator account
- Systtings -> Apps ->

dw85745 said:

... Went to Win=11 Forum. Saw GHacks had an upgrade to Office 21 at a very reasonable price. So may upgrade at that price. HOWEVER, never dealt with digital software so a bit confused.. Obviously one does NOT get any disks. QUESTIONS I have are:
1) Is the file automatically installed or am I getting msi file which can be saved?
2) If my MOBO gives out, and the msi file is saved to disk, will it work so I can reload the software?
3) If a new MOBO, is that considered one PC, or is one PC only the current system and OS (ie. if I need to upgrade to Win-11, will the software work? ... I did plan to stay until I saw the cheap offer for Office-21 UNLESS there are all these caveats. (see questions above).

Hi @dw85745

I can confirm the GHacks offer for MS Office 2021 Pro Plus is entirely genuine and a brilliant purchase that I have just made with no issues in any respect. Most of these offers are dodgy, but this one isn't. GHacks have an outstanding reputation. Make sure that you only buy from Ghacks if you decide to go ahead. I can only vouch for them, none of the many others, which I would never have purchased from.

I can also confirm that it will work perfectly on Windows 11 if you choose to upgrade your system to that.

What you get from GHacks is actually just a Key for a one machine only lifetime Licence ratified seamlessly by Microsoft themselves. Ghacks provide full very precise instructions with the Key which are a doddle to follow. The download itself is from the Microsoft site. Ghacks give you a special link which starts the very simple process. You need a Microsoft Account as the the software is added to it permanently. Once you've entered the Key that GHacks provides, the install process begins. Microsoft installs it for you. The option to re-install should you ever need to is constantly available after that.

I am delighted with my purchase and it is terrific to use, right up-to-date. Incidentally, updates are part of the package, so no worries there. For me, it replaces my Office 365 subscription. I love it.

I learned about this offer in this thread here only a couple of days ago: Scam or Real (Office 2021) Worth a read. It is as real as it gets and an incredible deal which I highly recommend.

Hope that helps.

Christophe

dw85745 said:

DMArbes: Good to know thanks. BIG QUESTION I have is LIFETIME of WHAT! In other words, if my MOBO goes south, and I need to reinstall software (assume msi file), is this part of the licensing OR is it just current PC as configured?

It is Lifetime for one machine only at any one time. As long as you stick to that there's no issue. The Licence is lodged with Microsoft permanently once you have entered the Key online. Just make sure you uninstall from the original machine before repeating the process using the same link provided to Microsoft for the original registration. So, enter the Key again when prompted and they will install as usual. It is Microsoft who installs it, not yourself.

Caveat: I have not personally tested it, but I am led to believe this is how it works. Microsoft will not penalise you for needing a new machine. The difficulty arises when downloading software yourself from Microsoft then trying to enter a Key bought from some dodgy vendor. That uses an entirely different system and method that this arrangement, which Microsoft fully controls so they trust it beginning with you using their own special method designed specifically for trusted Keys, like the one for sale here, verifying, then installing for you. Vendors offering this scheme are very few and far between. I don't know of any other allowed to do this, though they may exist somewhere yet to be identified. Again, the other more common vendors that you see littered everywhere use a completely different scheme and method.

If in any doubt, either check directly with Microsoft or perhaps Ghacks, too, or simply leave it. It's more than a just a wild punt though, IMHO. I only ever buy legit software and was diligent in satisfying myself in this respect. Ultimately, it's your call, and not an expensive one at the price, all things considered. This particular opportunity is as rare as hen's teeth.

Hope that helps.

Christophe