Microsoft Office 2013 license change - retail licenses now locked and cannot be moved

[Anteaus]

From the article:

The underlying reason for the change is almost certainly not any direct revenue generated by additional sales. Rather, it's yet another incentive to buy an Office 365 Home Premium subscription. The $99 a year subscription lets you use Office 2013 on up to five PCs, and those licenses float; you can decommission old PCs and move licenses to new ones as necessary. That's the carrot; the stick is the price hike and additional restrictions on perpetual licenses.

While I can defintely understand why some of you are pissed off, when you look at dollars and cents this is actually to your benefit. What does a license of Office 2010 Home and Business run....~$250? What about Pro...$450? That's for a single license. Microsoft is providing 5 licences for $99 a year. Can anyone else but me do the math? Ok...maybe you don't like subscriptions...but let's look at this constructively. How often does a new office pack come out? Every 2-3 years. Well, with the new way of doing things for around $300 for three years you can fund 5 five machines and when the new release comes out you just drop the old for the new. To buy office for those same 5 machines with conventional licenses you're talking over $1000 which will have to be paid again at some point for the next release (should you upgrade). Even for the individual with just one or two computers, the benefit is there. The only person where it might be a break even or small loss is if you only run a single machine, but it's far more likely you have a laptop to go with it so it's instant win.

I can definitely sympathize with those who are only see change as a bad thing, but I think if you look at the big picture not all changes should be shunned.

 

[Fingertrick]

I know this is my first post since its been years but wow... This is completely untrue. Im not flaming or calling names just letting you know that all of you should be aware not to take advise from the ignorance regarding licensing abd activation. This is not new ive had windows since oct 15 and the office 2013 preview months ago as well and you think you are correct in what you say with licensing? You haven't even looked at one article to try to understand because if you did you would be more informed. Unless you're scared.. I recommend some free time reading on microsofts own information.. I think those with or without subscribing have access to the topics. First off. No locks. You're wrong. Prove me wrong then if you can... But you can't so don't take anyone's word. Regardless. I think many of you if you want to learn can become aware... And rather than me pointing out small flaws like some one saying a retail license is limited... Even that is inaccurate since its not retail according to Microsoft.. And me... Since i have retail licenses and use them toir 5-10 use limit. Activating is harder for people who arent aware of how to do it

 

[Anteaus]

Beware, when you buy a computer with MS Win8 OEM preinstalled - key is in BIOS, so, who knows if you want to change mobo on that PC?

I've same issue with new Lenovo laptop just bought - install new HDD - Lenovo says I have to buy Win8 again - they don't provide Recovery to media option on 1st boot, no Recovery discs come with laptop...Recovery made to USB drive won't work on new HDD or SSD...

Lenovo is incorrect. You don't need to buy Windows 8 again. You just need to find a Windows 8 install disc. Your Windows 8 license code is imbeded in the bios. You can easily install any SSD or HDD of your choice.

This link should help. It will let you download a Windows 8 install disc direct from MS.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only

Windows OEM has always been tied to your motherboard. From a legal standpoint, if this had been 8 years ago you would still have to buy a new Windows license after a motherboard swap. In practice it hasn't been a big deal, but legally it has always been the case. They are simply able to enforce it more easily now

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2303598

 

[lxskllr]

How often does a new office pack come out? Every 2-3 years. Well, with the new way of doing things for around $300 for three years you can fund 5 five machines and when the new release comes out you just drop the old for the new. To buy office for those same 5 machines with conventional licenses you're talking over $1000 which will have to be paid again at some point for the next release (should you upgrade). Even for the individual with just one or two computers, the benefit is there. The only person where it might be a break even or small loss is if you only run a single machine, but it's far more likely you have a laptop to go with it so it's instant win.

I've never had 5 people in my house that wanted an Office license, and I've never upgraded every 2-3 years. If I cared to use Office(which I don't) I still have ancient copies that do everything I need. The only people this is good for is MS and their shareholders. Jumping on a proprietary treadmill is a terrible idea, and only serves to take power away from the user. Btw, if you have a small business(why would anyone want Office otherwise?), you can't use Home Premium. You have to get a more expensive/restricted package.

 

[Anteaus]

I know this is my first post since its been years but wow... This is completely untrue. Im not flaming or calling names just letting you know that all of you should be aware not to take advise from the ignorance regarding licensing abd activation. This is not new ive had windows since oct 15 and the office 2013 preview months ago as well and you think you are correct in what you say with licensing? You haven't even looked at one article to try to understand because if you did you would be more informed. Unless you're scared.. I recommend some free time reading on microsofts own information.. I think those with or without subscribing have access to the topics. First off. No locks. You're wrong. Prove me wrong then if you can... But you can't so don't take anyone's word. Regardless. I think many of you if you want to learn can become aware... And rather than me pointing out small flaws like some one saying a retail license is limited... Even that is inaccurate since its not retail according to Microsoft.. And me... Since i have retail licenses and use them toir 5-10 use limit. Activating is harder for people who arent aware of how to do it

I agree that facts are usually overlooked in exchange for hyperbole. I think on the business side with people who do volume licensing or deal with MS directly none of this is a real issue. I don't even think it's about licensing specifically. I think it's about the fact that up until recent years the perpetual license has been the norm and has led people to the false assumption that they own software that they buy when in fact they were on perpetual lease. Microsoft, as well as so many others, are trying to define that lease. It's partly about controling the quality of the product and partly because they are looking out for future profits. The catch is that they need to make adopting new versions far more affordable.

The perpetual license is quickly being replaced with "subscription" based licenses and I believe that the percieved lack of control annoys people. It's not even really about the price because software like this has always been expensive. It's about Microsoft, Steam, Apple and every other developer out there changing the rules that everyone has played with for many, many years now. The "retail" license is on the way out.

Anyways, I'm in the middle. I'm wary about where it takes us but at the same time I'm not interested in clinging to the old ways. In the case of MS Office, as long as MS sells licenses at a price that is reasonable and provides an appropriate mechanism to service said software I'm good to go.

Hyperbole never gets us anywhere.

 

[Anteaus]

I've never had 5 people in my house that wanted an Office license, and I've never upgraded every 2-3 years. If I cared to use Office(which I don't) I still have ancient copies that do everything I need. The only people this is good for is MS and their shareholders. Jumping on a proprietary treadmill is a terrible idea, and only serves to take power away from the user. Btw, if you have a small business(why would anyone want Office otherwise?), you can't use Home Premium. You have to get a more expensive/restricted package.

I agree. I'm on your side about this, even if it sounds like I'm not. My response was primarily about the overall price structure of the subscription versus the retail license. I'm just comparing the price of subscriptions versus the price of retail licenses over the average upgrade cycle for most businesses (obviously some small businesses don't follow it).

I'm not necessarily saying it's fair yet (or will be) for individual users that don't normally upgrade regularly, but hopefully MS will find a compromise.

I work in an office that uses subscription based licenses for virtually everything so for me it's not a big deal, but I can definitely see the negatives.

Edit: Sorry for the spelling issues with my posts I'm waiting for the coffee to kick in

 

[mechBgon]

I know this is my first post since its been years but wow... This is completely untrue. Im not flaming or calling names just letting you know that all of you should be aware not to take advise from the ignorance regarding licensing abd activation. This is not new ive had windows since oct 15 and the office 2013 preview months ago as well and you think you are correct in what you say with licensing? You haven't even looked at one article to try to understand because if you did you would be more informed. Unless you're scared.. I recommend some free time reading on microsofts own information.. I think those with or without subscribing have access to the topics. First off. No locks. You're wrong. Prove me wrong then if you can... But you can't so don't take anyone's word. Regardless. I think many of you if you want to learn can become aware... And rather than me pointing out small flaws like some one saying a retail license is limited... Even that is inaccurate since its not retail according to Microsoft.. And me... Since i have retail licenses and use them toir 5-10 use limit. Activating is harder for people who arent aware of how to do it

You need to check your facts. The terms of the "traditional" Office 2013 license are very clear, and its shortcomings have been accurately represented here. Unlike full-packaged-product (FPP) previous versions such as Office 2003/2007/2010, it cannot be transferred after being installed on a system. Unlike previous versions, it cannot be installed on both the primary user's desktop and laptop.

By "cannot," I mean it cannot be done legitimately. What you may be able to get away with, in violation of the licensing agreement, is not the topic being discussed here.

 

[Raincity]

The whole subscription pricing value is iffy not knowing what the subscription price increase will be later on down the road. Also I read that MS will issue out another installation ID if the pc dies under warranty http://blogs.office.com/b/office-ne...ce-365-installations-and-transferability.aspx That is a step in the right direction but still leaves the home business system builder without support. Hopefully MS will amend this later on down the road like when the Vista transfer rights where amended.

 

[FeuerFrei]

Office 2010 is still available so far, for those who want a perpetual license that can be moved to their next rig. It also can be installed on the primary user's desktop and portable, whereas Office 2013 would require buying two licenses for that.

Newegg and Amazon have ratcheted the price up on 2010. Provantage.com has it for $220something, though.

Thanks for the tip. I just went and bought a copy of Office 2010 Home & Business from Provantage -- $228.80 shipped.

I don't like the direction Microsoft is heading so now was the time to buy. I wanted to avoid any subscription hell or non-transferable license. I also just preemptively bought Windows 7 Pro so I won't be forced to buy into the Windows 8 debacle once I'm ready to upgrade.
:hmm: Wonder how many other Microsoft users are preemptively buying in anticipation of future need?

 

[bruceb]

I have legit versions of XP Pro, Vista Ultimate, Windows 7 Ultimate e, Office XP, Office 2003, Office 2007 Ultimate all full retail, ready to be be used at my discretion.

 

[Mushkins]

This topic got way off track quickly :/

All the people crying "but what if you have to swap hardware!!! Boo Hoo!!!!!", you are not breaking the terms of the license, and you do not legally have to buy a new copy of the software. If it doesn't activate automatically, you literally have to make a five minute phone call to microsoft and they'll reset the activation. OEM licensing is not tied to the motherboard, or the hard drive, or whatever. It's legally tied to the PC as a unit. Yes, some manufacturers cake the CD key into the bios, but they also put the sticker on the side with the key on it (or you can pull it using software). You can completely and legally reinstall that on the same PC if the motherboard dies, again, all it takes is a two minute call to MS support to free up the key for activation.

Totally legitimate, not even a big enough deal to be classified as a problem. Hardware changes are a non-issue.

 

[rsutoratosu]

I talked to a few people today, open license isn't locked, only retail boxes.. kinda sucks, you'll need to buy 5 for open license

 

[slicksilver]

The whole subscription pricing value is iffy not knowing what the subscription price increase will be later on down the road. Also I read that MS will issue out another installation ID if the pc dies under warranty http://blogs.office.com/b/office-ne...ce-365-installations-and-transferability.aspx That is a step in the right direction but still leaves the home business system builder without support. Hopefully MS will amend this later on down the road like when the Vista transfer rights where amended.

How does one view this if he or she have a assembled PC? All my parts have different warranties. My hard drive and motherboard has 3 years warranty. So does this mean that MS will allow me to reactivate or install if I get a part replacement? Do I have to keep my invoices to prove to them the purchase date and warranty?

 

[Raincity]

How does one view this if he or she have a assembled PC? All my parts have different warranties. My hard drive and motherboard has 3 years warranty. So does this mean that MS will allow me to reactivate or install if I get a part replacement? Do I have to keep my invoices to prove to them the purchase date and warranty?

I really don't know, What I posted was taken from the official MS office blog.

 

[Raincity]

This topic got way off track quickly :/

All the people crying "but what if you have to swap hardware!!! Boo Hoo!!!!!", you are not breaking the terms of the license, and you do not legally have to buy a new copy of the software. If it doesn't activate automatically, you literally have to make a five minute phone call to microsoft and they'll reset the activation. OEM licensing is not tied to the motherboard, or the hard drive, or whatever. It's legally tied to the PC as a unit. Yes, some manufacturers cake the CD key into the bios, but they also put the sticker on the side with the key on it (or you can pull it using software). You can completely and legally reinstall that on the same PC if the motherboard dies, again, all it takes is a two minute call to MS support to free up the key for activation.

Totally legitimate, not even a big enough deal to be classified as a problem. Hardware changes are a non-issue.

I am not so sure these days. I had a retail XP license get blacklisted for conducting over 40 activations from 2001 to 2009. I had to jump through a bunch of hoops to get MS to remove the blacklist. I also know of people who have tried to move Office 2010 OEM to another machine and was still denied a another installation ID after answering the right questions.

 

[Sephire]

I have legit versions of XP Pro, Vista Ultimate, Windows 7 Ultimate e, Office XP, Office 2003, Office 2007 Ultimate all full retail, ready to be be used at my discretion.

TechNet?

 

[bruceb]

No, some were obtained thru ClubBing.com (Microsoft has now stopped that club) and others through MS Launch Events. All fully legal and retail versions.

 

[mechBgon]

I see Microsoft has changed back to allowing the retail 2013 licenses to be transferred, like 2010's full packaged product:

http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-restores-transfer-rights-for-retail-office-2013-copies-7000012200/

Sensible. Now we just need a Microsoft-branded Start button in Win8, and the ability to run Metro/ModernUI Apps in a window rather than full-screen, and I'll be content :biggrin:

 

[Raincity]

Its great to see MS come to their senses every once in awhile. Now If they would just add some color to Office 2013, I will be a happy camper with the release. The options of white, gray and more gray just wreak havoc on my failing eyesight.

 

[lxskllr]

Its great to see MS come to their senses every once in awhile.

There's nothing sensible about it. MS releases this nonsense to gauge people's reactions, and they'd run with it if the noise isn't too great. IOW, this wasn't as much official policy as it was a market test, but they'll take anything they can get.

 

[rgallant]

just loaded office 2013 pro + on my system , mostly for outlook 2013.
-some of my work emails I would send home would not open correctly in windows live mail so thought I'd try outlook again after not using it for 10 years .

-only $11 with the Home Use Program.

- don't think the above fits this program , if it does causes a issue I still have 2010 pro +.

 

[kleinkinstein]

Show me one single compelling reason to pay a premium for MS Office when LibreOffice does 99.999% everything it can do?

 

[ShawnD1]

Show me one single compelling reason to pay a premium for MS Office when LibreOffice does 99.999% everything it can do?

LibreOffice's version of Excel has kinda sucky graphs and trend lines. Every trend line has an R^2 of 1 for some reason.

 

[imagoon]

Show me one single compelling reason to pay a premium for MS Office when LibreOffice does 99.999% everything it can do?

Having 100% compatibility with the rest of the business world is a big one for me.

 

[mechBgon]

Show me one single compelling reason to pay a premium for MS Office when LibreOffice does 99.999% everything it can do?

I can think of plenty, but if I had to pick only one... LibreOffice requires Java. And then I'd follow that with a rundown of security, manageability and enforceability. It would all sound very tiresome and people would still fixate on up-front cost because they're saving up for their new HTPC or whatever