Is it legal to re-install software that I have valid licenses for on the computer that I bought to replace a computer that was stolen during a burglary?
If legal, would a re-install of existing software trigger audits by firms such as Microsoft?
In other words, if I install software on the replacement for a stolen computer, do I get a free install or do I need to purchase an additional license?
Here is what happened.
Early on the morning of May 29, burglars broke into my house and stole several items of high-end electronic equipment, including my latest desktop PC. As soon as i discovered the burglary, I reported it to the police. The next day, I gave the police a complete list of the serial numbers of the stolen equipment. The fact of the burglary and the equipment that was stolen is now a matter of public record.
The stolen computer included installations of several expensive, high-end software packages, including Microsoft Office 2007 Ultimate, Microsoft Visual Studio 2008, Microsoft Project 2007, and Microsoft Visio 2007.
A week ago, I bought a replacement unit for the stolen desktop PC. I need to re-install the software packages on the replacement PC. I checked the EULAs and they are silent on this issue.
I have no idea who to contact at Microsoft or anyone else to get an answer to this question.
Does anyone reading this forum have any idea whether I can legally re-install the software without having to buy new licenses?
