Copying/Backing Up pre-installed programs??

[Slov]

Is there a way to copy pre-installed software? I purchased an iMac from someone on craigslist and it came pre-installed with Adobe CS3 and Aperture, but no discs. I wanted to somehow put those programs on my macbook pro as well. Is there any way to do this without the discs? I tried copying the actual program files but it didn't work.



Thanks

 

[sho33hoku]

The procedure below works if you want to carbon copy the whole system HD.

I transferred all my data, application and system from my old iMac 20" 2.66GHz core2duo to the new i7 iMac. I connected the new imac to the old one using firewire cable, turn the new iMac on while pressing 'T' (Target disk mode), and use the disk utility application in the new imac, and restore disk (the old imac HD as the source, and the new iMac HD as destination), A couple hours later, voila, I have all the presets, preferences, accounts, applications as my old iMac.

In my case, it probably works because it uses the same intel based processor and no major hardware differences. Try your luck, but as always, please back up first before do something major like this. Hope this could help. ;D

 

[maflynn]

CS3 needs to be activated and moving it to a new computer will probably not work because of that.

My advice is to buy the software instead of stealing it.

 

[spinnerlys]

As maflynn alluded to already, you did only buy the iMac and the software that is included on the grey restore DVDs. You did not acquire the proper licenses for the applications the seller left on there and your usage is against the EULA you probably didn't even agree to.

Any further helping you with copying non-licensed software is against forum rules.

Warez/Serials/Keys.
Do not post software serial numbers or keys or refer people to specific websites, software, or techniques whose purpose is to break or bypass software licensing methods, distribute cracks, or obtain or use commercial software or media in violation of its license and/or for copyright violation. Do not ask for or give such help.

from https://macrumors.zendesk.com/hc/en-us#Things_Not_to_Do