Downloading a retail version of Microsoft Money (US)
Microsoft in the US allow you to purchase Microsoft Money in a download format. This is something that I used to advise against.
There were a number of unique problems with the download version. The most key ones are if you need to reinstall after a disk crash, or lose the download file, or haven't got a record of any key that they may give you. In addition you'll be tied into Microsoft Passport for 2005/2006 versions.
My advise was to always go for the physical media, as this allows you to install again if you need to, and, you still have recourse if the media gets damaged as Microsoft can replace it (see
FAQ Article 88). Having the media gives you some security in knowing that you can always reinstall when you want to, and not having to use the internet or Microsoft Passport.
With Money 2007 and Plus, the download experience is a lot better and is now handled by Digital River. It appears to be a viable mechanism of obtaining the software which is reliable. I'd still recommend you either get a CD backup OR save the downloaded file to physical media. You can download versions of Money Plus from the following store links:
If you're reading this article to find out how to re-download the Money stub file for 2005/2006, then go to
FAQ Article 132.
Keywords: Download, Retail, Stub, Digital River