There are four ways to save EXE files you have paid for...

1. simple copy. MAY FAIL due to licensing and setup problems.
2. Some programs can repackage them. I don't recall the name of any one, but THEY may fail ALSO!
3. An image copy of the disk will likely work.
4. Forget saving, and REINSTALL.

Steve

You should make a disk image on another disk...
On older computer you can use Ghost Image Boot Disk
Or download Acronis final version, install it , and create a boot cd.
Restart computer and boot from that cd.
Disk image the whole disk (acronis works with external hdd too).