GUIDE: How to backup and restore Windows 8 activation

Discussion in 'Windows 8' started by JaguarXJ12, Aug 8, 2012.

  1. throbber

    throbber MDL Addicted

    Mar 13, 2008
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    i just tested this and it didt work for me.
    i had to reactivate it:(

    enterprise x64
     
  2. Dkenpachi

    Dkenpachi MDL Novice

    Apr 30, 2011
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    i activated on de rtm leak if i backup and then install de msdn version can i restore my backup ?
     
  3. citer

    citer MDL Novice

    Apr 10, 2011
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    I would like to say after a clean install windows 8 Enterprise and back-up from my old english install the new install was activated again after storing the hole SPP directory not only de tokens also make sure when doing this that the internet is disabled!
     
  4. gnugeek

    gnugeek MDL Member

    Nov 23, 2009
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    The method worked super perfectly here.

    Had leaked Enterprise Edition activated over phone. I backed up the store folder.
    Then I installed the Pro version. After booting to desktop, I used slmgr -upk command to remove the default key. Rebooted to make sure windows was in no way activated. Installed my previous MAK key (which was refused during setup by the way).
    I deleted the files inside system32/spp/store folder and copied over the files from backup. The deleted files refused to be totally deleted from recycle bin though.
    Rebooted and activated.

    So there you go. I changed Windows versions, did not boot into safe mode, did not disable internet, nor did I install the drivers which were there when I first activated using enterprise version.

    Remember guys & gals, the MAK key will activate both Pro and Enterprise versions. But not WMC edition.

    Cheers for the original poster.
     
  5. RCOO

    RCOO MDL Senior Member

    Jan 15, 2009
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    I tried this method and it failed. But it allowed me to learn why.
    I did the procedure correctly, however, I was left with a completely unoperational activation system. The activation would fail, even if I tried to input a MAK key that would fail. An error would come up.
    I had to reinstall. Then activate through another way.
    The thing is I initially had backed up my folder, when all the drivers were installed, and was restoring the folder before installing drivers on a new installation.
    So I reactivated, backed up, without drivers and it works now. Drivers indeed affect the hardware ID.
     
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  6. cadcad

    cadcad MDL Junior Member

    Aug 1, 2009
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    1. Goto: C:\Windows\System32\spp\store
    2. Save: Store
    If you need to re-install Windows on same computer w/same hard drive.
    1. Use same key you used to activate.
    2. Take full control of store folder.
    3. Copy saved store and paste it in spp folder.
    Congratulations you are activated. Tested and works.
     
  7. juhayes

    juhayes MDL Novice

    Aug 17, 2012
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    Yea you don't have to be in safe mode, slmgr - ipk (same key used to activate) then copy backup store folder then replace. You will see Windows is activated. Also, I had to restart for it to reflect on the metro side.
     
  8. jonaand

    jonaand MDL Senior Member

    Aug 4, 2012
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    i try delete Store but windows don't let me delete because is request permission. so i tried run explorer.exe in admistration mode but don't work; how do you delete and copy store??? thanks
     
  9. Cleric

    Cleric MDL Member

    Aug 14, 2009
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    We should backup the whole SPP Folder not Only Store Folder, the Other Folders in same Direction Is Very Very Important than Store Folder, Cuz License and EULAs Files Found in Other Folders in SPP Folder and Store is Just a Part of the Activation Package or SPP Folder.
    you can discover this if you browse and take a look here C:\Windows\System32\spp\plugin-manifests-signed and Here C:\Windows\System32\spp\tokens.

    So If you wanna keep your Windows Always Activated Backup and ZIP SPP Folder and keep it in safe place on your hard disk to Restore your Activation Pack Anytime.

    Regards :)
     
  10. FaiKee

    FaiKee Misinformation spreader

    Jul 24, 2009
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    Goggle "windows right click take ownership" and download/run a small batch file; then you can take ownership of whatever folder/file and do whatever you wish. :p
     
  11. Josh Cell

    Josh Cell MDL Developer

    Jan 8, 2011
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    #211 Josh Cell, Aug 23, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 20, 2017
    Open CMD Prompt as Administrator and type:

    Code:
    net stop sppsvc
    Then replace the directory.
     
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  12. gnugeek

    gnugeek MDL Member

    Nov 23, 2009
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    No need to boot in safe mode or take permissions. Just delete the contents inside the store folder and let the files remain in recycle bin. Copy over the activation files and folder in the store folder and reboot.

    You can empty recycle bin after reboot.
     
  13. Josh Cell

    Josh Cell MDL Developer

    Jan 8, 2011
    3,513
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    TakeOwnership really is a crappy way to work with activation files.
     
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  14. jonaand

    jonaand MDL Senior Member

    Aug 4, 2012
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    #214 jonaand, Aug 23, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 20, 2017
    i did it, but said "the service don't begin"
     
  15. citer

    citer MDL Novice

    Apr 10, 2011
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    Cadcad no need for same hard drive ;)
    and indeed it works!
     
  16. stradlin69

    stradlin69 MDL Novice

    Aug 16, 2012
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    how to remove activation ?? i already activated by KMS but i wanna try activation by phone
     
  17. antony_blu3

    antony_blu3 MDL Member

    Aug 7, 2012
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    CMD Admin : slmgr /upk
     
  18. win_seven

    win_seven MDL Member

    Aug 26, 2009
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    Are you sure for this?
    if is true, it's very interesting
     
  19. sansini

    sansini MDL Novice

    Oct 4, 2008
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    Has anyone had any success with transferring a WindowsToGo Enterprise activation? I installed and activated Enterprise on an external HDD when the IPv6 KMS server was up, I now want to swap hard drives used (bigger capacity) so I've installed the enterprise wim file on the new drive and now wondered if I can copy the required files and folders across as detailed on the first page?
    I know the activation is tied to Hardware ID's but with WindowsToGo you'd expect the hardware ID's (other than the hard drive) to change a lot.
    Sansini
     
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  20. cadcad

    cadcad MDL Junior Member

    Aug 1, 2009
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    Thanks, I had not tried on a different hard drive.
    After seeing your comment, I tried and it sure worked for me.