GUIDE: How to backup and restore Windows 8 activation

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

  1. Misaki2010

    Misaki2010 MDL Addicted

    Jul 14, 2009
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    I followed the tutorial exactly, did all the steps, and didn't do any changes to my hardware but the activation didn't work...

    I reinstalled Win8 Pro, installed drivers (same dll's as on my previous Windows from where I got my backup) , I removed the key, booted in Safe Mode, stopped the software protection stuff (but it said it's not running), made the changes to the folder (copy/pasted the folder and replaced the content, I checked and the content was replaced). booted back in Normal Mode and the watermark was still there ... none of the commands for check work... so now I got an unlicensed Windows :)
     
  2. Adikz28

    Adikz28 MDL Novice

    Aug 15, 2012
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    Is it safe? :confused:
     
  3. Boyfriend

    Boyfriend MDL Senior Member

    Feb 10, 2010
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    Short answer: Yes :biggrin:
     
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  4. avogarden

    avogarden MDL Novice

    Jun 18, 2008
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    I have used the Advanced Tokens Manager v3.5 BETA 2 and it works wonderfully!!! Does all the work for you including disabling network adapters. Just reinstall fresh Windows 8 and this program will activate it.
     
  5. Cleric

    Cleric MDL Member

    Aug 14, 2009
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    take ownership of SPP Folder and replace it in safe mode with back-up spp folder. dont ever use store folder cuz activation process fails when change Store folder only, you should change whole spp folder.
     
  6. Jessica Alba

    Jessica Alba MDL Expert

    Jul 26, 2009
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    it worked for me just using the store folder:D
     
  7. Cheese_Monster

    Cheese_Monster MDL Novice

    Aug 17, 2012
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    the store folder was enough for me, as it restored my activation, I even installed Windows 8 on another partition (dual boot) just to test if the backup works, and It did. :)
     
  8. Cleric

    Cleric MDL Member

    Aug 14, 2009
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    And for Many others Including me! Store Folder was not Enough ,Read more guys :D ;)
     
  9. MrChris

    MrChris MDL Addicted

    Jun 23, 2007
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    If I was to install a fresh win7 then upgrade to win8 pro using a legit win8 pro upgrade key that I purchase then backup my win8 activation then reinstall a fresh win8 and restore my activation would I still be activated? I would sleep better knowing its a clean install of the OS rather than an upgrade. Was a random though I had and figured I would ask. :p

    ~MC
     
  10. Leakhanak

    Leakhanak MDL Junior Member

    Feb 13, 2010
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    Just followed and working fine!
     
  11. Justice

    Justice MDL Novice

    Aug 7, 2012
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    I presume this method is safe for genuine licences too? I really don't want to do a full system backup :)
     
  12. MrChris

    MrChris MDL Addicted

    Jun 23, 2007
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    I believe that is what it is intended for. But could be wrong. :) As always you can never go wrong with a image of the drive, Just In Case.

    ~MC
     
  13. koce92

    koce92 MDL Novice

    Sep 9, 2012
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    So if I change all hardware except HDD. Will i lose my activation ?
     
  14. Josh Cell

    Josh Cell MDL Developer

    Jan 8, 2011
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    With sure.
     
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  15. frwil

    frwil MDL Addicted

    Sep 22, 2008
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    According to what i've read on other forum, if it is KMS-client activation, then - no, that guy said he installed and activated by KMS W8 on external hdd, and whatever compy he booted it up on later, activation stayed intact... MAK activation, in contrast, didn't depend on hdd at all... someone has to check this though...
    :rolleyes:
     
  16. beniusc

    beniusc MDL Novice

    Sep 9, 2012
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    Hi, i've just change my HDD, but the restore activation won't work for me. W8 already activated on the old HDD...must wait for another solution. thanks
     
  17. PAYMYRENT

    PAYMYRENT MDL Developer

    Jul 28, 2009
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    thats the thing though.. no major hardware changes and it should work.. HDD is considered a major hardware change and now you have to re-activate
     
  18. myska

    myska MDL Novice

    Jul 13, 2009
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    It depends on HDDs. I exchanged my old SATA 3 against a SSD, cloning win8 partition using acronis, and I didn't loose my activation.
     
  19. trance89

    trance89 MDL Member

    Oct 29, 2010
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    this method worked successfully on my desktop pc, thanks