GUIDE: How to backup and restore Windows 8 activation

@unloved

Pkeyconfig backup isn't needed!

 

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It did not work for me while running windows pro RTM. Tried twice.

 

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i want to change my motherboard and processor...and i have windows 8 pro activated via phone with a mak key. My question is that in this case do i able to restore my windows activation successfully ??

 

hmm.. most unlikely with hardwares changes data.dat /token.dat is for same system AFAIK.

 

NO... Motherboard + processor are major changes.. You activation will not survive..

 

Great share mate! I'll definitely try your method. Let's see how it goes.

 

Today is 8 Jan 2013. Is this process still valid as of now? I have genuine copy of Windows 8 Pro x 86 with update key for WMC. Can this method of Activation backup & restoration be applicable? Please reply.

 

If it's the data.dat token swap technique that you are talking about, then NO.
M$ has already blocked this activation loophole.

 

all you need to do is to download and run Windows8-UpgradeAssistant it will scan your systme and report its finding and also advise what updates you may need driver the hardware....

 

I installed windows 8 pro using my retail key & upgraded using free ms key...
Now I forgot my Pro retail key.. Is there any way to get it back ???

 

Thanks for this TIPS i just change my Hard Drive for an SSD install new Windows 8 restore this three files and Activation is OK !!!!!!!!

 

Hi everyone, I'm still new here Thank you so much for this thread! At least I know now what to do and where to start to backup

 

Thanks for this thread!!!

 

I was doing a lot of this stuff when the prowmc free key thing was going on. I did many integrations swapping the data.dat and playing with different methods.
After all that I can tell you that all you need to do is back-up %windir%\system32\spp\store\tokens.dat and data.dat.
When you need to restore, just copy them back into the folder and overwrite whatever is in there.
You can make a shortcut to %windir%\system32\spp\store and just highlight the 2 files, right click and drag them onto the shortcut, and select copy here.
This is a good method if you find yourself restoring activation a lot.
Of course, the advanced tokens manager that josh cell softwares has goin is even easier, if that is too annoying for your tastes.

 

Thanks for this topic.

 

Thanks for wonderful tips for manual backup\restore..
But we can skip msconfig & safe mode to backup/restore tokens....

1. Run command "Net Stop sppsvc" . If service is running then command will stop the service else shows you error message

The Software Protection service is not started.

More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 3521.

2.Change folder option settings to view hidden files.

3. GO to C:\Windows\System32\spp\store Folder & copy/paste tokens.dat & data.dat

or

3. Go to C:\Windows\System32\spp folder & simply copy/paste Store Folder.

 

Are you spamming all threads?

 

Couldnt activate windows 8 pro media center (feature upgrade from pro)

I am in a strange situation I don't know what to do .I have activated my windows 8 pro via kms and later permenantly activated with media center key provided by Microsoft via mail.One week before my lap got a nasty power problem ( I assume during hibernation power went down).After that my windows 8 got stuck on black screen just after boot logo.I have activated office 2013 too. I tried to chkdsk /f /r and then also it doesn't boot.After wards I reinstalled that partition with windows 8 pro and did what exactly as steps mentioned .But it didn't activate and found in activation details : sever could have blocked key. If I install windows 8 media center and replace store does this work ? .Please help guys