I have a valid activated 8.1 Pro + WMC system and need to do several re-installs on the same partition and hardware to test some unattended scripts for customization, etc. When I reinstall, there is no network connectivity until I install the proper drivers. I am currently replacing the install data.dat and tokens.dat with the activated versions from my original install, after which I run slmgr -ipk with the original key without any errors, but the system shows not activated. I don't remember this being the case with Win8 doing the same thing. Apparently, just restoring the activated tokens and installing the same product key isn't enough to get back the previous activation status when offline. I can reactivate going online and that stays activated even after going back offline, but not after a re-install. I always have to reactivate online. Anyone have an idea what piece of the puzzle is missing to avoid this?
I mentioned that after activation, I could go offline and the activation still persisted. According to your information. I should lose three votes and no longer show an activated status. This is not the case for me. What is your explanation for that?
Why dont you just image and restore with aomei backupper or macrium or whatever tool you prefer instead of reinstall windows over again and again? Dont get me wrong but i find retarded to abuse the activation system like you do.
No, you lose activation if lose 4 votes, so if you have not formated the drive and changed VOL SN, then it's still activated. And don't forget, the drive get reset every 120 days, i.e., even if you had formated, after 120 days you get back that vote to total 10 votes to start afresh.
Well, I rebuild my systems every Patch Tuesday with an updated install wim that has all the latest updates. The install wim is always up-to-date, and I never have to go back and install from scratch. Backups serve a different purpose. Also, I am not abusing the activation system (so I guess I'm not retarded ) since I have legal product keys. Microsoft doesn't care if you reinstall your OS numerous times as long as you follow their license agreement.
Hmmm, I'm pretty sure I kept the same VSN when reinstalling, because I normally delete all the files from the partition without formatting. I only keep my local Toolbx files. Also, what is this about 120 days? Do you have a link that explains this in more detail?
I did some checking to see what the difference was between my activated system and reinstalling the same system offline on the same hardware and partition with the same key. The only difference I see in the license information (slmgr -dlv) is as follows: Previous Installation Online Code: Installation ID: 07335xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx License Status: Licensed New Installation Offline Code: Installation ID: 05159xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx License Status: Notification Notification Reason: 0xC004F200 (non-genuine). Apparently, the same key generates a different installation ID when you do a new install, even though the HW has not changed. Using previously activated tokens is no longer valid for saving your activation like it was with Win 8. It seems you are forced to reactivate online when re-installing. If the installation id is part of the tokens, this would explain why using the previous tokens (Inst-ID mismatch) give you a different status. Has anyone managed to save their activation status after reinstalling without having to go online and reactivating?
Never faced this issue with windows 8/8.1 whatever the version ,with or without office 2013. Everytime, i write the installation ID and confirmation ID and everytime it's the same for the same hardware.
I don't understand what you are saying There's no need for me to use MTK and activate via phone. I have a legal key for Win 8.1 and can activate online. All i want is to have a backup of my activation that can be restored without having to reactivate like I did with Win 8.
What do the drivers have to do with it? It's the same system being re-installed on the same hardware with the same drivers in the same partition.
i have restored a few times now offline and no problems what i did was right after my first install and after phone activation i imaged the windows install no driver no install apps but the bare min. and used the imagex i think it was cant remember but it made a wim file that i then set as a custom refresh image now any time i want a clean system i just goto restore computer and use the refresh option if you chose the reset option it will wipe the whole system and you will need the cd and need the keys for install and reactivate i dont think its quiet what you want or trying to do but then again it might as you should be able to inject updates in to the wim file just do a quick search on imagex recovery wim or somethin along them lines