Avatar
Please consider registering
guest
sp_LogInOut Log Insp_Registration Register
Register | Lost password?
Advanced Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
sp_Feed Topic RSSsp_topic_old
Office Activation Backup
Avatar
coolczone
Member
Members
November 13, 2010 - 7:23 am
Member Since: April 24, 2010
Forum Posts: 39
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

Hi guys,
just activated a copy of Office Pro using a MAK key. Is there any way to backup my activation? I am asking this in case that I have to do a complete format of my computer. How about an uninstall? I know that the activation is hardware and installation specific. So, what are my options?
Thanks.

Avatar
Mindblower
Montreal, Canada
Member
Members
November 16, 2010 - 5:05 pm
Member Since: September 17, 2008
Forum Posts: 677
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

Using a simple search, I found the link below to be extremely helpful. There does appear to be a limit set, but nothing to worry about. I've installed my XP o/s copy several dozen (over 24) times, and forget after how many, needed to call tech support for a new number, Mindblower!

http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/exis ... n-faq.aspx

"For the needy, not the greedy"

Avatar
David Hartsock
Admin
November 19, 2010 - 4:40 am
Member Since: August 7, 2011
Forum Posts: 1117
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

CoolC,

To the best of my knowledge there isn't a method to backup any Office activation other than creating a disk image, which would have the activation included. I usually install the OS, Office, updates, and programs then create an image. This method allows you to restore even in situations where you don't have internet access because everything already activated.

The only similar option is to create a custom install DVD using the Office Customization Tool, but that's more complicated and less beneficial than a disk image. It also won't be pre-activated, but will have the key built into the install.

For those that don't know, MAK stands for Multiple Activation Key and is usually used for small businesses so they have fewer license keys to track.

[quote:2zvz7wya]I've installed my XP o/s copy several dozen (over 24) times, and forget after how many, needed to call tech support for a new number, Mindblower![/quote:2zvz7wya]
Speaking of the need for disk images!
You can also backup the wpa.dbl and wpa.bak files from C:WindowsSystem32 to restore XP activation.

Avatar
Mindblower
Montreal, Canada
Member
Members
November 19, 2010 - 10:34 am
Member Since: September 17, 2008
Forum Posts: 677
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

Speaking of disk images Dave, are there any restrictions when one cannot or should not use a disk image (say like replacing the mother board, processor, newer unit, different hard disk?), Mindblower!

"For the needy, not the greedy"

Avatar
coolczone
Member
Members
November 19, 2010 - 2:00 pm
Member Since: April 24, 2010
Forum Posts: 39
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

Thanks a lot guys,
I have Acronis installed so at least this will help.
coolczone

Avatar
Flying Dutchman
Member
Members
November 19, 2010 - 4:49 pm
Member Since: September 2, 2010
Forum Posts: 278
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

[quote="DavesComputerTips":38o1b75q]You can also backup the wpa.dbl and wpa.bak files from C:WindowsSystem32 to restore XP activation.[/quote:38o1b75q]

Oddly enough, that didn't work for me. Though I placed those files back to their original location, Win XP somehow overwrote them and kept asking me to activate it . I finally gave in.

I am human

Avatar
David Hartsock
Admin
November 19, 2010 - 6:10 pm
Member Since: August 7, 2011
Forum Posts: 1117
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

[quote="Mindblower":3p2dnhzx]Speaking of disk images Dave, are there any restrictions when one cannot or should not use a disk image (say like replacing the mother board, processor, newer unit, different hard disk?), Mindblower![/quote:3p2dnhzx]
It's all about the drivers. As long as the drivers remain the same there should be no problems.
Different brand or model motherboard - Problem
Different hard drive - No Problem
Different or upgraded RAM - No Problem
etc

Avatar
David Hartsock
Admin
November 19, 2010 - 6:17 pm
Member Since: August 7, 2011
Forum Posts: 1117
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline

[quote="Flying Dutchman":32fo2j83][quote="DavesComputerTips":32fo2j83]You can also backup the wpa.dbl and wpa.bak files from C:WindowsSystem32 to restore XP activation.[/quote:32fo2j83]

Oddly enough, that didn't work for me. Though I placed those files back to their original location, Win XP somehow overwrote them and kept asking me to activate it . I finally gave in.[/quote:32fo2j83]
FD, it needs to be done in Safe Mode to prevent the OS from replacing the files.

Forum Timezone: America/Indiana/Indianapolis
Most Users Ever Online: 2303
Currently Online:
Guest(s) 112
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Top Posters:
Chad Johnson: 867
Mindblower: 677
carbonterry2: 356
Flying Dutchman: 278
grr: 211
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 11
Members: 3229
Moderators: 7
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 8
Forums: 20
Topics: 1954
Posts: 13563
Newest Members:
instaproapk, mousetesteronline, keshamatt, Patriciabin, MattOwens
Moderators: Carol Bratt: 67, dandl: 740, Jason Shuffield: 1, Jim Canfield: 8, Terry Hollett: 0, Stuart Berg: 0, John Durso: 0
Administrators: Jim Hillier: 2709, Richard Pedersen: 210, David Hartsock: 1117
Scroll to Top

WHY NOT SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER?

Get great content like this delivered to your inbox!

It's free, convenient, and delivered right to your inbox! We do not spam and we will not share your address. Period!