Backup and restore Vista activation

Jan

2008

Backup and restore Vista activation

This little trick should be similar to another one I wrote (you can read it here) and lets you save your Vista activation for future re-installation. I didn’t have the chance to try it out but as far as I know it is rather smooth. Here is the trick:

Click on Start Icon (left bottom on your screen)
Click Run… and type “regedit”
Find this path:

Windows/ServiceProfiles/NetworkService/
AppData/Roaming/Microsoft/SoftwareLicensing
Save the tokens.dat file wherever you want as it contains your Vista data activation

Of course once you have reinstalled your Vista the only thing you have to do is to put this file where you took it from. I am pretty curious to know if anyone tried this hack out and if it works.

Tags: trick, Vista

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9 Comments to “Backup and restore Vista activation”

isare Says:
September 1st, 2008 at 6:14 am

hi, just test the tips and it works.

you need to replace the file in save mode.

after you restart it will ask for the key. retype the key and you will be activate without using internet..thanks for the tips..
Web Talk Says:
September 1st, 2008 at 6:28 am

Thanks for your edit! I am happy that this trick worked for you! Keep reading!
Nomad Says:
October 5th, 2008 at 9:23 pm

Just wanted to say thank you. Worked great!!
Mark Says:
December 24th, 2008 at 4:49 pm

You said to start regedit, and then save tokens.dat. What does regedit have to do with saving a copy of tokens.dat? I do not understand your point of starting regedit.
Web Talk Says:
December 24th, 2008 at 6:14 pm

Yes, you are right. It has nothing to do with that. Just go to your C: and find the folder containing the .dat file and you are done. Also, the folder AppData is hidden so you need to go to Organize – Folder and Search Options – View tab and select “Show hidden files and folders”. Also, unthick “Hide protected operating system files”. After that keep in mind to replace the file in Safe Mode.
Eduardo-BR Says:
March 6th, 2009 at 12:49 pm

I think what they means when say regedit it would means:
Go to \Windows\ServiceProfiles\NetworkService\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\SoftwareLicensing folder

Some folder are hidden but if you goes to command prompt and use CD command it will goes fine
Shahdan Says:
November 16th, 2009 at 12:32 am

Thank for the info. I just activate my Vista last week and need some way to backup my activation info.
Great to find this info.

Thanks again
Ross Says:
December 9th, 2009 at 2:57 pm

hahaha! this is funny. this means the ppl that logged this is either trying to encrypt the actual process how to do it or just does not want the information to leak out. the theory is correct and the path is correct remember, its a folder path not a key on the registry.
Davie Says:
June 22nd, 2010 at 4:44 pm

It works only if on same drive as where it came from (C) back to (C) works (C) back to (D) dosenot work allso same user name must be the same.