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Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, similar to Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, requires user to perform activation in order to activate the Windows operating system to be used without interruption. Activation of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, except for users who bought branded OEM computer or activate via KMS host, is normally performed online to validate against Microsoft’s activation server, or via phone activation.

One inconvenience brought by activation is that Microsoft limits and restricts the number of time that online activation can be done. Anything more than that will require user to call Microsoft activation hotline to go through manual hectic process to activate via phone.

Besides, not many people will like to “contact” Microsoft every time after reinstalling or reformating the PC or computer for a fresh and clean start. So it would be great if the “activated” activation status of Windows OS can be preserved, or backed up and restored after re-installation so that Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 can be activated offline or without connecting to Microsoft’s activation server.

Try the following trick to backup activation files for Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2, which has been previously been activated, prior to reinstallation. Note that the workaround should only be tried by users who want to clean install Windows, as if user (i.e. want to upgrade to bigger hard disk) makes a clone image of physical hard disk with Norton Ghost or Acronis True Image, all application programs, data, resources together with activation status will be automatically preserved.

1. Copy and save or backup the following activation-related files to external storage medium such as USB flash drive or portable hard disk drive:

%SystemDrive%\Windows\ServiceProfiles\NetWorkService\
AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\SoftwarePlatform\Tokens.dat

and,

%SystemDrive%\Windows\System32\spp\tokens\pkeyconfig\pkeyconfig.xrm-ms

Note: For 64-bit (x64) OS, %SystemDrive%\Windows\SysWOW64\spp\tokens\pkeyconfig\pkeyconfig.xrm-ms have to be backed up too.
2. Retrieve and record the product key used to install and activate the current Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2.

Tip: If you can’t remember the product key used, there is plenty of product key viewers available to help.
3. Reinstall Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2. When installation wizard prompts for a product key for activation, leave it blank (do not enter anything).
4. In the newly installed Windows operating system, stop the Software Protection Service in Services.msc or with the following command (run in elevated command prompt):

net stop sppsvc
5. Navigate to the following folder:

%SystemDrive%\Windows\System32\spp\tokens\pkeyconfig\

Note: In 64-bit (x64) operating system, also perform the action in %SystemDrive%\Windows\SysWOW64\spp\tokens\pkeyconfig\ folder.
6. Take ownership and give user full control permissions (alternatively add grant full control right click menu item) to pkeyconfig.xrm-ms file.
7. Delete the original default pkeyconfig.xrm-ms file, and replace with the backup copy.
8. Navigate to the following folder:

%SystemDrive%\Windows\ServiceProfiles\NetWorkService\
AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\SoftwarePlatform\
9. Take ownership and give user full control permissions (alternatively add grant full control right click menu item) to tokens.dat file.
10. Delete the original default tokens.dat file, and replace with the backup copy.
11. Restart the Software Protection Service in Services.msc or with the following command (run in elevated command prompt):

net start sppsvc
12. Register the product key for Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 with the following command (run in elevated command prompt):

slmgr.vbs -ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx

Replace xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx with the actual product key.
13. Windows will activated instantly, off-line. To check activation status, uses of of the following commands:

slmgr.vbs -dlv
slmgr.vbs -dli
slmgr.vbs -ato

Note that the ability to backup and restore old activation status in order to pre-activate or ready-activate a machine after re-installation must be on the same hardware without any hardware change, else user will need to activate online again. Besides, the product key used must be the same serial code too. The hack also does not apply to OEM branded computer which has Windows pre-activated and KMS host activated Windows system.

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The Windows 7 driver store includes a small collection of drivers for legacy devices, mostly older printers, modems, scanners, infrared ports, PCMCIA controllers, and other oddball devices that don’t use Plug and Play connections. As you might suspect, Windows will not automatically set up such devices, and you’re rolling the dice if you find one of these old but still worthwhile devices and try to install an old driver.

But what if the device in question is valuable to you and can’t be easily replaced by a newer, supported one? Then by all means give it a try. Download the most recent hardware drivers you can find (ideally, for Windows XP or Windows Server 2003), and then use the Add Hardware wizard to complete the hardware setup process. Follow these steps:

1. If you’ve found a downloadable driver package or a CD that came with the device, look for a Setup program and run it. This option places the driver files on your hard disk and simplifies later installation steps.

2. Connect the new hardware to your computer. In the case of an internal device such as an add-in card, turn off the computer, add the device, and then restart.

3. Open Device Manager, select any item in the list of installed devices, and then click Add Legacy Hardware on the Action menu.

4. Click Next to skip past the Welcome screen. On the next wizard screen, choose how you want to select the device to be installed.

5. From the Common Hardware Types list, select a hardware category (or the inclusive Show All Devices category) and click Next.

6. From the master list of available drivers, select the device manufacturer and the correct model. Click Next to continue. Follow the prompts to complete the wizard.

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