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Recover Disk Signature -When should you use it?

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I have read in the users manual for ATI and GroverHs' explanation of what the "Recover Disk Signature" option is but can someone tell me when you need to use it? I have restored several computers without utilizing this option with no noticeable problems. I appreciate any assistance.

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Others will respond I'm sure.

When creating a replacment disk, the goal is to have the replacement be as identical to the source as possible.
Some software vendors use the disk id as a means of identification that their program is legitimate.
If the disk signatue is omitted, then license updates or authentication may be required.

Acronis is one and another is Adobe which uses his method. I "suspect" that Microsoft updates may use this.

A recommended solution would be:

If you intend to use the restored HD in the same system and use all of the same applications as before, then YES recover the "Disk signature" which I believe is the same thing as the NTFS Volume Serial Number AKA Volume ID.

If you intend to use the restored disk in another system to replace the original system and still use the original applications, then YES recover it as well.

If you want to use the restored disk as a base for a new build and don't care or will not be using the original applications, then it does not matter.

If you will have the original backed up disk and the restored disk in the same system at the same time, then do Not recover it, because windows does Not like to see two volumes with the same serial number in the same system. It is sort of like two computer names on the same network.

 

If you ever need to change the NTFS volume serial # you can use the VOLUMEID command built into windows.