How to COMPLETLY uninstall and reinstall or change Computer ID
Preston
purchased two identical machines, set one up completely as I wanted
(including Live Sync) and then cloned that drive to the other machine. Now,
Live Sync sees these as the same machine, so I cannot have both logged in at
one time. I have tried completely uninstalling and re-installing, and even
removing all registry references to Live Sync, but this does not fix it.
Changing the name through the Live Sync web interface just changes the name
that both machines are known by. (The web intereface only sees one machine).
If someone knows how Live Sync identifies a machine and how I might fix this
issue, I would greatly appreciate it!
StephenB
when you clone a drive - don't. I'll assume that you have two licenses for
Windows. Format the cloned drive and install Windows, then install the programs.
As the other reply suggsted, renaming the PC might work, but I don't know if it
is that simple.
-steve
Preston <Pre...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
--
Stephen Boots
MVP Windows Live
Windows Live OneCare/Live Mesh/MSE Forums Moderator
sbo...@mvps.org
HDL-NYC
FYI, my PC had this issue after a rebuild -- two PCs that had the same WLS
ID. From that point on, WLS failed to properly sync.
Via a corporate contact, I was able to work directly with Microsoft
engineers who eventually figured out what was happening and how to repair it.
Try the MicrosoftHelps Twitter account (follow them & then send a short
tweet so they will follow you & and you can DM the issues).
VBN
Could you please elaborate on the solution Microsoft engineers eventually
employed? I too created a clone of my workstation, thinking it would be
faster than installing Windows twice. It was only after I noticed that Live
Sync considered the two computers one in the same and began searching for a
solution that I saw StephenB's warning not to do so.
StephenB,
Renaming the computer did not solve this issue. Windows Live Sync is clearly
identifying the computer by another method. I do have Windows licenses for
each machine, but given that I've already made the clone and prefer not
investing the time to reinstall Windows, is there another course of action
you might suggest? Any idea what Windows Live Sync is using to identify the
computer, possibly the SID or Windows key?
Thanks for the help!
StephenB
Sync. You may need to contact support via the forums at
http://windowslivehelp.com for Live Sync if HDL-NYC doesn't elaborate.
-steve
VBN <V...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
--
Wyse@discussions.microsoft.com Jim Wyse
use an image and just modify a few settings. The comp names are definitely
different now although they may have been the same when I first put sync on
the new one. Now after changing the name it still shows as the old name when
sync runs.
"StephenB" wrote:
> .
>
VBN
All,
I solved this issue by changing the Windows Product Key. I would also note
that I used a unique SID and name for each computer as well, but the Windows
key appears to be what Windows Live Sync was using as the unique identifier.
If you intend to use Live Sync on cloned systems I suggest that you do not
activate Windows prior to capture, or if you already have a working image you
can also change the key manually (Google it).
Only after each machine has a unique Windows key, SID, and system name
should you install Live Sync on it. If Live Sync was already installed I
suggest re-imaging or thoroughly uninstalling (via regedit) Live Sync from
the machine first.
StephenB
before and I don't think I've ever read a solution other than a format/reinstall
of Windows. This is certainly a much easier solution and also good advice.
-steve