Using Backup & Restore Utilities with Smaart

Utilities such as Time Machine, Migration Assistant, Acronis, etc. that move system files across devices are not fully supported by Smaart's licensing system. The following guidelines aim to help minimize errors and problems reactivating if you need to use these utilities alongside Smaart.

• Do not deactivate Smaart prior to migration. For example, if you purchase a new Macbook, but will be moving your files using Migration Assistant, keep Smaart activated. 
• Do not deactivate Smaart prior to backup restoration. For example, if you need to restore a complete backup of your computer with Time Machine or a similar software, keep Smaart activated.
• Do not deactivate Smaart if you choose "keep my files" with Windows Refresh. When using Windows Reset your PC, the "Keep my files" option will sometimes keep Smaart's license in place and cause problems. Only deactivate Smaart if you plan to choose "Remove everything"
• When imaging to multiple computers, do not install or activate Smaart on the master image. You may place the installers on the image, but they must be run after OS installation.
• When cloning a disk that already contains Smaart, do not deactivate Smaart prior to creating the clone. For example, if you choose to clone the drive that contains your Windows operating system and Smaart to another device, keep Smaart activated.

If Smaart displays Error 523 after migrating, cloning, or restoring a system backup, follow the steps in the linked article to resolve the error and reactivate.

If Smaart does not display an error after using Migration Assistant or a similar utility to setup a new computer, consider following the steps in this article to reset your Smaart activation and prevent issues with deactivation in the future. Note that this will require activating Smaart again and may temporarily use an additional license seat, so avoid doing this during time-sensitive situations.

It may be possible to deactivate Smaart on the old computer after a migration to free up a license seat. However, do not do this until you have confirmed the Machine ID is different on the new computer.

If you are unable to activate despite following the guidance in this article, please submit a ticket and we'll be happy to help get Smaart working again.