Question
How to migrate FineReader to another computer?
Answer
To transfer the FineReader to another computer, please complete the steps below:
- Make sure the serial number (activation key, license number) is correct:
- If the download version of the program has been purchased, the serial number can be found in the e-mail confirmation received after the purchase.
- If the boxed version of the program has been purchased, the serial number can be found on a card inside the CD case.
- Uninstall FineReader from the computer where it was originally installed.
- Use the latest distribution kit of the corresponding version of FineReader: FineReader download links.
- Install the program on a new computer.
- Activate FineReader using the serial number.
In case the workstation where the software was originally installed is not in use anymore (the computer is formatted or taken out of service), there is no need to uninstall the program, please just install it on the new workstation.
Note: To transfer FineReader PDF settings to another PC, please copy the file fineUI.CommonSettings.xml from the following folder: C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\ABBYY\FineReader\<version>.
Additional information
If the error message "Automatic activation has been blocked or you are trying to activate the program on more than one computer" appears, please create a ticket to our Customer Support using the Submit request button on the top.
Comments
42 comments
Varpu Vuorjoki
Thanks, but where do I go to install the program on the new computer?
Victoria Dvornikova
Hello Varpu Vuorjoki,
You can find download links for the FineReader version you have purchased in the following section: https://support.abbyy.com/hc/en-us/sections/360000780080-Downloads.
laertemoura
i have installed the finereader 14 on windows. After uninstalling from Windows can I install on Linux on a new computer? is there version for linux?
Victoria Dvornikova
Hello laertemoura,
FineReader 14 (as well as FineReader 15) was designed for Windows OS and Linux is not mentioned in the Specifications.
Allyson Wright
Hi,
My old PC is completely dead and I need to install my FineReader 12 software on my new pc. Is there a way to do this? I have a valid license for FineReader 12 but can't install on my new PC. I cannot access the old PC at all so can not uninstall or deactivate the software on it.
Thanks
Victoria Dvornikova
Hello Allyson Wright,
Please find the link for the distribution kit here: https://support.abbyy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360018574159-Download-links-for-FineReader-12
Allyson Wright
Hello Victoria,
I followed the link and attempted to activate it using my original license key but just got the 'you are trying to activate more than one copy' text, which of course I am not as this is a completely new pc. Because I have no access to the old pc which wont even turn on I can do nothing about the previous installation as it is now inaccessible to me.
How can I activate the software on my new pc? Is this impossible to do?
Allyson
Victoria Dvornikova
Allyson,
I've created a support ticket for this issue. Please await a reply from our Support Team.
Allyson Wright
Thanks. I will wait for the support team to contact me.
Arkady Sarkovy
Hi Victoria, I have almost exactly the same problem as Allyson. My defunct laptop will turn on, but it is completely unable to connect to the internet. I'm trying to install Abbyy Finereader on my new laptop, but I'm also getting the "you are trying to activate more than one copy" error message. If you have a solution for this I would be grateful!
Victoria Dvornikova
Hi Arkady,
Please await a reply from our Customer Support team.
Ana Lopez
Hello Victoria,
I have the same problem. My old computer is dead and I can´t install Abbyy in my new computer, it says I´m trying to activate more than one copy.
I appreciate your help
Ana
Victoria Dvornikova
Hi Ana,
Please await a reply from our Customer Support team in the ticket created.
PubGuy
Hello Victoria
If after following your steps to move to a new PC it does not work can i reinstall bacck onto the old PC?.
Dave
Victoria Dvornikova
Hi Dave,
I have created a supported ticket based on your comment. You should be able to install FineReader on the old PC without any difficulties, but in some cases for new installations some changes are needed on ABBYY side.
Emil Eiermann
Hi Victoria,
in this connection it would be useful to know how to transfer the personal settings from the old to the new PC. Which files have to be copied?
Victoria Dvornikova
Hello Emil Eiermann,
Thanks for the question!
For FineReader PDF 15 you can find the file fineUI.CommonSettings.xml in the following folder: C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\ABBYY\FineReader\15. You can transfer the file to another PC into the same folder.
MPlentz
Hello
I have FineReader 15, Brazilian Edition, are the instructions here valid to transfer the software between computers or should I download a specific distribution kit for this version?
Victoria Dvornikova
Hello MPlentz,
The link for Standalone version should work for FineReader PDF 15 Brazilian.
Steve Hausz
Hello Victoria,
Same problem as Allyson and others. I was hoping the answer from the support team for installing on a new computer would have been posted here. So I guess the first question is, did support ever help with this issue? And if they are able to help, will they then contact me with what to do? I have Fine Reader 11, and I looked into just upgrading as a solution, but it appears that I don't have an upgrade option, but that I'd have to buy v15 new, is that right?
Thanks,
Victoria Dvornikova
Hi Steve Hausz,
Yes, we can help everyone with the issue when activation cannot be completed automatically after reinstallation. Please await a reply in the ticket created.
Steve Hausz
Hello again, Victoria,
Thanks for your help, I have successfully registered FR11. I also had Screenshot Reader, though I don't see that I had saved a downloaded .exe for that, or that I have an email with a separate serial number for it. I get the impression that you get SR included with FR, and if so, is there a way I'm supposed to access SR from within FR? Or can you provide me with a s/n for SR? If not, I'll go ahead and purchase it separately.....
Thanks
Akriti Sharma
Hello,
I am facing same issue with the Licence deactivation. My old system is no longer available and I can´t install Abbyy in my new system, it says I´m trying to activate more than one copy. Is there any new Updates from the customer support team regarding this issue?
Thanks
Patrick van den Hoevel
I don't have access to the other Mac anymore. How do I proceed?
Victoria Dvornikova
Hello Patrick,
I have created a support ticket based on your comment here. Please await a reply from our Customer Support agent.
Kim U
Hi Victoria,
A few questions regarding moving Finereader 14 to a new pc:
1. Is 14 still available if I have my original product key?
2. Is 14 compatible with Windows 11?
3. How can I migrate my personal settings in Finereader 14 over to the new PC?
Thank you!
Victoria Dvornikova
Hi Kim U,
I have created a support ticket based on your comment here. Please await a reply from our Customer Support team.
Ray Hale
Hi All
I have Abby PDF Transformer + on my old pc ( which is still working ) I have installed PDF transformer + on my new computer - it will not validate the licence key, my next option is to link it to the licence file, but I cant find it on my old computer does anyone know where would it be what would is it called ?
Thank you in advance for all assistance
PubGuy
Hi Ray
You have to uninstall from your old computer first
Ray Hale
HI PubGuy
Many thanks for your reply
The old computer is not connected to the internet, just sitting gathering dust. I thought if i could find the licence key file i would copy it to new computer and then when it ask for license key i can point it to the folder. just need to know where the folder is on the old computer
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