Adopting another computer is the process of having one computer take over for another computer that has been lost, stolen, sold, or reformatted. This process also applies when rebuilding your computer following a crash.

The adopting process is an optional operation available when CrashPlan detects a new computer is accessing CrashPlan under an existing account. Adopting allows the new computer (or rebuilt computer or drive) to use an existing computer's backup archive, backup file selection and backup settings. It also deactivates the other computer so it can no longer back up.

By reconnecting to the previous computer's backup archive, you also avoid repeating the potentially lengthy, initial backup.

• You are reformatting a hard drive
• You are upgrading your operating system
• Setting up a new computer to replace one that was lost, stolen or sold

• Restore your missing files before choosing the adopt option.
• WARNING: After reconnecting, do not de-select files from your backup selection. CrashPlan immediately removes the de-selected files from your archive. You do not have a chance to confirm this operation. There is no way to reverse this operation or recover these removed files. Learn more about de-selecting files.
• WARNING: Make sure the computer with the old ID is no longer in use or connected to CrashPlan Central.
• The adoption process deactivates the other computer and no longer allows it to back up.

1. Restore missing files.
2. CrashPlan indicates a new computer was found and prompts you to allow this computer to adopt another computer on your account.
3. Select the computer you want to adopt.

1. Download latest version of CrashPlan.
   If you are not switching over to a new computer, first run UNinstaller to remove all traces of the old CrashPlan on this computer.
2. Install CrashPlan.
3. Log in on the Existing Account tab.
4. If you need to restore files, restore your files now.
   Because the files in the backup archive are not on the new computer or drive, CrashPlan identifies them as missing and treats them as deleted files. These deleted files are retained according to your Delete files retention settings.
5. In the New Computer message, click Adopt.
6. Choose the computer that you want to adopt.
7. After adoption is complete, verify your file selection to ensure that any files that may now reside in a different location on your system are selected for backup.

• WARNING: After reconnecting, do not de-select files from your backup selection. CrashPlan immediately removes the de-selected files from your archive. You do not have a chance to confirm this operation. There is no way to reverse this operation or recover these removed files. Learn more about de-selecting files.