Unable to migrate Roon to new Windows user account due to server running issue (ref#39P22T)

[Stuart_Frazer]

Hi! What’s not quite right with Roon?

· None of the above quite fits

None of the above quite fits

· None of these quite match

Tell us what's going on

· Tried to migrate Roon to a new Windows user acount on same Windows 11 machine (this was required due to MS account corruption).
Installed Roon (with Roonserver) under new user appdata\local folder (default), having backed up old user Roon database (still available).
Old server unauthorised as would not link this with new install.
Now cannot get new Roonserver running nor old server from backup as states server running and new license required.
Backup still available.

Tell us about your home network

· Zyxel VMG8324-B10A 1GB fibre. No controlled switches.
PC is HP Z2G4 I7 64GB Ram

[benjamin]

Hey @Stuart_Frazer,

Thanks for taking the time to write in and share your report! It sounds like you’re caught in a bit of a “digital identity crisis.” Because Roon sees the new Windows user profile as a different environment, but the same hardware, it’s getting confused about which instance is the “boss.”

The “Server running” error usually implies a background process is hanging, while the license error is simply Roon protecting its “one active core” rule. Before doing anything else, we need to make sure Roon isn’t fighting itself in the background.

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Click "More Details" if necessary and look for any instances of Roon, RoonServer, or RAATServer.
• End Task on all of them.
• Note: Since you had account corruption, ensure the old user account is actually signed out (or restart the PC and log only into the new account).

If that doesn’t help, let’s try a clean local reset:

• Create a Backup of your current database
• Exit out of Roon + RoonServer (from taskbar area)
• Navigate to your Roon Database Location
• Find the folder that says “Roon Server” and “Roon”
• Rename the “RoonServer” folder to “RoonServer_old” and “Roon” to “Roon_old”
• Reinstall the Roon App from our Downloads Page to generate a new Roon folder
• Verify if the issue persists on a fresh database before restoring the backup

Here is the process outlined from a Windows machine:

When you reach the login screen on the “fresh” install:

• Log in with your existing Roon credentials.
• If it says "Core already in use" or asks for a new license, click "Unauthorize" on the previous listing (which will be your old Windows profile).
• Don't worry: Unauthorizing doesn't delete your music or database; it just unbinds the license from that "user identity" so you can use it here.

You should be able to restore from the saved backup afterward.

We’ll be on standby for your reply!

[Stuart_Frazer]

Success! Many thanks for quick and excellent detailed reponse.
Reinstall worked.
Key points for other W11 users having to move Roon Server to new account on same machine is to treat the same as moving to a completely new machine and follow instructions carefully.
And of course… make sure you back up onto an accessible drive for the new user account (e.g. external usb drive).
Enjoy the Music!
Stuart