Prompted for Windows product key after FBReseal.exe

Question

Greetings,
With the EOL of Windows XP fast approaching, we are planning to deploy POSReady 2009 to several cash registers.  My plan is to install the POSReady 2009 Ghost image provided by our vender/OEM, make our site specific modifications, then run fbreseal
and create a new image for deployment.  My problem is that after I run fbreseal (and then simply reboot the register as a test) the setup wizard asks me for a Windows product key (which I don't have and can't get because OEMs can not give it to customers).
I thought that the entire purpose of fbreseal was for cases like this when you do not have a Windows product key?  What am I missing?  Is there a hidden switch I should be using with FBReseal?
Thanks,
Dasani

Answer 1

I had found/read the document... I guess the fourth paragraph had led me to believe that FBReseal would not ask for the product key:
"Sysprep is useful in scenarios when you have access to your POSReady product key, and also provides additional customizing functionality over FBReseal. FBReseal does not require a product key, but it does not have as many features as Sysprep, and it can
only be run one time. If you do not have access to your POSReady product key, you must use FBReseal."
When I apply the Ghost image from the vender and start the register I get the following prompts:
- Welcome Screen
- I have to accept the license agreement
- Choose regional/language options
- Define my name/organization
- Define computer name and administrator password
When I FBReseal it and then restart, I get the exact same prompts EXCEPT after I define my name and organization it asks for the Windows product key.
I suspect the vender did not prepare our Ghost image properly, it appears that they may have ran FBReseal.  Based on the POSReady 2009 deployment guide, this should not be done:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd936220(v=winembedded.0).aspx
"The product ID (PID) that is required to license the OS is only available to an OEM. End users receive a fully installed OS that can be customized. It is important to understand the state of the POSReady OS that you receive from your OEM. The original installation
of POSReady must be prepared by the OEM by using the Sysprep utility. This will put the OS image in a state that is ready to be customized and cloned. The OEM must not use FBReseal to prepare the computer for cloning. The suggested cloning method, which uses
Windows Deployment Services, will only recognize a device that has had a full Sysprep pass. The OEM will likely provide two sets of media to aid in the POSReady customization process:"
Anyway, since the vender I'm working with is slow.... it appears I may have no choice but use their Ghost image and then apply all of our customizations to each and every register.
Thanks,
Dasani