Unattended Answer File

Hi There
I know that a few others have posted a similar question but a lot of the answer go far over my head. Here's my personal situation
I have a version of home premium that I downloaded as a student from microsoft a few months ago, and burned my copy of windows 7 onto a dvd. Before that I had windows xp ultimate so I had a clean install I think. Anyways, I'm getting a terrible
virus now that keeps opening up IE and plays random virus files like 5kjfwq35.exe so I want to reinstall windows. (It's blocked access to everything like being able to use windows defender and run updates so i mention the virus in case it has to do with anything)
I have a tried a few times now to go through advance recovery with my burnt dvd copy in the computer, but i get the
"Unattended Answer File Contains Invalid Producti Key". How do I get rid of this? What does it mean?

Hi,
As I know, the student versions are upgrade versions of Windows 7.The upgrade Windows 7 needs to verify that the previous operating system is valid. Thue please re-install and
active Windows XP, then perform an upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7 again.
References:
Error: The unattended answer file contains an invalid
product key. Either remove the invalid key or provide a valid product key in the unattend answer file to proceed with Windows installation
The Unattended answer file contains and invalid product
key
Best Regards
Dale
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Similar Messages

Windows 8.1 having same issue: Windows could not parse or process unattend answer file (C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml) for pass [specialize]. A component or setting specified in the answer file does not exist.

I know there are similar other issues with IE 10 and Windows 7. This is WINDOWS 8.1, and the IE Welcome message is totally absent from the default unattend.xml in the c:\windows\panther directory. In fact, I did a sysprep without using any injected
unattend.xml - this is the Microsoft Default!
So I suspect this will start appearing all over again soon. Anyone figure out what was causing it?
Here is the new Specialize section from the xml:
<settings pass="specialize">
        <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Security-SPP-UX" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State"
xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
            <SkipAutoActivation>true</SkipAutoActivation>
        </component>
        <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Security-SPP-UX" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State"
xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
            <SkipAutoActivation>true</SkipAutoActivation>
        </component>
        <component name="Microsoft-Windows-SQMApi" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State"
xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
            <CEIPEnabled>0</CEIPEnabled>
        </component>
        <component name="Microsoft-Windows-SQMApi" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State"
xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
            <CEIPEnabled>0</CEIPEnabled>
        </component>
        <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State"
xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
            
            <ComputerName>Win8</ComputerName>
            <TimeZone>Pacific Standard Time</TimeZone>
        </component>
        <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State"
xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
            
            <ComputerName>Win8</ComputerName>
            <TimeZone>Pacific Standard Time</TimeZone>
        </component>
        <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Deployment" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State"
xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
            <RunSynchronous>
               
                <RunSynchronousCommand wcm:action="add">
                    <Description>Enable Admin Account</Description>
                    <Order>3</Order>
                    <Path>net user administrator /active:yes</Path>
                </RunSynchronousCommand>
                <RunSynchronousCommand wcm:action="add">
                    <Path>powercfg -h off</Path>
                    <Order>4</Order>
                </RunSynchronousCommand>
                <RunSynchronousCommand wcm:action="add">
                    <Order>5</Order>
                    <Path>cmd /c %WINDIR%\Setup\Specialize_x64.cmd</Path>
                </RunSynchronousCommand>
            </RunSynchronous>
        </component>
        <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Deployment" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State"
xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
            <RunSynchronous>
               
                <RunSynchronousCommand wcm:action="add">
                    <Description>Enable Admin Account</Description>
                    <Order>3</Order>
                    <Path>net user administrator /active:yes</Path>
                </RunSynchronousCommand>
                <RunSynchronousCommand wcm:action="add">
                    <Path>powercfg -h off</Path>
                    <Order>4</Order>
                </RunSynchronousCommand>
                <RunSynchronousCommand wcm:action="add">
                    <Order>5</Order>
                    <Path>cmd /c %WINDIR%\Setup\Specialize_x86.cmd</Path>
                </RunSynchronousCommand>
            </RunSynchronous>
        </component>
         <component name="Microsoft-Windows-IE-InternetExplorer" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS"
xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
            <BlockPopups>yes</BlockPopups>
            <CompanyName>FYM Inc</CompanyName>
            <DisableAccelerators>true</DisableAccelerators>
            <DisableDevTools>false</DisableDevTools>
            <DisableFirstRunWizard>true</DisableFirstRunWizard>
            <DisableOOBAccelerators>true</DisableOOBAccelerators>
            <DisableWelcomePage>true</DisableWelcomePage>
            <EnableLinksBar>false</EnableLinksBar>
            <FavoritesDelete>true</FavoritesDelete>
            <FilterLevel>High</FilterLevel>
            <Help_Page>www.google.com</Help_Page>
            <Home_Page>www.google.com</Home_Page>
            <LockToolbars>false</LockToolbars>
            <MSCompatibilityMode>false</MSCompatibilityMode>
            <NoDial>true</NoDial>
            <ShowCommandBar>true</ShowCommandBar>
            <ShowInformationBar>true</ShowInformationBar>
            <SuggestedSitesEnabled>false</SuggestedSitesEnabled>
            <SearchScopes>
                <Scope wcm:action="add">
                    <DisplayQuickPick>true</DisplayQuickPick>
                    <ScopeDefault>true</ScopeDefault>
                    <ScopeDisplayName>Google</ScopeDisplayName>
                    <ScopeKey>Search1</ScopeKey>
                    <ScopeUrl>http://www.google.com/advanced_search?hl=en</ScopeUrl>
                    <ShowSearchSuggestions>true</ShowSearchSuggestions>
                    <ShowTopResult>true</ShowTopResult>
                </Scope>
            </SearchScopes>
        </component>
        <component name="Microsoft-Windows-IE-InternetExplorer" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State"
xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
            <BlockPopups>yes</BlockPopups>
            <CompanyName>FYM Inc</CompanyName>
            <DisableAccelerators>true</DisableAccelerators>
            <DisableDevTools>false</DisableDevTools>
            <DisableFirstRunWizard>true</DisableFirstRunWizard>
            <DisableOOBAccelerators>true</DisableOOBAccelerators>
            <DisableWelcomePage>true</DisableWelcomePage>
            <EnableLinksBar>false</EnableLinksBar>
            <FavoritesDelete>true</FavoritesDelete>
            <FilterLevel>High</FilterLevel>
            <Help_Page>www.google.com</Help_Page>
            <Home_Page>www.google.com</Home_Page>
            <LockToolbars>false</LockToolbars>
            <MSCompatibilityMode>false</MSCompatibilityMode>
            <NoDial>true</NoDial>
            <ShowCommandBar>true</ShowCommandBar>
            <ShowInformationBar>true</ShowInformationBar>
            <SuggestedSitesEnabled>false</SuggestedSitesEnabled>
            <SearchScopes>
                <Scope wcm:action="add">
                    <DisplayQuickPick>true</DisplayQuickPick>
                    <ScopeDefault>true</ScopeDefault>
                    <ScopeDisplayName>Google</ScopeDisplayName>
                    <ScopeKey>Search1</ScopeKey>
                    <ScopeUrl>http://www.google.com/advanced_search?hl=en</ScopeUrl>
                    <ShowSearchSuggestions>true</ShowSearchSuggestions>
                    <ShowTopResult>true</ShowTopResult>
                </Scope>
            </SearchScopes>
        </component>
         <component name="Microsoft-Windows-RemoteAssistance-Exe" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS"
xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
                <fAllowFullControl>true</fAllowFullControl>
                <fAllowToGetHelp>true</fAllowToGetHelp>
         </component>
         <component name="Microsoft-Windows-RemoteAssistance-Exe" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS"
xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
                <fAllowFullControl>true</fAllowFullControl>
                <fAllowToGetHelp>true</fAllowToGetHelp>
         </component>
         <component name="Microsoft-Windows-ErrorReportingCore" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS"
xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
            <DisableWER>1</DisableWER>
         </component>
         <component name="Microsoft-Windows-ErrorReportingCore" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS"
xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
            <DisableWER>1</DisableWER>
         </component>
        <component name="Microsoft-Windows-powercpl" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State"
xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
             
             <PreferredPlan>8c5e7fda-e8bf-4a96-9a85-a6e23a8c635c</PreferredPlan>
             
             
             
             
        </component>
        <component name="Microsoft-Windows-powercpl" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State"
xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
             <PreferredPlan>8c5e7fda-e8bf-4a96-9a85-a6e23a8c635c</PreferredPlan>
        </component>
       <component name="Microsoft-Windows-UnattendedJoin" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State"
xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
           <Identification>
               <JoinWorkgroup>Workgroup</JoinWorkgroup>
           </Identification>
       </component>
       <component name="Microsoft-Windows-UnattendedJoin" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State"
xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
           <Identification>
               <JoinWorkgroup>Workgroup</JoinWorkgroup>
           </Identification>
       </component>
        <component name="Microsoft-Windows-AllUserInstallAgent" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS"
xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
            <LogonWaitForPackageRegistration>false</LogonWaitForPackageRegistration>
        </component>
        <component name="Microsoft-Windows-AllUserInstallAgent" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State"
xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
            <LogonWaitForPackageRegistration>false</LogonWaitForPackageRegistration>
        </component>
    </settings>
I'm thinking of dumping the entire IE section and see what happens.

I too received this error as I tried to run my first Windows 8.1 deployment. Per another post I commented out this line
<IEWelcomeMsg>false</IEWelcomeMsg>
from the IE section of the unattend.xml. I was then able to run my deployment. I do not see this line in your posting though.
I referenced this link even though it was for Windows 7.
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/c41a2b69-a591-4cd3-86ab-6a0f8a73b858/getting-windows-could-not-parse-or-process-the-unattend-answer-file-for-pass-specialize-with?forum=mdt
Hope this helps someone.
JayTheTech
To clarify, I edited the unattend.xml file from from Deployment Share, not C:\Windows\Panther.
DS\control\task sequence ID\unattend.xml
JayTheTech

Getting "Windows could not parse or process the unattend answer file for pass [specialize]" with IE10 integration? Read this...

Hey guys,
I just discovered an issue with using MDT to integrate Internet Explorer 10 into Windows 7 & 2008 R2 image files. Building the images was no problem at all, but when I tried to deploy them it would bomb with this error every time:
"Windows could not parse or process the unattend answer file for pass [specialize]."
So a very annoying and cryptic error to say the least. Obviously the issue was with the unattend.xml file that gets auto-generated by MDT, but all the items under "specialize" had worked just fine when I built the image and the IE version
was the only item that had changed. After comparing the Windows 7 & Server 2008 R2 unattend.xml files to my Windows 8 & Server 2012 unattend.xml files (because they have IE 10 native) I discovered that the following flag was missing
from the Windows 8 & Server 2012 unattend.xml files:
<IEWelcomeMsg>false</IEWelcomeMsg>
So I simply commented it out like so:
Re-ran my test deployment and viola, 100% successful with zero errors. I was a little embarrassed/annoyed that this took me so long to track down, then I realized others might be struggling with this too so thought I'd share.
Hope my time spent saves someone else some grief!

I know the last reply was from a couple weeks ago, but honestly, I haven't been able to find anything else in the last week of searching Google. I'm new to the MDT process but I'm having the same issue with what you posted. I can shift-F10 during the "Applying
system settings" and open my unattend.xml file and remove the IEWelcomeMsg line and the image deploys perfectly, so I know that's my problem. I can't figure out where that line is coming from. I have edited every unattend.xml file in the Templates folder under
MDT and also the one in my deployment task sequence, but somewhere during that deployment, that one setting gets added back to the unattend file and nukes the whole image. I'm about to pull my hair out. I'm implementing MDT to save time but I feel like the
last couple of weeks trying to get it to work have been a waste. I have thought about backing my reference image back to IE9, but having to deploy IE10 post image seems like it's an unnecessary burden. Any help would be appreciated.
~Adam

Windows Could Not parse or process unattend answer file for pass [specialize] after WDT Litetouch 'sysprep and capture'

I setup an ACER VM6620G (Win7x86) how I wanted, including disabling the administrator account and creating an administrator user "PVA"
Navigated to \\wds\DeploymentShare$\Scripts and ran the litetouch script. Chose my "Sysprep and Capture" task.
Everything went off without a hitch until I restarted the technician pc.
I got the dreaded
"Windows could not parse or process unattend answer file [C:\windows\Panther\unattend.xml] for pass [specialize]. A component or setting specified in the answer file does not exist"
I tried to deploy the captured image to the same computer and got the same error
I've scoured the internet for solutions (Shift+10 opens command prompt. Good to know!) with no luck.
I've saved the unattend.xml and looked for errors- going as far as to install an x86 Win7 virtual machine to validate the unattend.xml file in WISM
Other information that might be useful:
I never used WISM to create an unattend.xml nor did I attach one to the image.
I didn't try to copy user profiles/settings/migrate etc
I imported the captured image to WDT. Created a standard task and added 2 nodes
-Inject Drivers
-Install Application
As a side, I've got another image that I've already injected the drivers/installed the application as a test. Everything went smoothly.
+-----------------+
| Unattend.xml:
+-----------------+
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<unattend xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:unattend">
<settings pass="windowsPE">
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-Setup" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State">
<ImageInstall>
<OSImage>
<WillShowUI>OnError</WillShowUI>
<InstallTo>
<DiskID>0</DiskID>
<PartitionID>2</PartitionID>
</InstallTo>
<InstallFrom>
<Path>\\10.0.0.1\deploymentshare$\Operating Systems\ACER Win7 x86 Capture\ACER Win7 x86 Capture.wim</Path>
<MetaData>
<Key>/IMAGE/INDEX</Key>
<Value>1</Value>
</MetaData>
</InstallFrom>
</OSImage>
</ImageInstall>
<Display>
<ColorDepth>16</ColorDepth>
<HorizontalResolution>1024</HorizontalResolution>
<RefreshRate>60</RefreshRate>
<VerticalResolution>768</VerticalResolution>
</Display>
<ComplianceCheck>
<DisplayReport>OnError</DisplayReport>
</ComplianceCheck>
<UserData>
<AcceptEula>true</AcceptEula>
</UserData>
</component>
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-International-Core-WinPE" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<SetupUILanguage>
<UILanguage>en-US</UILanguage>
</SetupUILanguage>
<InputLocale>0409:00000409</InputLocale>
<SystemLocale>en-US</SystemLocale>
<UILanguage>en-US</UILanguage>
<UserLocale>en-US</UserLocale>
</component>
</settings>
<settings pass="generalize">
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<DoNotCleanTaskBar>true</DoNotCleanTaskBar>
</component>
</settings>
<settings pass="specialize">
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-UnattendedJoin" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State">
<Identification>
<JoinWorkgroup>WORKGROUP</JoinWorkgroup>
</Identification>
</component>
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State">
<ComputerName>PVA-PC</ComputerName>
<RegisteredOrganization>PVA</RegisteredOrganization>
<RegisteredOwner>PVA</RegisteredOwner>
<TimeZone>"Eastern Standard Time"</TimeZone>
<DoNotCleanTaskBar>true</DoNotCleanTaskBar>
</component>
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-IE-InternetExplorer" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<Home_Page>about:blank</Home_Page>
<IEWelcomeMsg>false</IEWelcomeMsg>
</component>
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-Deployment" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<RunSynchronous>
<RunSynchronousCommand wcm:action="add">
<Description>EnableAdmin</Description>
<Order>1</Order>
<Path>cmd /c net user Administrator /active:yes</Path>
</RunSynchronousCommand>
<RunSynchronousCommand wcm:action="add">
<Description>UnfilterAdministratorToken</Description>
<Order>2</Order>
<Path>cmd /c reg add HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System /v FilterAdministratorToken /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f</Path>
</RunSynchronousCommand>
<RunSynchronousCommand wcm:action="add">
<Description>disable user account page</Description>
<Order>3</Order>
<Path>reg add HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup\OOBE /v UnattendCreatedUser /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f</Path>
</RunSynchronousCommand>
</RunSynchronous>
</component>
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-International-Core" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<InputLocale>en-US</InputLocale>
<SystemLocale>en-US</SystemLocale>
<UILanguage>en-US</UILanguage>
<UserLocale>en-US</UserLocale>
</component>
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-TapiSetup" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<TapiConfigured>0</TapiConfigured>
<TapiUnattendLocation>
<AreaCode>""</AreaCode>
<CountryOrRegion>1</CountryOrRegion>
<LongDistanceAccess>9</LongDistanceAccess>
<OutsideAccess>9</OutsideAccess>
<PulseOrToneDialing>1</PulseOrToneDialing>
<DisableCallWaiting>""</DisableCallWaiting>
<InternationalCarrierCode>""</InternationalCarrierCode>
<LongDistanceCarrierCode>""</LongDistanceCarrierCode>
<Name>Default</Name>
</TapiUnattendLocation>
</component>
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-SystemRestore-Main" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<DisableSR>1</DisableSR>
</component>
</settings>
<settings pass="oobeSystem">
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State">
<UserAccounts>
<AdministratorPassword>
<Value></Value>
<PlainText>true</PlainText>
</AdministratorPassword>
</UserAccounts>
<AutoLogon>
<Enabled>true</Enabled>
<Username>Administrator</Username>
<Domain>.</Domain>
<Password>
<Value></Value>
<PlainText>true</PlainText>
</Password>
<LogonCount>999</LogonCount>
</AutoLogon>
<Display>
<ColorDepth>32</ColorDepth>
<HorizontalResolution>1024</HorizontalResolution>
<RefreshRate>60</RefreshRate>
<VerticalResolution>768</VerticalResolution>
</Display>
<FirstLogonCommands>
<SynchronousCommand wcm:action="add">
<CommandLine>wscript.exe %SystemDrive%\LTIBootstrap.vbs</CommandLine>
<Description>Lite Touch new OS</Description>
<Order>1</Order>
</SynchronousCommand>
</FirstLogonCommands>
<OOBE>
<HideEULAPage>true</HideEULAPage>
<NetworkLocation>Work</NetworkLocation>
<ProtectYourPC>1</ProtectYourPC>
</OOBE>
<RegisteredOrganization>PVA</RegisteredOrganization>
<RegisteredOwner>PVA</RegisteredOwner>
<TimeZone>"Eastern Standard Time"</TimeZone>
</component>
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-International-Core" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<InputLocale>en-US</InputLocale>
<SystemLocale>en-US</SystemLocale>
<UILanguage>en-US</UILanguage>
<UserLocale>en-US</UserLocale>
</component>
</settings>
<settings pass="offlineServicing">
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-PnpCustomizationsNonWinPE" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<DriverPaths>
<PathAndCredentials wcm:keyValue="1" wcm:action="add">
<Path>\Drivers</Path>
</PathAndCredentials>
</DriverPaths>
</component>
</settings>
</unattend>

https://skydrive.live.com Here's the end of the log file:
2013-03-27 17:39:05, Info 2013-03-27 17:39:05, Info 2013-03-27 17:39:05, Info 2013-03-27 17:39:05, Info 2013-03-27 17:39:05, Info 2013-03-27 17:39:06, Info 2013-03-27 17:39:06, Info 2013-03-27 17:39:06, Info 2013-03-27 17:39:06, Error 2013-03-27 17:39:06, Error 2013-03-27 17:39:06, Info 2013-03-27 17:39:06, Error 2013-03-27 17:39:06, Error 2013-03-27 17:39:06, Info 2013-03-27 17:39:06, Info 2013-03-27 17:39:06, Info 2013-03-27 17:39:06, Info 2013-03-27 17:39:06, Info 2013-03-27 17:39:06, Info 2013-03-27 17:39:06, Error 2013-03-27 17:39:06, Info 2013-03-27 17:39:06, Info Also, here's my [Settings]
Priority=Default
Properties=MyCustomProperty
[Default]
SkipDomainMembership=YES
DomainAdmin=Administrator
DomainAdminDomain=go.local
DomainAdminPassword=************
SkipTimeZone=YES
TimeZone="035"
TimeZoneName="Eastern SkipLocaleSelection=YES
KeyboardLocale=en-US
UserLocale=en-US
UILanguage=en-US
Bootstrap.ini:
[Settings]
Priority=Default
[Default]
DeployRoot=\\10.0.0.1\Dep UserID=Administrator
UserDomain=go.local
UserPassword=***********
KeyboardLocale=en-US
SkipAdminPassword=YES
SkipProductKey=YES
SkipBitLocker=YES /redir?resid=55C3109D61329D02!108&authkey=!AG793wDwQuFZa1s
CMI CBS_Core_Finalize:Calling cbs core finalize complete
CMI Callback_CMI_ConfigInstall: CBS startup processing re-run complete.
[0x030023] CMI Callback_CMI_ConfigInstall: Exit.
[setup.exe] UnattendSearchExplicitPath: Found unattend file at [C:\windows\Panther\unattend.xml]; examining for applicability.
[setup.exe] UnattendSearchExplicitPath: Found usable unattend file for pass [specialize] at [C:\windows\Panther\unattend.xml].
IBS Callback_Unattend_InitEngine:Using unattend file found at [C:\windows\Panther\unattend.xml].
[setup.exe] ValidateSMIPass: serialized settings stream; status 0x00000000
[setup.exe] ValidateSMIPass: construct settings context; status 0x00000000
[setup.exe] SMI data results dump: Source = Name: Microsoft-Windows-IE-InternetExplorer, Language: neutral, ProcessorArchitecture: x86, PublicKeyToken: 31bf3856ad364e35, VersionScope: nonSxS, /settings/IEWelcomeMsg
[setup.exe] SMI data results dump: Description = Setting is not defined in this component.
[setup.exe] ValidateSMIPass: load SMI settings; status 0x00000001
[0x060432] IBS The provided unattend file is not valid; hrResult = 0x80220001
[0x060565] IBS Callback_Unattend_InitEngine:The provided unattend file [C:\windows\Panther\unattend.xml] is not a valid unattended Setup answer file; hr = 0x1, hrSearched = 0x1, hrDeserialized = 0x0, hrImplicitCtx = 0x0, hrValidated = 0x1, hrResult = 0x80220001
IBS UnattendErrorFromResults: Hit an unattend error; dumping any info we have about the failure...
IBS UnattendDumpSetting: ------Unattend setting error / warning------
IBS UnattendDumpSetting: Error code = 0x80220001
IBS UnattendDumpSetting: Pass = specialize
IBS UnattendDumpSetting: --------------------------------------------
IBS UnattendErrorFromResults: Error text = Windows could not parse or process unattend answer file [C:\windows\Panther\unattend.xml] for pass [specialize]. A component or setting specified in the answer file does not exist.
[0x0600c2] IBS Callback_Unattend_InitEngine:An error occurred while finding/loading the unattend file; hr = 0x1, hrResult = 0x80220001[gle=0x00000490]
IBSLIB PublishCriticalError: Publishing blocked message [Windows could not parse or process unattend answer file [C:\windows\Panther\unattend.xml] for pass [specialize]. A component or setting specified in the answer file does not exist.]
This installation is blocked from completing due to compliance failures or invalid input; this is not an internal error.
customsettings.ini as I think it changes the unattend?
Standard Time"
loymentShare$

Windows could not parse or process unattend answer file (c:windows\panther\unattend.xml). Error message during setup.

I'm having an issue, with Windows 8.1 sysprep WIM, when applying the image and don't know what to do.
I am using the Windows 8.1 WADK/Windows Kits for Windows 8.1. Using the Image Manager for creating my answer file, using deployment/imaging tool for creating and editing my images, and using the same Windows 8.1 DVD media for my catalog as in my WIM. No MDT
involvement.
Using WinPE to clean and partition my disk and to apply the image.
I have done the best research I'm able to do at the moment and for this issue it all comes back to removing/editing the "IEWelcomeMsg" line.
I have left at false and removed the line as all have mentioned, however I'm still getting the error "windows setup: windows could not parse or process unattend answer file (c:windows\panther\unattend.xml). A component or setting specified in the answer
file does not exist".
Is there something I missed? From what I can tell for now, nope.
Any help to enlighten what might have been over looked would be beneficial.

Hi JFrederick,
Please try what Tripredacus suggested first.
For the error message, we have a similar thread for reference:
Windows
Could Not parse or process unattend answer file for pass [specialize]
The cause might be different, you may refer to the others who offered suggestions in the above thread.
Regards
Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help, and unmark the answers if they provide no help. If you have feedback for TechNet Support, contact [email protected]

Windows 8.1 Enterprise and unattended answer file and missing apps

Hi,
Have just created a new WIN8.1 x64 enterprise image on a vm and captured it using the capture media.
I have imported it into SCCM 2012 R2 and have created a new deployment task and have sent it out to a test computer.
Once the computer has reimaged, and the task completes, a user logs on and no apps appear at all. not even the default apps like bing, news, weather etc. Just IE, Desktop etc.
In my task sequence, nothing really special happens, other than install image, apply drivers and join domain. I have also made a unattended file to skip through OOBE stuff that happens and to
make sure locale is EN-AU. This is set at Apply Operating System.
What am I doing wrong or missing?
I all I want is the default windows 8.1 apps to appear for each user who logs on. There is no need to do a copyprofile as i have not made any modifications to the user account
during image build.
I did not update the apps before taking the image.
Here is a copy of the unattend.xml file
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<unattend xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:unattend">
<settings pass="oobeSystem">
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<OOBE>
<HideEULAPage>true</HideEULAPage>
<HideOEMRegistrationScreen>true</HideOEMRegistrationScreen>
<HideOnlineAccountScreens>true</HideOnlineAccountScreens>
<HideWirelessSetupInOOBE>true</HideWirelessSetupInOOBE>
<NetworkLocation>Work</NetworkLocation>
<ProtectYourPC>1</ProtectYourPC>
</OOBE>
<TimeZone>Tasmania Standard Time</TimeZone>
</component>
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-International-Core" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<InputLocale>en-AU</InputLocale>
<SystemLocale>en-AU</SystemLocale>
<UILanguage>en-AU</UILanguage>
<UserLocale>en-AU</UserLocale>
</component>
</settings>
<cpi:offlineImage cpi:source="wim:c:/downloads/windows%208.1%20ent/sources/install.wim#Windows 8.1 Enterprise" xmlns:cpi="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:cpi" />
</unattend>

Hi,
Have just created a new WIN8.1 x64 enterprise image on a vm and captured it using the capture media.
I have imported it into SCCM 2012 R2 and have created a new deployment task and have sent it out to a test computer.
Once the computer has reimaged, and the task completes, a user logs on and no apps appear at all. not even the default apps like bing, news, weather etc. Just IE, Desktop etc.
In my task sequence, nothing really special happens, other than install image, apply drivers and join domain. I have also made a unattended file to skip through OOBE stuff that happens and to
make sure locale is EN-AU. This is set at Apply Operating System.
What am I doing wrong or missing?
I all I want is the default windows 8.1 apps to appear for each user who logs on. There is no need to do a copyprofile as i have not made any modifications to the user account
during image build.
I did not update the apps before taking the image.
Here is a copy of the unattend.xml file
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<unattend xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:unattend">
<settings pass="oobeSystem">
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<OOBE>
<HideEULAPage>true</HideEULAPage>
<HideOEMRegistrationScreen>true</HideOEMRegistrationScreen>
<HideOnlineAccountScreens>true</HideOnlineAccountScreens>
<HideWirelessSetupInOOBE>true</HideWirelessSetupInOOBE>
<NetworkLocation>Work</NetworkLocation>
<ProtectYourPC>1</ProtectYourPC>
</OOBE>
<TimeZone>Tasmania Standard Time</TimeZone>
</component>
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-International-Core" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<InputLocale>en-AU</InputLocale>
<SystemLocale>en-AU</SystemLocale>
<UILanguage>en-AU</UILanguage>
<UserLocale>en-AU</UserLocale>
</component>
</settings>
<cpi:offlineImage cpi:source="wim:c:/downloads/windows%208.1%20ent/sources/install.wim#Windows 8.1 Enterprise" xmlns:cpi="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:cpi" />
</unattend>

Creating Unattended Answer Files

I'm a newbie to unattended installs & answer files. I'm hoping someone can help me with the understanding exactly how this works. I know how to get the install to begin, but I'm stuck with the needed answer file. I was hoping there
was a generic answer file available, where I can just make changes to reflect my organization.

HI
YOu can download unattended.xml file from the belwo link
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-in/library/cc732280(v=ws.10).aspx#ex1
once downloaded
You just need to named it as AutoUnattend.xml, make required modification and store it in one of the paths that setup.exe of windows Media folder.
Thats it

Timezone in 2008 unattended answer file

how we can set timezone inside answer file for windows server 2008 and 2012
is it supported?

Hi,
You can specify time zone via
Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup->TimeZone
For more information you can refer to:
TimeZone
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc749073(v=ws.10).aspx
Hope this helps.

MDT 2012- Can no longer deploy images: Unattend Answer file-for pass specialize....

Hello again.
I've got a recently captured Win7 Pro x64 image (successfully captured) via MDT 2012. It has baked in: IE11 and Office 2013 /sp1 and a few misc small prg's, like CCleaner and MWB for example.
I created a new TS to deploy it and ONLY unchecked the "Apply local GPO".. and just before it completes, I'm greeted with the following error: (Hope I can link)- if not: It's the "WIndows could not parse... c win\panther\unattend..for pass
[specialize] error....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/Marginjoey/ParseError_zps2d9d2105.jpg
I know I caused this. When my original image wouldn't capture with IE 11, I was advised that IE 11 was likely the issue (and maybe still is?) So, I believe my issue still sits in this possibly ill-advised change I made ..
Edited the UNATTEND.XML.. under ‘Specialize’, ‘amd64..ie-InternetExplorer_neutral’, then went into ‘IE WELCOME MESSAGE’ and Right-clicked to uncheck ‘Write Image Value’, then altered TRUE to FALSE on the same line. Even though I’ve been back to the default
settings more than once (and right now, back to default) I continue to have this PARSE/Specialize error. All of my settings files are default at the moment. I was using the SKIPPBDD-WELCOME for a bit, but it didn't help, so I removed it.
So, even though I'm back to default in this SPECIALIZE step, is there something else I can do to get around this? Time is of the essence like never before. (Frankly, I'm losing it.. I've been imaging/capturing/ and deploying numbering easily in the
30's and 40's...

More info:
What just happened: I went into my DS$, and into my newest DEPLOY MARCH5 TS, and checked the UNATTEND.XML, did it take so long to open? Did it just create a new one? Is it based off the settings I chose in the TS? Is it a NEW default
copy?
Please help Obi-Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope. ;)

When installing Server 2008 Datacenter from disc, I get the error message "Windows could not parse or process the unattent answer file for pass [specialize].

This is a clean install from s disc onto a 3TB GPT drive. This is for testing. I'm not concerned with finding a more practical solution for this installation.
There is no image or answer file involved. But at the "Completing Installation" phase, I receive this error message about an answer file.
Has anyone else expecrienced this problem? The only results I find here are regarding actual imaging with answer files.
EDIT: [Redacted]
EDIT 2: Since this now happens with every single installation of Server 2008 on this system, I feel the need to keep this open and elaborate on my situation.
I originally installed Server 2008 on the 2TB partition of this 3TB drive. The partition type was MBR. I reinstalled it (there was a false alarm for malicious software) since it was a fresh install without updates or anything else installed. And for the
second time, it installed fine.
I decided to make the most of my 3TB drive and try GPT partitioning. So I went into the command prompt > diskpart > ran "clean" on the disk, then "convert GPT"
That is when I tried another install of Server 2008 and received this error message about an answer file.
I decided to convert it back to MBR and get on with what I wanted to test in the first place. So I went into Diskpart again, ran "clean", rand "convert MBR" and started the install. But this resulted in the same error message about an
answer file.
I went back to Diskpart, "clean"ed the disk, ran "convert dynamic" to make sure it was dynamic, then tried the install again, with the same result.
Now, I've tried installing on the disk as GPT, MBR basic and MBR dynamic. I've tried a different installation disc, as well. I got the same result. At this point, I'm going to switch hard drives, but I'm still open to input. Thanks for reading!

Hi,
As you swapped the hard disk, whether the same issue occurs again if you redo the same steps?
I asked "OEM or retail" because of this known issue:
"Windows could not parse or process the unattend answer file for pass [specialize]" error message when you perform an in-place upgrade in Windows 7 or in Windows Server 2008 R2
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2425962
An answer file may already contain in the disc which causes the issue.
If issue still exists you can click Shift + F10 during the installation process to see the log. Check if the installation error for detailed information.
If you have any feedback on our support, please send to [email protected]

Installing Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 using ISOs, Answer Files and Driver files over PXE boot

I have a validation lab that uses Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 on several completely different systems. I am looking for an easy way for the techs to PXE boot from a 2012 Server, select the OS to install and have the OS installed with drivers so when they come back
to the system it has the OS installed with no Bangs in Device Manager.
I have done this in the past (7-8 years ago) and it was fairly easy. Now from what I read it appears I have to create "Image" files for each system type? I hope I am misreading this because that method is counter-productive to create 10 different
images for 10 different systems.
I thought I used WDS and AIK on a 2K3 Server but I don't remember.
Is there a method/tool to install the operating systems as I described above using original OS ISOs, unattended answer files and driver files? WDS or SCCM? AM I misreading how it works?

Consider using newer Windows ADK
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=39982

HP 4540s Invalid Product Key in answer file, Win 8 x64

I baught 3 HP 4540s i5 laptops loaded all the same way and 1 is giving me uphill. When installing Windows 8 x64 I get to Select Region and Language, see the drive and select install.Installing windows Screen comes up and finishes "Getting files ready for Instalation".After that I get a error message:"The unattended answer file contains an invalid product key. Either remove the invalid key or provide a valid product key in the unattend answer file to proceed with Windows Instalation" I tried to install with all 3 of the discs that came with the different laptops and same error. Only thing changes was I added aditional 4GB RAM (Corsair Value Select CMSO4GX3M1A1333C9), and swopped out the HDD with a OCZ Vector 128GB SSD. Any ideas as to what and where the problem lies?

Ran into the same issue. Same error message on a new Elitebook 9480m. Saw this post and realized I had added CrucialRAM too. So removed the RAM and restarted the installation and it proceeded without an issue. Weird but true. Thank you for sharing your experience as it helped me. HP take note and address this issue please. Mhzman

Whats wrong with my answer file?

I get Windows Cannot Parse the Unattend Answer file's <DiskConfiguration>
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<unattend xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:unattend">
<settings pass="windowsPE">
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-International-Core-WinPE" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State"
xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<SetupUILanguage>
<WillShowUI>OnError</WillShowUI>
<UILanguage>en-uk</UILanguage>
</SetupUILanguage>
<InputLocale>en-uk</InputLocale>
<SystemLocale>en-uk</SystemLocale>
<UILanguage>en-uk</UILanguage>
<UserLocale>en-uk</UserLocale>
</component>
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-Setup" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State"
xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<DiskConfiguration>
<WillShowUI>OnError</WillShowUI>
<Disk wcm:action="add">
<CreatePartitions>
<CreatePartition wcm:action="add">
<Order>1</Order>
<Size>15000</Size>
<Type>Primary</Type>
</CreatePartition>
</CreatePartitions>
<ModifyPartitions>
<ModifyPartition wcm:action="add">
<Active>true</Active>
<Extend>false</Extend>
<Format>NTFS</Format>
<Label>OS_install</Label>
<Letter>C</Letter>
<Order>1</Order>
<PartitionID>1</PartitionID>
<TypeID></TypeID>
</ModifyPartition>
</ModifyPartitions>
<DiskID>0</DiskID>
<WillWipeDisk>true</WillWipeDisk>
</Disk>
</DiskConfiguration>
<ImageInstall>
<OSImage>
<InstallTo>
<DiskID>0</DiskID>
<PartitionID>1</PartitionID>
</InstallTo>
<WillShowUI>OnError</WillShowUI>
<InstallToAvailablePartition>true</InstallToAvailablePartition>
</OSImage>
</ImageInstall>
<UserData>
<ProductKey>
<Key>CQBVJ-9J697-PWB9R-4K7W4-2BT4J</Key>
<WillShowUI>OnError</WillShowUI>
</ProductKey>
<AcceptEula>true</AcceptEula>
<FullName>Test User</FullName>
<Organization>Testing</Organization>
</UserData>
<EnableFirewall>true</EnableFirewall>
<EnableNetwork>true</EnableNetwork>
<LogPath>C:\</LogPath>
<Restart>Restart</Restart>
<UseConfigurationSet>true</UseConfigurationSet>
</component>
</settings>
<settings pass="specialize">
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State"
xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<AutoLogon>
<Password>
<Value>TQBpAHIAawB3AG8AbwBkADEAUABhAHMAcwB3AG8AcgBkAA==</Value>
<PlainText>false</PlainText>
</Password>
<Domain>Corp.poshcleaning.com</Domain>
<Enabled>true</Enabled>
<LogonCount>1</LogonCount>
<Username>VM1</Username>
</AutoLogon>
</component>
</settings>
<settings pass="oobeSystem">
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State"
xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<OOBE>
<NetworkLocation>Home</NetworkLocation>
<ProtectYourPC>1</ProtectYourPC>
</OOBE>
<BluetoothTaskbarIconEnabled>true</BluetoothTaskbarIconEnabled>
<DisableAutoDaylightTimeSet>false</DisableAutoDaylightTimeSet>
<DoNotCleanTaskBar>true</DoNotCleanTaskBar>
<ShowWindowsLive>true</ShowWindowsLive>
<StartPanelOff>true</StartPanelOff>
<TimeZone>GMT</TimeZone>
</component>
</settings>
<settings pass="offlineServicing">
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State"
xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<OEMInformation>
<HelpCustomized>false</HelpCustomized>
<Manufacturer>Dream Catcher Design</Manufacturer>
<Model></Model>
<SupportHours>10:00 - 18:00</SupportHours>
<SupportPhone>0208 3549321</SupportPhone>
<SupportURL>www.dreamcatcherdesign.co.uk</SupportURL>
</OEMInformation>
</component>
</settings>
<settings pass="auditSystem">
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-Deployment" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State"
xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<Reseal>
<Mode>Audit</Mode>
</Reseal>
</component>
</settings>
<cpi:offlineImage cpi:source="wim://rami-pc/users/rami/desktop/windows%207%20image/install.wim#Windows 7 ENTERPRISE" xmlns:cpi="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:cpi" />
</unattend>

Hi，
I agree with Tripredacus.
You should validate your answer file first.
Meanwhile, I would like to share the following article with you:
Walkthrough: Build a Simple Answer File
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc749317(v=ws.10).aspx
Hope it helps.
Regards,
Blair Deng
Blair Deng
TechNet Community Support

Answer File

Please enlighten me what is the difference between the 2 step by step guide for Win7 (building an image) below:
technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd349348(v=ws.10).aspx
technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee523217(v=WS.10).aspx
One of them contain a step for creating an answer file and one does not.
Which one should I follow? What is the difference?

The answer file is a way to add some kind of automation to the windows installation process.
The first article describes how to create the unattend.xml file that is involved in the installation automation process and then describes how to capture and install the image.
The second article assumes that you install windows manually then describes how to capture and install the image.
So,if you want to fully automate the setup process of a win7 machine and skip the OOBE phase,you should follow the first guide in order to create the answer file.After the windows setup process,they are interchangeable.
However,the second one is more descriptive in all of it's passages.
It depends on how many machines are you going to deploy.If there are 1-2-3 machines then you can manually configure windows 7 at the setup screen.
If you have to deploy win7 to 5-15 machines,it's better to spend some time to create an unattend answer file and play some time with WAIK or ADK
If you have to deploy win 7 on more than 15 machines maybe it's better to move up to MDT.You'll spend some time to figure out how to configure MDT,but then you'll have an LTI deployment (Lite Touch Deployment),where you can deploy apps,drivers,updates and so
on with minimal input required
When it comes to win 7 deployment,i suggest you to follow this site:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/dd361745.aspx

Deploying Windows 7 Via WDS using Unattend.xml Answer File

I have been trying to transition over to using WDS for my main method of Windows 7 image deployment in our Server 2008 R2 domain environment. I am having trouble with getting the answer file to work properly. I have read through multiple threads, posts, and guides including the guide on this site:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/286053-system-preparation-tool-use-customize-windows.html
And I have been making progress. As of now I have two answer files, as described in this guide:
http://blog.augustoalvarez.com.ar/2010/04/21/deploying-windows-7-using-windows-deployment-services-wds-step-by-step-part-ii/
One is used to tell WinPE which image to install, and the other is used to answer the questions after the image push is complete. My answer files are as follows:
The answer file configured in the 'client' tab of the WDS server
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<unattend xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:unattend">
<settings pass="windowsPE">
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-International-Core-WinPE" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<SetupUILanguage>
<UILanguage>en-us</UILanguage>
</SetupUILanguage>
<InputLocale>en-us</InputLocale>
<SystemLocale>en-us</SystemLocale>
<UILanguage>en-us</UILanguage>
<UILanguageFallback>en-us</UILanguageFallback>
<UserLocale>en-us</UserLocale>
</component>
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-Setup" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<DiskConfiguration>
<Disk wcm:action="add">
<CreatePartitions>
<CreatePartition wcm:action="add">
<Extend>true</Extend>
<Order>1</Order>
<Type>Primary</Type>
</CreatePartition>
</CreatePartitions>
<ModifyPartitions>
<ModifyPartition wcm:action="add">
<Active>true</Active>
<Extend>false</Extend>
<Format>NTFS</Format>
<Label>System</Label>
<Letter>C</Letter>
<Order>1</Order>
<PartitionID>1</PartitionID>
</ModifyPartition>
</ModifyPartitions>
<DiskID>0</DiskID>
<WillWipeDisk>true</WillWipeDisk>
</Disk>
</DiskConfiguration>
<WindowsDeploymentServices>
<Login>
<Credentials>
<Domain>mydomain.local</Domain>
<Password>Password</Password>
<Username>DomainUser</Username>
</Credentials>
</Login>
<ImageSelection>
<InstallImage>
<Filename>Windows 7.wim</Filename>
<ImageName>Windows 7</ImageName>
<ImageGroup>Windows 7 Enterprise x64</ImageGroup>
</InstallImage>
<InstallTo>
<DiskID>0</DiskID>
<PartitionID>1</PartitionID>
</InstallTo>
</ImageSelection>
</WindowsDeploymentServices>
</component>
</settings>
<cpi:offlineImage cpi:source="wim://antares-g/reminst/images/windows%207%20enterprise%20x64/Windows 7-student-cschool-12dec2013.wim#Windows 7-Student-Cschool-12Dec2013" xmlns:cpi="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:cpi" />
</unattend>
The answer file attached to the install image:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<unattend xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:unattend">
<settings pass="generalize">
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-Security-SPP" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<SkipRearm>1</SkipRearm>
</component>
</settings>
<settings pass="specialize">
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-Deployment" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<RunSynchronous>
<RunSynchronousCommand wcm:action="add">
<Order>1</Order>
<Path>net user adminaccount /active:yes</Path>
</RunSynchronousCommand>
</RunSynchronous>
</component>
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-Security-SPP-UX" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<SkipAutoActivation>false</SkipAutoActivation>
</component>
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<RegisteredOrganization>Microsoft</RegisteredOrganization>
<RegisteredOwner>AutoBVT</RegisteredOwner>
<ShowWindowsLive>false</ShowWindowsLive>
<TimeZone>Eastern Standard Time</TimeZone>
<DoNotCleanTaskBar>false</DoNotCleanTaskBar>
</component>
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-UnattendedJoin" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<Identification>
<Credentials>
<Domain>mydomain.local</Domain>
<Password>password</Password>
<Username>DomainUser</Username>
</Credentials>
<JoinDomain>Mydomain.local</JoinDomain>
<UnsecureJoin>true</UnsecureJoin>
</Identification>
</component>
</settings>
<settings pass="oobeSystem">
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-International-Core" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<InputLocale>en-us</InputLocale>
<SystemLocale>en-us</SystemLocale>
<UserLocale>en-us</UserLocale>
<UILanguage>en-us</UILanguage>
</component>
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<OOBE>
<HideEULAPage>true</HideEULAPage>
<NetworkLocation>Work</NetworkLocation>
<ProtectYourPC>1</ProtectYourPC>
</OOBE>
<UserAccounts>
<AdministratorPassword>
<Value>UABBAFMAUwBXAE8AUgBEAEEAZABtAGkAbgBpAHMAdAByAGEAdABvAHIAUABhAHMAcwB3AG8AcgBkAA==</Value>
<PlainText>false</PlainText>
</AdministratorPassword>
<LocalAccounts>
<LocalAccount wcm:action="add">
<Description>standard user</Description>
<DisplayName>Admin</DisplayName>
<Group>Users</Group>
<Name>Admin</Name>
</LocalAccount>
</LocalAccounts>
</UserAccounts>
<RegisteredOrganization>MYCOMPANY</RegisteredOrganization>
<RegisteredOwner>MYCOMPANY</RegisteredOwner>
</component>
</settings>
<settings pass="windowsPE">
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-International-Core-WinPE" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<SetupUILanguage>
<UILanguage>en-us</UILanguage>
</SetupUILanguage>
<InputLocale>en-us</InputLocale>
<UserLocale>en-us</UserLocale>
<UILanguageFallback>en-us</UILanguageFallback>
<UILanguage>en-us</UILanguage>
<SystemLocale>en-us</SystemLocale>
</component>
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-Setup" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<WindowsDeploymentServices>
<Login>
<Credentials>
<Domain>Mydomain.local</Domain>
<Password>Password</Password>
<Username>DomainUser</Username>
</Credentials>
</Login>
</WindowsDeploymentServices>
</component>
</settings>
<cpi:offlineImage cpi:source="catalog://antares-g/reminst/images/windows 7 enterprise x64/Windows 7-student-cschool-12dec2013_win7-student-cschool-12dec2013.clg" xmlns:cpi="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:cpi" />
</unattend>
Now, what happens is - the image installs on the client successfully, I am not prompted for any input during the installation, it is fully automated. Windows boots successfully after installation, and I can log in with the "adminaccount" that was included in the image. The OS IS activated. The computer IS joined to the domain, however the computer is named: DomainUser1. I deleted the computer account in AD, I pushed it again and it named the computer to: DomainUser2. I'm not sure why the computer is being named the name of the domain user. Originally I had put in TestComputer for the computer name in the answer file, but it still had named it DomainUser1, so I took the TestComputer out of the answer file, thinking it would prompt me for a name, but instead it named it DomainUser2. This is one issue.
The second issue is, after the first log in, the "Set Network Location" box pops up. Is there a way to avoid this so the user is not asked this?
Third, I need the user that's created during the process to be disabled after it's created since I already have an administrator account included in the image. However the OOBE needs to have a user created, so I just had it create one.
Any and all help is appreciated.

Hi,
For your first question, based on my knowledge, if ComputerName is missing, you must enter a computer name during OOBE.
I suggest you write an empty string in Computer Name to check if can get a random computer name. If ComputerName is set to an asterisk (*) or is an empty string, a random computer name will be generated. This random name has at most eight
characters from the RegisteredOwner and/or RegisteredOrganization strings plus random characters.
The second one, if you want to disable set network location wizard, you may try to add a command in Run Synchronous Command
setting, just like this command:
CommandLine = REG ADD “HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Network\NewNetworkWindowOff”
This is for your reference:
Turn off the Network Location wizard
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg252535(v=ws.10).aspx
for the last question, based on my knowledge, the sysprep tool will disable the built-in administrator but not clear the password. So you can enable it in your answer file to check how it works.
If there is still some errors in process, you can upload the specialize process log to check the process error:
%windir%\panther
Alex Zhao
TechNet Community Support

Unattended Answer File

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