Question

Invalid key when using autounattend.xml... Key works fine when doing a normal install

Asked by: shaynej

Hey guys.

I have got myself a copy of Windows 7 Enterprise with a volume license key (And yes, it is legitimate). The problem I am having is when I try to install Windows 7 using the autounattend.xml file on a usb stick method, I get an invalid key.

"The unattend 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."

Now I know for sure that this is the key without any typos as I copied and pasted it straight from Microsoft Volume Licensing website. I have also successfully installed and activated 4 teachers computers, so the key is valid.

I created the file using WAIK for Windows 7. I followed the instructions from the WAIK installation.

Thanks,
Shayne Jellesma
Desktop Support and Network Administrator
St Martins Lutheran College

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Asked On
2009-08-31 at 21:16:23ID24696919
Topics

Deployment Software for Development

,

Windows 7

Participating Experts
3
Points
500
Comments
8

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Answers

 

by: tbsgadiPosted on 2009-09-01 at 00:05:03ID: 25229097

 

by: shaynejPosted on 2009-09-01 at 02:18:03ID: 25229685

Yeah i came across that thread. I downloaded my copy from Microsoft Volume Licensing so it has be not been altered in anyways.

Thanks anyway.

 

by: aleinssPosted on 2009-09-01 at 05:32:12ID: 25230847

The workaround you could use is to install the product key during Runonce using slmgr:

slmgr -ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx

Otherwise, if you want to get to the root of the problem, hit SHIFT-F10 to break out to a command prompt and look at C:\windows\panther\setupact.log

 

by: shaynejPosted on 2009-09-01 at 05:38:59ID: 25230899

I'll give that a go tomorrow when im back at work.

So hit SHIFT+F10 when the error message pops up? It can't be done after the error message, as when you click ok the computer reboots.

 

by: aleinssPosted on 2009-09-01 at 06:04:18ID: 25231110

You should be able to hit it at any time, so as soon as the install gets rolling, hit SHIFT-F10 to open the command prompt and then open the log in notepad when the error comes up.  

 

by: shaynejPosted on 2009-09-01 at 17:41:13ID: 25237392

It ended up being that I cannot use a MAK key when using autounattend.xml file. Even though when I used a KMS key, it didnt work either but im putting it down to I don't have a KMS host installed yet.

When I checked the error logs like aleinss said, it detected the key but was unable to validate it.

I'll be having a bit more of a play with the image creation as its all new to me.A fair bit different than how you image an xp machine which is what im used to.





Cause: When deploying Windows Server 2008 Volume License Edition, or Windows Vista Volume License Edition, and attempting to specify the Multiple Activation Key (MAK) product key within the Task Sequence for the Operating System Deployment, these errors will occur, and the Operating System will fail to install. This is due to differences in the way these Operating Systems handle the unattended install with regards to the product key.
Reference: http://blogs.technet.com/smsandmom/archive/2008/11/12/configmgr-2007-osd-task-sequence-fails-with-unspecified-error-80004005-and-setupact-log-indicates-invalid-product-key.aspx


 

by: aleinssPosted on 2009-09-02 at 07:17:50ID: 25241297

Just add slmgr -ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx as a RunOnce task in your AutoUnattend.xml file.

Vista/7 will work 30 days without the input of a product key.

 

by: netbonesPosted on 2009-12-04 at 10:51:43ID: 25974544

I'm using the Windows System Image Manager to create the autounattend.xml file. How do I add that in this tool??

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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