Windows 10: Windows 10 Clean Install Error: "Windows cannot read <product key> from unattend answer file"

Hello,


I've build a new PC and I ran in some trouble while installing windows.
At first I created a bootable USB stick with an older windows iso that I had stored somewhere and rufus.
I installed windows, no issues there, but I bumped into network driver issues. In ubuntu I had no driver issues, so I figured this would be windows related.
Because I was using an older windows iso, I tried downloading a more recent iso file using the media creation tool from Microsoft.
I made another bootable USB using rufus and the newer windows 10 Pro iso, but this time I've got this error "windows can not read <product key> from unattend answer file" even before entering the installation wizard. I was not attempting an unattended installation.
I'm a windows cliënt and server teacher and windows installation is one of my daily tasks at hand , This is the first time I've got this error.


I found a work around by copying and pasting a script in notebook, adjusting the product key, make a bootable USB and saving the script as 'autounattend.xml" on the bootable USB. This step made me able to finish the installation with a network driver.

Both on win 10 Pro and server 2012 R2 I've experienced this error, only on this PC, I never had this error before.
Saving the script under "autounattend.xml" works, but this shouldn't be the way to go.

Any ideas how I can install windows without needing the extra autounattend file and why this error is occurring?
I've searched the web and it seems like more people are having this error but apart from the work around I can't seem to find the cause or solution to this error.

Thank in advance,

Eva






***Thread moved from Windows 10 / Install & upgrade***

:)

 

Problem with Windows 10 unattended answer file?






Hej Ken. Din svarfil antyder att du är också en Finlandsvensk. Välkommen till Ten Forums!






Hi Ken. Your answer file suggests that you are a fellow Finland Swede. Welcome to Ten Forums!

That error is because there's no generic product key or MAK key in your answer file. It is obligatory in autounattend.xml answer file, the one that takes care of first phase of Windows setup, partitioning and installing.

Please see step 3.9 in following tutorial for how to add key in answer file: Create media for automated unattended install of Windows 10

 

Windows 10 Clean Install Error: "Windows cannot read <product key> from unattend answer file"

Seems like a lot of people have this problem and no solution has been found. I did a fine install from a retail Windows 10 USB. I would now like to do a clean install on a new drive, however on boot from USB I get the "Windows cannot read <product key> from
unattended answer file" error.

I look in my BIOS and it tells me that the platform Key is loaded. So I assume the secure boot key was created correctly. I am not doing an unattended install so I don't know why I get this message. I have not opportunity to select any options because this
is the first thing I see after I see the files are loading message.

I have followed every suggestion I could find on the web, non of which worked. I tired removing the USB after setup started. I tried removing all other hard drives except the new one I wanted to install Win 10 on.

Is there a solution to this?

 

Windows 10 Clean Install Error: "Windows cannot read <product key> from unattend answer file"

Hi GoFor. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 9 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

This should not happen on a retail Windows 10 install or reinstall with media correctly created from Media Creation Tool and booted properly as a UEFI device if offered. Follow the illustrated Clean Install steps in this tutorial which compiles the best possible
install that will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Try removing any disk from the optical drive.

Other possible solutions here:

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3154809/wi...

https://superuser.com/questions/1085542/windows...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

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