Customizing Windows 2008 R2 Fails

[esnmb]

I am getting "Windows could not parse or process the unattend answer file for pass " when deploying from my template. I have gone back in the customization steps and verified all the information.

I am assuming this is R2 specific, no?

We are running vCenter 4 u1 but all ESX servers are running 3.5 u5.

[VMmatty]

I actually just had this problem last week. From searching it looks like a lot of things can cause this problem. For me it was the first one below but it could be other things as well.

1) Don't include domain\username when putting in credentials to join the server to the domain. Just put the username in the box.

2) Make sure the local administrator password meets the complexity requirements.

3) Make sure VMware Tools are properly installed in the guest.

[geddam]

This is not R2 specific. I did came across this issue earlier....I was entering wrong product ID, due to which it started crashing again and again with the message you get......This is expected message when you enter any wrong information for which an answer file doesn't respond....

Make sure

1. Credentials are correct and has admin privileges to initiate answer file...

2. Before cloning, disable the Set Network Location wizard in the source virtual machine by adding the following key in Registry Editor:

HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Network\NewNetworkWindowOff........

3. By any chance are you using custom sysprep file?

Thanks,,

Ramesh. Geddam,

VCP 3&4, MCTS(Hyper-V), SNIA SCP.

Please award points, if helpful

http://communities.vmware.com/blogs/rameshgeddam

[VMmatty]

Actually you're right - in my case it was actually the wrong product key, not the wrong domain credentials.

[geddam]

Dont forget to click answered before you close this post!

Thanks,,

Ramesh. Geddam,

VCP 3&4, MCTS(Hyper-V), SNIA SCP.

Please award points, if helpful

http://communities.vmware.com/blogs/rameshgeddam

[esnmb]

It was the product key! Thanks!!

Now why couldn't MS have made a more specific error message...?

[geddam]

I believe thats the correct message though! "Windows cannot understand answer file", the whole culprit is Answer file...as all settings you enter goes to answer file. Agreed to some extent for more precise logging (but again depends on verbosity)....:)

Thanks,,

Ramesh. Geddam,

VCP 3&4, MCTS(Hyper-V), SNIA SCP.

Please award points, if helpful

http://communities.vmware.com/people/geddam?view=documents

http://communities.vmware.com/blogs/rameshgeddam

[Lyghtnin]

Just in case anyone else hits this issue and wants a little more verification...

http://blogs.technet.com/b/hectorl/archive/2008/08/22/new-vm-from-template-fails-with-windows-could-...

[hristo1977]

I have the same problem, we are using a Windows licens server, so I cant type in any key when doing the cloning. Any one have a clue how to get around this?

[AureusStone]

When you say you are using a windows license server do you mean KMS?

If you are using KMS you have to enter a KMS client setup key that can be found in the document "Volume_Activation_Technical_Reference_Guide.docx" if you search microsoft.com

[hristo1977]

I could leave it blank, I found out that its better to join the domain... :smileyblush: