Autounattend.xml doesn't work properly

HITData · 27 Nov 2010

Hi!
I'm about to prepare some OEM computers and have made a simple unattend.xml-file with help from the answering file sample from WAIK, but I can't get it to work properly.

I have copied the file to the root directory of an USB drive and it seemes like the installation program is reading the file (e.g. I don't have to specify an computer name when finalizing the installation) but it's not as automated that I would like it to be. I have to choose wich Windows version to install (basic, HP etc.), the disk partitions listed in the xml-file is not automated (I have to choose wich drive to use for installation), I need to confirm the license agreement, choose date and time options.

What can be wrong? I would like a clean, working autounattend.xml-file that automatically installs and also temporarily activates the administrator account so I can install updates, drivers and such and then seal everything up with sysprep.

Can anyone help me with this?
Here's my autounattend.xml file (I've deleted the OEM info):

autounattend.xml

//Henrik

pebbly · 27 Nov 2010

Hi HITData, welcome to the forums, Have a look at this Windows 7 doesn't detect autounattend.xml? It may help you:)

HITData · 27 Nov 2010

Thnks for the reply. I replaced all the "x86" posts with "AMD64" and now it works much better. :)

I still have to choose wich version of Windows I want to install thought (basic, HP, pro or ultimate). Any way of getting around that?

Regards, Henrik

pebbly · 27 Nov 2010

HITData said:

Thnks for the reply. I replaced all the "x86" posts with "AMD64" and now it works much better. :)

I still have to choose wich version of Windows I want to install thought (basic, HP, pro or ultimate). Any way of getting around that?

Regards, Henrik

I will have another search for you :)

are you adding this line /settings>
<cpi

fflineImage cpi:source="wim:/sources/install.wim#Windows 7 ULTIMATE" xmlns:cpi="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:cpi" />
</unattend>

add whichever version you wish to install

Dont know why it put the smily face instead of an "o"

HITData · 27 Nov 2010

I have this info at the end of the xml:

</settings>
<cpi

fflineImage cpi:source="catalog:d:/sources/install_windows 7 homepremium.clg" xmlns:cpi="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:cpi" />
</unattend>

I loaded the Home Premium catalogue file when making the file. Should I change (or add) something here?

pebbly · 27 Nov 2010

HITData said:

I have this info at the end of the xml:

</settings>
<cpi

fflineImage cpi:source="catalog:d:/sources/install_windows 7 homepremium.clg" xmlns:cpi="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:cpi" />
</unattend>

I loaded the Home Premium catalogue file when making the file. Should I change (or add) something here?

I'm not 100% certain but I think you have got it right ,Maybe one of our excellent resident programming experts will be along shortly to verify it for you :)

Kari · 27 Nov 2010

HITData said:

I have this info at the end of the xml:

</settings>
<cpi

fflineImage cpi:source="catalog:d:/sources/install_windows 7 homepremium.clg" xmlns:cpi="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:cpi" />
</unattend>

I loaded the Home Premium catalogue file when making the file. Should I change (or add) something here?

Using Image Manager (wim) or catalog (clg) file has no difference, they will do the same, according to available info.

Shouldn't there be a Windows version after the used clg or wim file name? Like "catalog:d:/sources/install_windows 7 homepremium.clg#Windows 7 HOMEPREMIUM"? Other than that, syntax of that line is correct, of course replacing that embarrasment-smiley with ":" followed by "o"

Have you checked your tags? That every tag <XML TAG> is also closed </XML TAG>?

Kari

HITData · 28 Nov 2010

Shouldn't there be a Windows version after the used clg or wim file name? Like "catalog:d:/sources/install_windows 7 homepremium.clg#Windows 7 HOMEPREMIUM"? Other than that, syntax of that line is correct, of course replacing that embarrasment-smiley with ":" followed by "o"

Have you checked your tags? That every tag <XML TAG> is also closed </XML TAG>?

Hi, I've tried with the strings: cpi:source="catalog:d:/sources/install_windows 7 homepremium.clg#Windows 7 HOMEPREMIUM" and cpi:source="catalog:d:/sources/install_windows 7 homepremium.clg#Windows 7 Home Premium" but neither does work.
I noticed that my <Xml> tag isn't "ended" properly at the end of my autounattend-file. I've tried with adding a </xml> at the end but that gives me an error like, "something went wrong when reading the autounattend.xml file.....".
My <xml> line at the top looks like this: "<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>".
How do I "end" that correctly?

Thanks!
//Henrik

pebbly · 28 Nov 2010

HITData said:

Shouldn't there be a Windows version after the used clg or wim file name? Like "catalog:d:/sources/install_windows 7 homepremium.clg#Windows 7 HOMEPREMIUM"? Other than that, syntax of that line is correct, of course replacing that embarrasment-smiley with ":" followed by "o"

Have you checked your tags? That every tag <XML TAG> is also closed </XML TAG>?

Hi, I've tried with the strings: cpi:source="catalog:d:/sources/install_windows 7 homepremium.clg#Windows 7 HOMEPREMIUM" and cpi:source="catalog:d:/sources/install_windows 7 homepremium.clg#Windows 7 Home Premium" but neither does work.
I noticed that my <Xml> tag isn't "ended" properly at the end of my autounattend-file. I've tried with adding a </xml> at the end but that gives me an error like, "something went wrong when reading the autounattend.xml file.....".
My <xml> line at the top looks like this: "<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>".
How do I "end" that correctly?

Thanks!
//Henrik

HITData, the first line ends correctly ,your second line should look like this
<unattend xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:unattend">

Kari · 28 Nov 2010

Could you post the whole xml, with tags, only replacing sensitive information wit xxx's?