"Windows could not parse or process the unattended answer file for pass [specialize]..." upon first boot after restoring Windows Vista/7/2008 R2 system with Symantec System Recovery
| Article:TECH128352 | | | Created: 2010-01-02 | | | Updated: 2012-09-20 | | | Article URL http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH128352 |
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Problem
After restoring a Windows Vista/7/2008 R2 system image using either the Backup Exec System Recovery (BESR) or Symantec System Recovery (SSR) where "Restore Anywhere Option" was enabled, below error occurs upon first boot; rebooting the restored system continues to generate the error:
Error
Windows could not parse or process the unattended answer file for pass [specialize]. The settings specified in the answer file cannot be applied. The error was detected while processing settings for component [Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup].
If you click on OK System goes in to reboot loop with below error:
The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error. windows installation cannot proceed. To install Windows click "OK"to restart the computer, and then restart the installation
Environment
Windows Vista/7/2008 R2 based system re targeting restores.
Cause
By Default, restoring a Windows Vista/7/2008R2 system partition where the 'Use Restore Anywhere' option was enabled, BESR/SSR configures the Windows mini-setup to run upon first boot after the restore. More specifically, an unattend.xml file is created and Windows is directed to process that unattend file during the initial reboot. In most cases, this should work. However, in cases where this error occurs, Windows cannot process some portion of the unattend.xml file.
Solution
Solution 1:
Restore without selecting the 'Use Restore Anywhere' option if the Windows Vista/7/2008R2 images will be restored to the original system where they came from and the original system has not undergone a system board or mass storage controller change.
Solution 2:
During the restore wizard process, hold down the 'Ctrl' key when clicking the 'Use Rrestore Anywhere' option. Disable 'Run Windows Mini Setup' and put a check in 'Delete existing drivers'. It is typically not advised to check 'Prompt for drivers' at this stage unless advise by Symantec Technical support.
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Legacy ID
348346
Article URL http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH128352
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