Windows could not parse error

[fakingitwithconfigmgr]

We are more than half way through our windows 7 (32 bit) deployment using configuration manager and have run into a problem. On some (not all) of our EliteBook 6930p laptops, the task sequence is failing at the Setup Windows and ConfigMgr step. The error is "Install Windows: Windows could not parse or process the unattend answer file for pass [specilized]. The settings specified in the answer file cannot be applied. The error was detected while processing settings for component [Microsoft - Windows - Shell - Setup]." If we click OK on the error, we get Setup will continue after restarting your computer. On restart the computer goes into Setup is preparing your computer for first use and then we get the error: "Install Windows - The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error. Windows installation cannot proceed. To install Windows, click "OK" to restart the comptuer an then restart the installation."

 

I cannot get into the machine to check any files. The status message viewer in the console indicates the task sequene completed the setup windows and configmgr step and then the next message says it restarted the computer and there are no further messages.

 

I have tried many different things for the last two days including disabling the driver steps, and deleting the windows license key and am getting nowhere. I cannot tell the difference between the 6930s that work and those that do not. I've reviewed bios settings and drivers.

 

Ideas? Any other hints on where to look?

[fakingitwithconfigmgr]

So of course, as soon as I post this I figure it out. I ended up creating a brand new task sequence with the just the basic required steps and that worked. So then it was a matter of adding back steps until I found the problem. The problem turned out to be the step which runs the OSDPLUS.EXE program that assigns a varible for the computer name. When I took out that step, the task sequence finished properly.

 

I don't really understand why the program doesn't work on certain 6930's - especially because I can manually run it - but that is a problem for another day.

[anyweb]

great stuff thanks for posting the resolution to your problem

[oloughran]

Hi,

 

i have the exact same problem, can you shed a bit more light on the issue for me?? What step runs the OSDPLUS.EXE program for example?

 

thanks.

[custyman]

I followed these steps http://heresjaken.com/the-computer-restarted-unexpectedly-or-encountered-an-unexpected-error-during-installation-of-windows/ and it got me passed it, hope it works for you