Windows 8 -“Windows cannot read the setting from the unattend answer file.”

KB ID 0000511 

Problem

Note: This is applicable to running the Windows 8 Developer Preview in VMware Workstation.

When you attempt to power on the machine you see the following error:

Windows cannot read the ProductKey setting from the unattend answer file

Install Windows
Windows cannot read the <ProductKey> setting from the unattend answer file.

Solution

1. Delete your broken virtual machine and create a new one, but this time select “I will install the operating system later”

Note: Just select Windows 7 x64 for the OS type.

Windows cannot read the ProductKey setting from the unattend answer file

2. Now that the machine has been created > Go to it’s settings > and point the CD drive to the iso/DVD with the Windows 8 install files on it.

Windows cannot read the ProductKey setting from the unattend answer file

3. Now things should look a bit healthier when you try and install.

Windows cannot read the ProductKey setting from the unattend answer file

Related Articles, References, Credits, or External Links

Dual Booting Windows 8 with Windows 7

Author: Migrated

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