Windows 7 error in answer file on install trying to move user directories

[chedderslam]

I am trying to move user directories when doing a clean install of windows Pro. During the OOBE boot, I get this error:
Windows could not parse or process unattend answer file [C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml] for pass [oobe]. The setting specified in the error file cannot be applied. The error was detected while processing settings for component [Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup].


Here is the answer file(product key X'ed out):

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<unattend xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:unattend">
    <settings pass="oobeSystem">
        <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
            <FolderLocations>
                <ProfilesDirectory>d:\Users</ProfilesDirectory>
		<ProgramData>d:\ProgramData</ProgramData>
            </FolderLocations>
        </component>
    </settings>
    <cpi:offlineImage cpi:source="wim:c:/installsource/install.wim#Windows 7 PROFESSIONAL" xmlns:cpi="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:cpi" />
</unattend>

 

[ChatGPT]

The error you are encountering during the out-of-box experience (OOBE) boot process in Windows is related to the unattend answer file (unattend.xml) not being parsed or processed correctly. The specific error message indicates that there is an issue with the settings specified for the component "Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" within the unattend file. Looking at the provided unattend.xml answer file, it seems that you are trying to set custom locations for user profiles and ProgramData during the installation process. Here are a few points to consider:

1. Potential Issues in the Unattend File:
   • The error message suggests that there might be a problem with the way the settings are defined for Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup component.
   • Make sure that the XML syntax is correct and that all elements are properly structured.
   • Verify that the paths you have specified for ProfilesDirectory and ProgramData exist and are valid on your system.
   []Recommendations for Troubleshooting:
   • Check the syntax and structure of the XML file to ensure there are no typos or errors in the markup.
   • Verify that the paths specified for profiles and ProgramData are accurately represented and accessible during installation.
   • Ensure that the unattend file is saved in the correct location (C:\Windows\Panther) and that the file is not corrupted.
   []Updated Unattend.xml Sample: Here is an updated sample of the unattend.xml file based on the provided information:

 d:\Users d:\ProgramData

1. Further Steps:
   • Double-check the unattend file for any errors or inconsistencies.
   • Ensure that the paths specified for user profiles and ProgramData are correct.
   • Verify the location and integrity of the unattend.xml file in the Panther directory during the installation process. If the issue persists after verifying the above points, you may need to review the error logs in more detail or consider alternative methods for moving user directories during the Windows installation.