I'm missing something, Windows asks what version to install

CraigR

Member
I must be missing something. Every time I try to install windows 10 pro on VMworkstation it asks me what version of windows I want to install but there is only 10 Pro. How do I skip that? I downloaded the iso from micro$oft and opened it in NTLite started Pro then went to apply and selected "save image and trim aditions" then skipped all stuff in unattended. I added my autounattended file also.
 

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there is an ms link for install keys that nuhi recommends, i dont know if this is it or not.
there are 2 places on the page where you enter your key.
 
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Or if you as i see "Skip auto activation" is set to true the "Product key (setup)" is the one to put generic key.
 
francis11 im rusty on this as i created working answer files for 7 8.1 and w10 many moons ago, i backed them up and use them when needed, pointless creating new ones when i have working ones.
 
there is an ms link for install keys that nuhi recommends, i dont know if this is it or not.
there are 2 places on the page where you enter your key.

I'm unfamiliar with the term KMS (It should be mandatory for companies like that to put an Acronym list at the top or bottom of the page) I'm Assuming it a Key Management system does that require a dedicated networked computer to deal with the license validation ? could you provide a bit more info on this ?
 
Well no idea and getting pissed off to say the least!. I just started from scratch again seperated out windows 10 pro from microsoft medIa download. Then in NTlite went into the unattended and loaded the defaults (yes I bought this crap) and only added in some generic windows 10 Pro keys in both places and did not modify anything else anyplace. I used Rufus to put on a USB thinking skip testing on VMware workstation 16 since the last 3 days screwing with it and over 20 hours trying stuff did not work. Anyway booted it on a computer and right away now it asks for a software key then asks what drive to load on so WTF I don't see NTlite doing squat! Shut it off before asking me what edition. Time for booze to chill out.
 
Yes did that in NTlite also. Just loaded pro then went to apply and checked delete other versions and made iso and save image. After I just unpacked the pro version and worked from there.
 
First of all this is a Windows question, so let's switch to polite mode.

Don't add any keys, it's probably a wrong key for that edition or a place (never use Activation key, just Setup if ever), it is completely unattended and safe to leave Windows 10 key empty.
Once machine is activated, Windows will always reactivate online by looking at the hardware ID, no need to add the key ever again.

Btw NTLite set it properly in the answer file:
<InstallFrom>
<MetaData wcm:action="add">
<Key>/IMAGE/NAME</Key>
<Value>Windows 10 Pro</Value>
</MetaData>
</InstallFrom>

That said, if you have .\Sources\ei.cfg, try deleting it (and recreating the ISO, or do it on the USB drive, depending how you test).

Let me know how it goes, don't forget to remove the key, and if you chose to copy the unattended file to the install or boot image, start from scratch without that.
 
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NO JOY
I used a fresh separated copy of windows 10 Pro. and in NTLite the autounattended area I used the button for defaults and in the account pop up I just ticked the auto login then went to apply and made iso. After that I opened the iso with poweriso and checked in the sources folder for ei.cfg and it was not there. I used Rufus to put the iso on a Sandisk 16GB USB stick that I cleaned with Diskpart. Put it in a laptop that the had drive was cleaned with DBAN and it stopped at what drive to install on. I did not try it on any virtual software. Here is the autounattended file.
 

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  • autounattend.xml
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Don't add any keys, it's probably a wrong key for that edition or a place (never use Activation key, just Setup if ever), it is completely unattended and safe to leave Windows 10 key empty.
Once machine is activated, Windows will always reactivate online by looking at the hardware ID, no need to add the key ever again.

Btw NTLite set it properly in the answer file:
<InstallFrom>
<MetaData wcm:action="add">
<Key>/IMAGE/NAME</Key>
<Value>Windows 10 Pro</Value>
</MetaData>
</InstallFrom>
I don't want to take the conversation off topic but does this apply to windows 7 as well ? can adding the keys be skipped entirely for a fully unattended installation and simply deal with keys/activation post install ? I always figured you need at least a somewhat valid key to proceed with installation. I.e give windows a key it won't find out it's no good till it tries checking online later.

Once machine is activated, Windows will always reactivate online by looking at the hardware ID, no need to add the key ever again.

Yikes... So creepy....
 
Anybody have any ideas on why it stops to ask where to install? I do not know if it matters but besides the hard drive it also show the USB stick in the window. I do appreciate the help guys.
 
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