You are prompted for a product key when you install Windows Server 2003 on a remotely administered system with a Winnt.sif file (833982)
The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
- Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Datacenter Edition
- Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Enterprise Edition
- Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition
- Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition
- Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Web Edition
SYMPTOMSWhen you install Microsoft Windows Server 2003 from the
product CD on a remotely administered system with a Winnt.sif file on a floppy
disk, you are prompted for a Product Key even if a valid Product Key is
included in the Winnt.sif file. CAUSEWhen you install Windows Server 2003 from the product CD on
a remotely administered system, the default installation mode becomes Express
Setup. Express Setup processes the Unattend.txt file instead of the Winnt.sif
file.WORKAROUNDTo work around this problem, create a copy of the Winnt.sif
file, name the file Unattend.txt, and then copy it to the same floppy disk that
contains the Winnt.sif file.
Note If you install Windows Server 2003 by using an OEM-supplied
recovery CD and you are not using a Winnt.sif file on a floppy disk, the
problem that is described in the "Symptoms" section of this article may still
occur. When the manufacturer created the recovery CD, a Winnt.sif file may have
been saved in the I386 folder or in the I64 folder. You must copy the Winnt.sif
file from the recovery CD to a floppy disk, and then you must rename the file
to Unattend.txt.STATUS This
behavior is by design.REFERENCESFor more information about Emergency Management Services,
visit the following Microsoft Web sites: 815273 How to perform an unattended Emergency Management Services installation of Windows Server 2003
Modification Type: | Major | Last Reviewed: | 5/20/2005 |
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Keywords: | kbprb KB833982 kbAudDeveloper |
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