Windows Cannot Read the ProductKey Setting from the Unattend Answer File in VirtualBox – Fixed Error

Windows Cannot Read the ProductKey Setting from the Unattend Answer File in VirtualBox – Fixed Error

During installation in virtual box, you may face an error: “Windows cannot read the product key setting from the unattended answer file”. This error usually occurs at the beginning of installation preventing you from proceeding. This error is not a big problem and is related to incorrect installation setting here are some steps to solve this error. 

Causes of the Error

1) Corrupted or Modified ISO File:

When the Windows installation is damaged or modified, the setup may fail to read key configuration data.

2) Incorrect Unattended Installation File

An unattend.xml or similar automated setup file may contain invalid/wrong or missing product key details.

3) Version Mismatch

One edition of Windows while installing another edition will cause this error this is called version mismatch.

4) VirtualBox Settings Issue

Misconfigured VirtualBox VM settings, like boot order or storage controller type, can interfere with setup.

5) Pre-configured Images

If you are using a pre-configured Windows image from a third party source, the unattend file included might not match your installation requirements.

Methods to Fix the Error

1) Use an Official ISO File

You make sure you download a fresh window ISO directly from Microsoft's official website.you make sure that you have a clean, unmodified copy without errors.

2. Remove or Disable Unattended Installation

When the error is occured by an unattend.xml file:

* When creating the VirtualBox VM, please avoid using automated or preloaded unattended installation settings.

* Start the installation manually and enter the product key during setup rather than of relying on automation.

3. Match the Correct Product Key and Edition

Make sure your windows edition must be match with product key edition.

4. Adjust VirtualBox Settings

A few VirtualBox adjustments can help:

* Memory: Allocate at least 2 GB RAM for 32-bit systems or 4 GB for 64-bit.

* Storage Controller: Use SATA instead of IDE for the virtual hard disk.

* Boot Order: Make sure the ISO is set as the first boot device.

5. Avoid Pre-configured Images

If you got your ISO or VM from a third party source, try to starting fresh with an official ISO. Preloaded images are often include unattend files with unmatched product keys.

Conclusion

The “Windows cannot read the ProductKey setting from the unattend answer file” error in VirtualBox is usually caused by unmatched product keys, corrupted ISOs, or automated setup issues. By following the above information you can easily resolve this error.