Windows could not parse or process the response file without assistance for step [auditUser]

Question

Hello I have an error message when I start mastering on a computer via USB master key:

"Windows could not parse or process the response file without assistance [C: /Windows/Panther/unattend.xml] for step [auditUser]. The parameters specified in the response file cannot be applied. The error was found when processing the [Microsoft-Windows-Deployment] component settings."

Can you enlighten me on this subject please?

Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Hello MazeMaeva,

The error is very specific and give us hints where the issue must be, specially in the "auditUser" steps of the unattend.xml file mentioned in the error.

I would recommend the next: During the installation press Shift+F10 in order to open CMD prompt, go to the folder path on the drive as described in the error (C: /Windows/Panther/unattend.xml). Open the file using "Notepad unattend.xml". In the file, locate the section related to the "auditUser" pass. This pass is typically used for system customization and may involve running scripts or applying settings. Check if there are any errors or inconsistencies in this section.

I can recommend you also the next link for reference on some "default" XML files from Microsoft that can serve as baseline to detect any issues with your file: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/desktop/unattend/

--If the reply is helpful, please Upvote and Accept as answer--