Product ID error with slipstream install

[rosswilson]

I'm using Nlite 1.4.9.1 in an attempt to slipstream XP Professional (32 bit), an Intel Raid Driver, and MS SP 2 or 3.

The clean install of XP will be on an Asus P6T6 motherboard.

Using a laptop running Vista Pro 32, I prepared a slipstream DVD containing the Raid driver and SP 3; then copied the .iso file produced by Nlite to a DVD using Nero in .iso write mode.

The target machine successfully performed the XP install up to the point where product key was requested. The Raid was recognized. However, the product key was rejected as invalid. The original XP CD (not DVD) is a legitimate copy of MS XP pro -- in fact it is the original MS CD.

I then tried to slipstream SP 1 and raid driver; and finally, Raid driver only. In all cases, the product code was rejected.

Finally (after reading of possible incompatibilities of the MS 'integrate' command between Vista and XP), I borrowed a friend's XP 32 (not Pro) machine and repeated the SP2 + Raid Driver slipstream process. Again, the Key error was reported upon install.

Can anyone offer guidance ? Is it necessary to use CD media to receive the slipstreamed files if the original XP disc is a CD ?

I don't want to purchase Vista, as I'm awaiting Win 7.

Thanks, Ross Wilson

[Sp0iLedBrAt]

rosswilson, there are numerous posts here about that error when you make XP with nLite on Vista as a host.

Here's one (search will get you more) http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showto...aded&start=

Edited May 17, 2009 by Sp0iLedBrAt

[johnhc]

rosswilson, your attempt with the XP Home system should have worked, assuming your key and Windows version are compatible. Both need to be OEM or both Retail, etc. Using Vista will probably work if you do not integrate an SP.

Is it necessary to use CD media to receive the slipstreamed files if the original XP disc is a CD ?

I'm not sure what your are asking here, but the answer is no. The media does not matter. In fact, I use a virtual system and boot from an ISO file. VirtualPC, VirtualBox and VMware Server are free and best for testing builds. I can do an install of my XP x64 in less than 15 minutes and create no coasters. So, please attach (not paste) your Last Session.ini. Make sure to always start with a fresh copy of your CD files/folders, do all your work in one nLite session and integrate only one SP. Please report when you have a solution, so others can benefit. Enjoy, John.

[rosswilson]

Thanks, Sp0iledBrat, I had seen the posts regarding possible issues associasted with preparing XP slipstream files on Vista; that's why I repeated (to no avail) the slipstream creation on an XP machine.

Johnhc, thanks for pointing out that use of CD/DVD media makes no difference; I was grasping at straws when I asked. I prepared the slipstream DVD in one session.

Is it possible that the computer 'remembered or carried over' the ID error from the initial installs using slipstream disc prepared on Vista ? It seems that some information from initial install attempts <is> held over, as the initially assigned disc partitions were maintained and I didn't have to re-enter.

I did a 'Quick' disc format ... perhaps I should have used the 'Slow' format option when I installed the slipstream files created under XP ?

Unfortunately, I won't be at the computer I'm having trouble with till the next weekend; if my next install attempt fails, I'll attach the Session.ini file.

Thanks, Ross

[johnhc]

rosswilson, each time you run nLite it loads a Last Session unless you have unchecked this option. This mechanism remembers all your settings, but allows you to change them all as needed. Be sure you have checked your key carefully to be sure there is not a fat finger in the mix. A fast format should be fine - all I ever use on my VM. The Last Session is the starting point for trying to get at these problems. It is also important that you have the correct kind of key to go with your CD. Please look in your source file SETUPP.INI and post the Pid value and tell us what kind of CD you have - OEM, Retail, Recovery, etc. Enjoy, John.

[rosswilson]

Johnhc, I have a retail disc. The LAST SESSION.INI file is attached for your review.

Thanks for consulting on this.

-Ross

LAST_SESSION.INI

[rosswilson]

... and the Pid in SETUPP.INI Pid=55274000

-Ross

[johnhc]

The original XP CD (not DVD) is a legitimate copy of MS XP pro -- in fact it is the original MS CD.

rosswilson, the quote is from your original post. What do you mean by 'the original MS CD'? Did this CD come with a computer? Perhaps you are just replacing the MB? What kind of key do you have? Did it come with your computer? OEM keys will not work with retail CDs and vice versa. If you are not sure if your key is OEM or Retail, try Googling the first 5 (only) characters and see if it will tell you. Please let us know. Enjoy, John.

[rosswilson]

No, the (XP Pro) CD was purchased separately as a freestanding OS. The key is on a sticker on the disc envelope.

I assembled the original entire computer from individual parts.

Now, I'm replacing motherboard and disc drives (in a RAID), so am doing a clean install.

The primary reason I need to slipstream is because the new MB does not support floppy drive, and I don't want to waste money on a USB floppy.

A floppy is needed by XP to install the Raid driver; I've slipstreamed the Raid driver and the RAID is recognized by the OS, but I can't progress beyond product key entry.

If I can't fix problem, I might just download the Win 7 RC and use this until final Win 7 release in 2010.

I helped a friend install the RC Win 7 on his computer last night and was quite impressed with the OS (so far).

-Ross

[johnhc]

rosswilson, I failed to report that I see nothing in your Last Session that could cause any problems, assuming you are doing all your work in one nLite session. What (if any) SP does your CD contain? What is the CD label? You can see this by inserting your CD in your drive and double clicking My Computer. If you insert your key when asked for it during install, does install proceed? Are you sure the Key on the CD label is identical to the Key you are using? I am out of ideas at this time but curious why you purchased a Retail CD for a new build. I use OEM CDs for my builds - cheaper. Enjoy, John.

[rosswilson]

OOps ... it <might> have been an OEM CD ... don't recall, as I purchased it 5?? years ago.

Will get the CD this weekend.

Does it make a difference, OEM or retail? I have used it to install XP in succession (taking the prior one out of service) on two earlier machines.

[johnhc]

rosswilson, the real question is, does the key go with the CD? An OEM key will not work on a Retail CD and vice versa. The MS EULA says that you can install an OEM version of Windows one and only one machine. MS collects HW information at activation time, and if you try to activate it on significantly different HW, MS will not allow it. They do allow for changes over time - a CPU change here, a HDD change there, etc. This should not prevent your key from working during install. I use the same key on my VM as is on my HW, but will never try to activate it. Please let us hear. John.

[rosswilson]

The Key definitely goes with the CD I have.

The installation doesn't even progress to web-based activation; installation stops about halfway through.

-Ross

[johnhc]

rosswilson, I need a review. Are you still getting the key rejected? What do you mean by?

The installation doesn't even progress to web-based activation; installation stops about halfway through.

If you are getting a BSOD, or hang, please let us know. If it is a BSOD, post the code. If it is a 07B, then you have text mode driver problems. Are you sure you have the correct driver? I see you only have one driver. Are your RAID drives attached to a SATA controller? If so, you may need SATA drivers as well as RAID drivers. My current system requires both drivers and when I have had problems loading text more drivers, Setup proceeded for some time before it crashed. Good luck, John.