Missing AutoUnattend.xml file in OSXRESERVED

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Level 1

8 points

Missing AutoUnattend.xml file in OSXRESERVED

Hello,

I have been trying to install bootcamp on my MacBook Pro 16,1 (macOS 11.3) with an error in the windows installer:

Windows cannot locate the disk and partition specified in the unattend answer file’s <ImageInstall> setting. Make sure the setting references a valid partition and restart the installation

I have tried resetting my SMC and NVRAM, as well as using different ISOs to no avail. While searching for a solution, I came across this forum post with a similar issue. Following the thread, I found that I have no AutoUnattend.xml file in OSXRESERVED as shown in the screenshot below:

I even tried to create this file with the file's content of the user in the thread. This did not work (I did not expect it to anyways)

For additional context, below is the output of diskutil list:

And Disk Utility GUI:

Is there a way to modify the unattended answer file's parameter for <ImageInstall>? I cannot find any solution anywhere else. I do not have any external devices connected.

Thank you in advance

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 12.0

Posted on Jul 22, 2021 7:16 AM

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Answer 1

Loner T

Level 9

59,536 points

Jul 22, 2021 8:32 AM in response to Thomas_____

For your model, the AutoUnattend.Xml should be generated on-the-fly. Some models use the older packages which contain the template. I would also suggest either upgrading to Big Sur 11.5 or installing macOS Catalina 10.15.7.

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Answer 2

Loner T

Level 9

59,536 points

Jul 22, 2021 10:25 AM in response to Thomas_____

You can build one by hand, put it in OSXRESERVED and try to install W10. Another option to consider is backing up your system, using Catalina to install Windows, and then upgrading to Big Sur and restoring files from your backup. Big Sur has many issues in this area.

Also what is the name of the W10 ISO file you are using?

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Answer 3

Thomas_____ Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 22, 2021 9:19 AM in response to Loner T

Thank you for the response. I have updated to Big Sur 11.5 with the same result, is there something else I can do to resolve the issue? Perhaps there is a way to edit AutoUnattend.xml after it is generated? I do not know what else to do

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Answer 4

Thomas_____ Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 22, 2021 12:31 PM in response to Loner T

The ISO is named: Win10_21H1_EnglishInternational_x64.iso

I tried authoring an AutoUnattend.xml file, which had no effect. Here is the setting windows was complaining about:

Is there a statement I could write within <ImageInstall> that would make the installer see the partition to install to? Or if the file is not being loaded, another file I can modify to use this AutoUnattend.xml file?

If that does not work, I will try the other method you mentioned.

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Answer 5

Loner T

Level 9

59,536 points

Jul 22, 2021 6:25 PM in response to Thomas_____

In the Big Sur version of BC Assistant, there is a setting named bypassBootingToWinPE, which essentially renders this model meaningless. I suggest following the macOS Catalina path.

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Missing AutoUnattend.xml file in OSXRESERVED

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