Article ID: 2504934 - Last Review: February 14, 2011 - Revision: 1.0

A Windows Server 2008 R2 image deployment process stops with a message "Windows could not finish configuring the system"

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SYMPTOMS

You have installed a Windows server 2008 R2 in a boot from SAN scenario. Configure MPIO (Multipath Input-output) feature for the operating system disk and run the following command to create an image of the system to be deployed on multiple servers:

c:\windows\system32\sysprep\sysprep /oobe /shutdown /generalize

The image is deployed to the same or different server hardware and the deployment process stops at the stage where the screen says "Setup is starting services". The following pop up message is displayed:

Windows could not finish configuring the system. To attempt to resume configuration, restart the computer.

If the system is rebooted, it loops to the same message.

Note: The issue does not happen with Windows Server 2008 SKUs.

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CAUSE

This is by design and creating an image of Windows server 2008 R2 and Windows server 2008 with MPIO installed and configured is not supported by Microsoft.

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RESOLUTION

Install and configure MPIO feature post deployment of a Windows server 2008 R2 and Windows server 2008 Image.

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Note This is a "FAST PUBLISH" article created directly from within the Microsoft support organization. The information contained herein is provided as-is in response to emerging issues. As a result of the speed in making it available, the materials may include typographical errors and may be revised at any time without notice. See Terms of Use (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=151500) for other considerations.

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