NTSTATUS 0xC00004A1 (STATUS_EXTERNAL_SYSKEY_NOT

Status / error code:		Category:

Constant name:
Source:		Operating System:
Description: The installed Windows version does not support externally protected Syskey configuration.

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STATUS_PARTITION_TERMINATING	STATUS_ENCLAVE_VIOLATION

STATUS_EXTERNAL_SYSKEY_NOT_SUPPORTED

The legacy external Syskey mode blocks this boot or upgrade path

Microsoft removed support for the Syskey utility and external startup-key modes beginning with Windows 10 version 1709 and later Windows Server releases. A system still configured for an external password or key cannot simply continue through the modern boot or upgrade path.

Reenabling the obsolete mechanism is not a supported fix. Use the original older operating system or recovery environment to remove the external mode correctly, or restore a full backup created before it was enabled, then protect the volume with a supported technology such as BitLocker.

What to inspect

Verify the source OS version and the exact Syskey mode before migration.
Back up all related system hives together before changing protection state.
Remove external Syskey using a supported legacy recovery procedure.
Complete the upgrade only after the SAM opens normally without external media.

References

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