Faded C.O.A's & guessing the OS

[MM PC Solutions]

I'm sure that I am not the only one having having fun trying to read what operating system is installed on the c.o.a when they can fade so easily.

Vista wasn't a problem as all versions are on one disk and the correct one was picked in reference to the key on the c.o.a, however Win 7 as I am sure you know is different in this respect.

My question:
Is there an easy way to tell what operating system and version is installed just by the key on the c.o.a?

 

[PR Tech]

http://www.technibble.com/repair-tool-of-the-week-technibbles-windows-version-identifier/

 

[iisjman07]

Are you using the windows 7 disk with a hacked efi.cfg?

 

[activeits]

If the hard drive is still spinning I use NirSoft ProductKey.

i.e. i have sony laptop in now, with a different Windows Vista install product key compared to the COA, therefore when i install Vista I will use the previous install product key and not the COA.

I notice this alot with Toshiba Laptops, therefore it is always worth while finding the install product key too, just encase it is different.


Thanks

 

[MM PC Solutions]

To clarify, I work with a lot of laptops (Auction buys) that may not have the original OS installed or no hard drive at all.

 

[xxsilk109xx]

I just came across this today and finally guessed it and got it.

I used a product key finder and it was totally off. I even tried 3 of them and they all told me the same, but I remember hearing that its not the actual product key that they find. I dont know, dont really see it a lot..

I will try NirSoft!

 

[MM PC Solutions]

I used a product key finder and it was totally off. I even tried 3 of them and they all told me the same, but I remember hearing that its not the actual product key that they find. I dont know, dont really see it a lot..

That's because the key finder is seeing the pre-defined key used by the oem at the time of installation, not the one on the coa.

 

[mkeathley]

http://www.technibble.com/repair-tool-of-the-week-technibbles-windows-version-identifier/

I had this same problem today. MS must be making these stickers cheaper. I could see the product key no problem, but not the OS version.

I tried ths tool, but I sure couldn't find any place to input a product key an get what version it was. I seen how to input what should up under system settings and how to look it up on a running machine, but no way to input a product key from the sticker and find he version.

I finally just googled the laptop model I was working on and seen it normally came with home premium.

 

[iisjman07]

The keys used to printed on shiny plastic stuff like on older xp machines, but now it's like tissue paper

 

[ajc196]

Sony puts a piece of clear plastic adhesive over their COA's so they don't rub off. I followed suit and started placing very small pieces of clear glossy tape over the key and OS name on any "unprotected" COA I come across. Just as a courtesy to the next person who will need it (probably me years down the road).

 

[ExpletiveDeleted]

One trick I have (and its by no means fool proof or a guarantee, but it occasionally works as a starting point when other avenues are unavailable) is to go to the manufacturers website and pop the model # or service tag or w/e into their drivers section (or info section) and see what drivers are available. Sure it might just say XP, and you are still unsure of which version, but sometimes they give the full name. Sure plenty have multiple OS drivers, but sometimes it only lists one, or atleast sometimes you can tell if it is supposed to be 32 or 64 bit.

Again not a guarantee, but its worth a try before the guess and test of installation and reinstallation cuz you were wrong.

 

[ajc196]

One trick I have (and its by no means fool proof or a guarantee, but it occasionally works as a starting point when other avenues are unavailable) is to go to the manufacturers website and pop the model # or service tag or w/e into their drivers section (or info section) and see what drivers are available. Sure it might just say XP, and you are still unsure of which version, but sometimes they give the full name. Sure plenty have multiple OS drivers, but sometimes it only lists one, or atleast sometimes you can tell if it is supposed to be 32 or 64 bit.

Again not a guarantee, but its worth a try before the guess and test of installation and reinstallation cuz you were wrong.

Good tip for distinguishing between XP/Vista/7, but the keys will take & activate on either 32 or 64 bit media, so that's not really an issue.

 

[mkeathley]

Good tip for distinguishing between XP/Vista/7, but the keys will take & activate on either 32 or 64 bit media, so that's not really an issue.

So I can take a computer with win vista 32 bit, upgrade it will 6GB RAM and then install vista 64bit using my disc and their key?