Got a key but which version of windows 7

kikel

Hi,

I've got a computer here with windows 7 installed. The hard drive is busted and I don't know what version of windows was on it. It's got a sticker for Windows 7 on the front. It's got the COA on the back with key BUT, the version of windows has worn away. Is there any way to look up the version of windows from the key on the COA.

It would save me having use up a load of bandwidth looking for correct version of windows 7.

SickBoy

If it came from Dell or some other big OEM then the reinstallation media will only install the version of Windows that shipped with the machine. If you can locate that then you should be in business.
Failing that you could go to the support site of the computer and enter the serial number or service tag and it should display the spec inclusive of software that the system shipped with.

(insert name)

http://www.mydigitallife.info/windows-7-iso-x86-and-x64-official-direct-download-links-ultimate-professional-and-home-premium/ - Download links

http://www.mydigitallife.info/how-to-select-any-edition-or-version-sku-of-windows-7-to-install-from-single-edition-dvd-disc-media-or-iso/ - How to make a universal disc with all versions

MODS: This is a blog which lists official downloads of windows 7 iso files from microsoft and other online stores which sell licence keys and allow users to download the media

OP: Any disc will do if you make sure to delete or change the version in the "ei.cfg" file on the DVD/image

You may also want to read this guide which will let you make a DVD including Windows 7 SP1 - you can't slipstream like older versions but that doesn't matter as you'll be doing a fresh install anyway.

There's an app you can get called CHKPIDS, if you need it then get in touch. You enter the product key and click Check. It will take about 20-30 seconds (during which time the program may appear to be frozen), but you'll be told what version it is and from what channel (Retail, OEM etc).

Odaise Gaelach

Doesn't the COA sticker say what version of Windows 7 it is?

Capt'n Midnight

Odaise Gaelach wrote: »

Doesn't the COA sticker say what version of Windows 7 it is?

IIRC the OP said something was worn away



Actually does the COA have an X11-834543 type number on it ?

Ordo a google image search for window COA to see what colours or patterns match with the remains of your label

norbert64

Capt'n Midnight wrote: »

IIRC the OP said something was worn away

Actually does the COA have an X11-834543 type number on it ?

Ordo a google image search for window COA to see what colours or patterns match with the remains of your label

My XP Pro and Vista DELL machines both have an x number.

_Kaiser_

Semi-related...

I often get asked to look at PCs/laptops belonging to friends and family that in the end just need reloading and tidying up after a year or two of neglect.

Invariably though they won't have the original discs or I had to change a hard drive meaning that I don't have the OEM version of Windows (generally Vista but now 7 as well) that the machine would have come with.

I do however have access to the MVLS site which I use in work for creating master images for new PC types. Obviously the Enterprise version is no use in this scenario, but could I get say the Win 7 Pro ISO (or even download it from the links above), use this tweak to unlock the other versions on the disc and install whatever version originally came with the PC/laptop? Where do I get a key or is it embedded on the motherboard that the disc will accept during setup?

Cheers!

Capt'n Midnight

Depending on the version of windows / revovery media you have different options

for XP you can backup c:\windows\system32\wpa.dbl
which contins the hardware hash / key for that exact computer
it's one of the easiest ways - no typing involved , back it up and drop back after the install

for windows 7 this may work - different locations same idea
http://www.mydigitallife.info/how-to-backup-and-restore-windows-7-and-server-2008-r2-activation-status-activate-offline-on-reinstall/

you can use magic jelly bean keyfinder to report back the key used on the current windows install - though this may be a 30 day key / volume key used for volume installs, ie. you may have 30 days to activate or the key may have been blacked listed since

For XP / 2003
System locked preinstall is the system where the BIOS on the PC and the branded CD from the manufacturere must match to install windows on older versions of windows , you can't use retail or third party CD's for this.
"Preserving OEM Preactivation When Reinstalling Windows"


The aim of the game is to be able to get windows installed to a point where you can use the COA on the machine

coolpix23

They got rid of the wpa.dbl thing in Vista so presumably it's gone in 7 too.

I found a link to do it in Vista and he has a beta for 7
-> http://directedge.us/content/abr-activation-backup-and-restore

The problem with this is that the idea is to make a proper clean install (none of the crapware that was added by the OEM) from a working system.

I've used the wpa.dbl trick on XP with a dead drive. Boot from a live (Ubunta) CD or WinPE on a USB stick to see if the whole drive is ruined, often it's just the boot sector and the files and FAT tables are still there.

If the files are still there you may be able to boot windows from a USB stick, maybe the WinPE would be enough to run the utilities from directedge, or install Vista on the new hard disk and run the utilities from that to get the files from the "dead" disk.

See http://www.mydigitallife.info/how-to-create-a-bootable-usb-flash-drive-or-usb-key-with-vista-winpe-20/ for info about WinPE on a USB stick.

Also WinPE 3.0 which is for 7 see http://4sysops.com/archives/build-a-bootable-windows-pe-3-0-usb-drive-with-rescue-tools-part-1/

You might want to try WinPE 2.0 even though it's for Vista.

The WinPE does'nt have a GUI so the directedge utilities might not work. There's a link from 4sysops.com to PStart.

If you're trying to use this method to be naughty it won't work, the guy says, "ABR can only be used to install the same version of Vista you have the original OEM license for. For example, if your computer came pre-installed with Vista Home Premium, you can only reinstall with Home Premium. You can, however, switch between 32-bit and 64-bit."