- Check Operating System 32 Or 64-bit
- Linux Check Operating System
- Check Operating System For Errors
- Operating System Key Finder
When it’s finished, close the program and boot the computer you want to retrieve the key from with the CD or USB drive. Press enter at the Boot menu or let the 30 second timer countdown. At the welcome screen click on the big drop down menu at the top and select “Find Windows Product Key”. The operating system version, firmware version, and serial number display in the top right corner of the screen. On an HP supported Chromebook, the serial number has 10 digits. On Chromebooks not supported by HP, the serial number format might vary. See what operating system edition you are running near the top of the window under 'System:' or 'Windows edition.' An example is 'Windows XP Home.' If running an edition of Windows XP, look for 'x64 Edition' to see if you have the 64-bit version.
You can find out what version of Vista you have by installing Vista on your new Hard Drive.
Read the info below:
How to obtain Vista recovery Media and/or use the Vista Recovery Partition on your computer.
There is no legal free Vista download available.
Contact your Computer Manufacturer and ask them to send you a set of Vista Recovery disk/s.
They normally do that for a small $ cost.
Check Operating System 32 Or 64-bit
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Or borrow a proper Microsoft Vista DVD(not Dell, HP, etc).
A proper Vista DVD contains all Vista versions.
The Product Key determines which Vista version gets installed.
There are 2 Vista disks: one for 32bit Operating System, and one for 64bit Operating System.
Linux Check Operating System
If a clean install is required with a proper Vista DVD (not HP, Dell Recovery Disks):
Go into your Bios/Setup, or Boot Menu, at startup, and change the Boot Order to make the DVD/CD drive 1st in the Boot Order, then reboot with the disk in the Drive.
At startup/power on you should see at the bottom of the screen either F2 or DELETE, to go into Bios/Setup, or F12 for the Boot Menu
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/918884
MS advice on doing clean install.
http://www.theeldergeekvista.com/vista_clean_installation.htm
A Tutorial on doing a clean install
Windows Vista Installation Super Guide
After installation > Go to your Laptop/Computer Manufacturer's website > Drivers and Downloads Section > Key in your Model number > Look for latest Vista Drivers for it > Download/install them.
Cheers.
The license number for computers running Microsoft Windows is known as the product key, which consists of 25 alphanumeric characters divided into five groups of five characters. You should find the key on a sticker attached to the retail product CD/DVD case or on a label affixed to your computer if it shipped with Windows installed. If you can't find the product key sticker, use free third-party software to retrieve the product key from the operating system itself.
Step 1
Check the front and back of the Windows retail product jewel case for a multi-colored, yellow or orange sticker. If you can't see the sticker on the case, open it and check the installation disc holder inside. If your computer shipped with Windows installed, check the side and rear of a desktop PC or the underside of a laptop computer for the sticker. Follow the next steps if you can't find the sticker or it's worn away and you can't read the key.
Step 2
Download and install a free Windows product key finder tool, such as Magical Jelly Bean Key Finder, Product Key Finder or Belarc Advisor.
Step 3
Launch the product key finder program and scan your system. Magical Jelly Bean Key Finder and Belarc Advisor will return results for all supported programs, including the Windows operating system and Microsoft Office products. The smaller Product Key Finder tool will return only Windows operating system information.
Step 4
Select the entry for your Windows version to display the product key and other installation information. The program will list the product key as either the 'CD Key' or 'Product Key' in the program window.
Step 5
Write down the product key carefully so that you can reference it easily if you need to activate Windows on your computer or upgrade to a newer version of Windows.
Tip
- Many free utilities prompt you to download additional software or upgrade to premium versions. Ensure you select only the product key finder component during the installation process.
- Contact Microsoft Support if you need to buy a new product key for Windows.
References
Check Operating System For Errors
Resources
About the Author
Adrian Grahams began writing professionally in 1989 after training as a newspaper reporter. His work has been published online and in various newspapers, including 'The Cornish Times' and 'The Sunday Independent.' Grahams specializes in technology and communications. He holds a Bachelor of Science, postgraduate diplomas in journalism and website design and is studying for an MBA.
Operating System Key Finder
Photo Credits
- Joe Raedle/Getty Images News/Getty Images
