Windows 10: Determine OS Version from hard drive files - not booting

Often, when I'm repairing a computer, I need to know what OS was running on one that won't boot.
However, I can boot using a live CD and examine the files. Maybe a Linux live CD.

So, now that I can see the files, where does one look in order to know what the Windows OS version is/was?
I figure one can determine 32 vs. 64 bit by looking for a Program Files (x86) folder as its presence at least suggests 64-bit.
Windows 10? Windows 10 Pro? winver? etc.

:)

 

Clean install of windows 10 OS on new SSD-best procedure for eliminating current windwos 10 OS on old hard drive

I want to do a clean install of Windows 10 OS on a new ssd and make this the boot drive. I would like to keep the old WD 1T hard drive as a storage drive. What is the best/easiest procedure for extracting the old windows 10 OS from the old hard drive.
I'm not sure that I know how to properly identify the OS files.

 

Windows 10 product key.

Hi all

I'm still having problems installing windows 10 from an ISO file , I've downloaded the file to a portable hard drive, plugged in to my PC and booted up, selected the hard drive, but no OS was found, even though its clearly on there.

Cheers

Phil

 

I think running WinPESE instead of Linux would be a better alternative. You can then right-click ntoskernel in system32 of the broken install to get the build info from properties or load the software hive to get other info.

 

@Superfly
Your ShowKeyPlus would be good if you can add more info such as build # and system type (32/64)

 

Hmmm... yup. I can add it - extend product description *Wink