Windows 10: Finding windows version by product key

Hi,I got an old IBM R60e laptop from a friend and he doesn't remember the original version of windows, which doesn't install on this computer anyway. Unfortunately, the sticker on the back got all white and I can only read the windows product key. Is there any way to find the exact windows version by the product key or IBM model, please?

:)

 

Windows Product Key

A friend of mine has an all-in-one that came with Windows 8 pre-installed. He erased the original OS thinking he could install another version of Windows 8. One thing he encountered, that he didn't expect, the BIOS/UEFI has a password. So, basically he is locked out from installing another OS. His BIOS has the product key nestled inside. Is it possible to find out which version the product key belong to?

 

How to find product key?

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



If you are looking for Windows Operating system product key then please refer the article

Find your Windows product key and see if that helps.



You can also try extracting the Windows product key using the WMIC command on command prompt. Kindly follow the steps mentioned below.

1. Press Windows +
   S key together to open Search.
   
2. Now type CMD and select Run as administrator.
   
3. Accept the UAC prompts.
   
4. Type in the following command and hit enter:
   wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
   

If you are looking for Office product key then you can refer the article

Find your Office product key



Regards,

Prakhar Khare

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

New Version of Windows XP to Combat Lack of Product Keys

The current version of Windows XP Service Pack 2.0b is currently running very low on product keys, due to piracy the surprising longevity of the product. And so, to combat the lack of product keys, Microsoft is creating a fresh batch by releasing Windows XP Service Pack 2.0c. There should be no major differences, other than the latest patches built in and the new abundance of keys.

This version of XP will only be available to OEM system builders, and will only be in the market until Windows XP's official EoL date: January 31st 2009. Retail copies of Windows XP will stop shipping on the January 31st 2008.

Source: Technet