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Check Windows version without logging in

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camsin Posted messages 38 Status Member -  
Jojolaguitare Posted messages 12012 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   -
Hello,
I'm trying to find out which version of Windows is installed on a laptop that I've been tasked with repairing.
The catch is that I can't log in since we can't retrieve the password.
Is there a method to get this information?
For your information, I can boot from a Windows 8.1 installation media and run command lines via CMD on it.
I'm not sure if the installed version of Windows is 8.1.
I have a feeling it might be Windows 7 (blue background with a bright window).

Thank you in advance for your help, I can take a photo if needed.
Best regards.

9 answers

  1.
    MisteryBean Posted messages 8948 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention   1 292
     
    Hi, 

    For your information, I can boot from a Windows 8.1 installation media and run command lines via CMD on it.


    Maybe by positioning yourself on the system drive and typing Winver.

    We’ll see if it works in this mode.

    EDIT: tested on a VM, it detects the version of the media so that's not good :(
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    1. camsin Posted messages 38 Status Member
       
      Thank you, I don't know how to position myself on the system reader from the command prompt of the boot CD.
      Thanks anyway.
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  2. Jojolaguitare Posted messages 12012 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   2 782
     
    Hello.

    >>> . . . since we are unable to find the password. <<<

    Unless you reset the password, but you will need a second PC to create an ISO ==>

    https://www.commentcamarche.net/faq/44868-reinitialiser-le-mot-de-passe-windows-avec-ubuntu

    Certainly, the task is not easy but doable.

    See you . . .

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    1. camsin Posted messages 38 Status Member
       
      Thank you for the idea, I’ll check it out

      edit: can it work by booting on Ubuntu via a bootable USB stick?
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      1. camsin Posted messages 38 Status Member > camsin Posted messages 38 Status Member
         
        I tried the procedure described by Jojolaguitare. Unfortunately, it doesn't work for Microsoft accounts, apparently, but only for local accounts.
        So I would still like to identify the version of Windows, my goal is to reinstall Windows ideally.
        I tried using a Windows 8.1 installation media, it offered to upgrade to Windows 10, I confirmed, and afterward it asked for an installation DVD.
        Thank you for your help.
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  3. Jojolaguitare Posted messages 12012 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   2 782
     
    Hello.

    >>> I tried with a Windows 8.1 installation media... <<<

    Normally, you can bypass this recommendation during installation. In any case, whether the PC is running Windows 7 or 8.1, upgrading to Windows 10 will be worthwhile and still free. However, you need a second available PC to download and burn to DVD or write to a USB stick an ISO of the latest Windows 10 version 2009-20H2 ==>

    https://www.microsoft.com/fr-fr/software-download/windows10

    For a USB stick, write the ISO using Rufus ==> https://rufus.ie/

    At the beginning of the installation, you will be asked to enter the activation key. Click on "I don't know" then "Next". This key will be automatically entered at the end of the installation. Opt for a local account, which is more private and less restrictive.

    See you...

    P.S. = Do not format your HDD (or SSD) under any circumstances. This way, a folder named Windows Old located in C: (computer) will allow you to access your personal files by opening this folder and via "Users" in the list to recover your Images - Documents - Music... etc.

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  4. camsin Posted messages 38 Status Member
     
    Good evening, thank you very much for your help.
    I am currently downloading a Windows 10 ISO, however it is not the latest version, it is 1803. The higher versions do not fit on my 4.7GB DVDs. I hope it will work
    I will keep you updated
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    1. Jojolaguitare Posted messages 12012 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   2 782
       
      Hello.

      You should not install version 1803 otherwise you will have problems with Windows Update. You need to download using the link I gave you in #6. It’s the October 2020 version, so the very latest.
      After burning to a DVD 4.7 Go, I don’t know about this version. The 2004 just fit (4.1 Go for 4.37 Go usable on a DVD R+) but was fully operational. But opt for an 8 Go USB stick for more safety and installation speed.

      See you later . . .
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  6. camsin Posted messages 38 Status Member
     
    Hello,
    I finally bought a USB stick that is big enough. However, I put the second to last version of the Windows ISO on it, namely the 20H1 from May 2020. I did this because my internet plan no longer allows me to download the latest version (I am connecting using data).
    The installation is in progress, I clicked "install," "custom: install Windows only (advanced)", I had to choose the partition named Windows I think, the largest one, apparently the only valid one, since no other was large enough. A message warned me that the partitions were not in the recommended order, I clicked continue/next. A message said that I could recover files from windows.old, something like that.
    So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it works..
    Thank you for your help, see you soon.
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    1. Jojolaguitare Posted messages 12012 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   2 782
       
      Normally it should go well. For the October update, Microsoft will offer it to you later in its updates. There's no rush. You will indeed find the Old folder in C: (Computer). By opening this, you will see "Users" in the list. By clicking on this, you will find your personal files such as images - documents - music... but not the personal applications you installed, which you will need to reinstall afterwards if you wish. You will have a maximum of 10 days to retrieve them or revert to the previous version. That won't be the goal of going back, of course.

      Fingers crossed... See you later.
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  7. camsin Posted messages 38 Status Member
     
    Ok, after loading the files, etc., the PC rebooted for the first time. But since I had changed the boot order, the PC restarted from the USB stick... I restarted after changing the boot order again, hoping to resume the Windows installation. The PC starts, I have to select the operating system; I see 2 Windows 10, and without time to choose which one, the PC launches, but it gets stuck in a loop on "preparing."
    So I have to reinstall, which I do, but the result is the same. This time I saw that it offers me 2 Windows to boot from, I have 4 seconds to make my choice.
    I will choose the other Windows, hoping that it resolves the issue.
    I'll keep you updated!
    Thank you
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  8. camsin Posted messages 38 Status Member
     
    I'm quite stuck; after several installations via USB key, I'm still stuck at "preparation." I've tried selecting the two Windows options available to boot, but the result is the same.
    I notice that a third Windows option has now been offered to me after doing a second or third installation.
    I also observe that I can only boot in UEFI mode, and only from the "OS Manager"; there's no HDD in the list.
    In the other boot selection menu where the HDD appears, it is grayed out; I don't understand why...

    If you have any ideas on how to solve the problem, please let me know!

    Edit: if I format the main partition where Windows (or the Windows installations) is located, will I be able to install without needing the product key/activation for Windows? This is a last resort, but it might be the only solution. I know I'll lose everything, but I was able to save files via an Ubuntu boot.
    Thank you in advance.
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    1. Jojolaguitare Posted messages 12012 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   2 782
       
      No other solutions now but to accept formatting to erase all previous installations. Also, if personal files have been backed up, don't hesitate.
      Did you use Rufus for writing to the USB drive?

      See you later . . .
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      1. camsin Posted messages 38 Status Member > Jojolaguitare Posted messages 12012 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention  
         
        It's good, it took (at least that's how it worked):
        - to put the OS manager first in the boot order
        - to insert the installation USB media, restart, change the boot order FOR ONE TIME only using the F9 key (Compaq PC)
        - to install Windows for the umpteenth time
        - when the PC restarts by itself for the first time, select the last Windows 10 OS
        - wait about 30 minutes from the "preparing" screen

        Then the installation continued.
        Thank you very much Jojolaguitare for your help! Just so you know, yes, I made my USB stick with Rufus.
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      2. Jojolaguitare Posted messages 12012 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   2 782 > camsin Posted messages 38 Status Member
         
        All's well that ends well then! It's true that it's not easy to see what's going on from a distance . . . Last month I also had some problems with a Toshiba laptop for the installation of Windows 10.

        As for advice, if you accept it = Check the recovery tool because very often it is disabled to the extent that no restore point can be created.

        See you later . . .
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  9. Cassoulet
     
    Hi,

    Since you have access to the command prompt, take a screenshot of points 1 and 2 from this page:

    http://ikewdu.free.fr/category/depannages/
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  10. camsin Posted messages 38 Status Member
     
    Hello,
    Thank you for your help, I have just solved the issue, as explained above
    Best regards
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