File to determine OS version

[NOC9006]

Hello,

Can anyone tell me if there is a file(s) that I can look for to determine what OS is installed on a machine.

Long story short. I need to be able to tell by looking at the files on a PC (without booting it) and determine what version of windows is installed (95,98,ME,XP,NT,2K)

I am aware of the boot.ini for 2K and XP. I was wondering if there is a better file to use and if there are other files in 95,98,ME that would be better to use.

Thanks

NOC9006

 

[OdiN]

You can use the boot.ini file for 2k/XP/NT - hopefully it will say the version - EG Windows XP Home/Pro/Windows 2000, etc.

As for 95, 98, and ME, you can look at the date of the command.com file, as well as the size. That will tell you whether it is Win95a, Win95b, Win98, Win98SE or WinME. You can also try to run the program "winver" from the windows or windows/command directory on a 95/98/ME drive...this is assuming you've booted to DOS. It may not work under a DOS Shell in a newer windows version.

BTW....I used to know the dates/sizes for command.com but it's been so long that I don't remember. I'm sure you could probably google it a bit to find out.

 

[Schadenfroh]

start<run winver

 

[mikecel79]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
start<run winver

He said without booting up the OS. Winver won't help him in this case

I would look into version numbers of the certain files. Such as NTOSKRNL.EXE for WinNT/2k/XP and a similiar file for Win9x/ME. Check the version on them and you should be able to determine the OS.