Windows version on coa unreadable

[frenchscottie]

I got a laptop to repair and the coa sticker has the serial key ok but the windows version is missing, and the hard drive is knackered. The customer got it from a friend and doesn't know if it was Xp or Vista. I know I can start installing XP OEM, XP retail and so on till the serial key works, but I was looking for a easier way to tell.
The thing is it doesn't look worn, just missing. I've seen this before but got the info from the drive.
I have read through the excellent COA articles on here already and someone had asked this question and Bryce had said he would look into it, but i can't find an answer.
Can you tell from the vertical number on the sticker that looks like this X38 - 56789 or something like it, or is this just a sticker number.
Any help would be appreciated, as I don't like wasting time on trial and error jobs.

Mo

 

[tempusfugit]

You can try checking the system configuration on the manufacturer website if you have a service tag.

 

[frenchscottie]

You can try checking the system configuration on the manufacturer website if you have a service tag.

No service tag.
............................................................................................................

 

[Martyn]

What's the make and model number? Should give you an idea of the age and therefore os band.

 

[Cambridge PC Support]

Have you tried Googling the X.... number?

 

[gikstar]

I would go to the laptop makers' website and check what operating systems it has drivers for you to download. If no Vista or Win7 drivers are listed and only XP drivers, then install XP. If it is a business class laptop then I suspect that it came with the Pro version, otherwise, load XP Home.

 

[Kitten Kong]

Have a look at this site.

http://d-fault.nl/PIDCheck.aspx

It's a online pid checker. If you input the coa details, it usually tells you what version of windows it is.

I have used this in the past, with good results.

 

[frenchscottie]

Have a look at this site.

http://d-fault.nl/PIDCheck.aspx

It's a online pid checker. If you input the coa details, it usually tells you what version of windows it is.

I have used this in the past, with good results.

It doesn't do XP so I discovered it is XP.
Thanks for the answers guys, I've done all this in the past and I know it's xp home OEM but I was wanting to know if we can get the info from the coa sticker or serial number to save some time.

 

[Martyn]

What make is it? If it's a large oem then you just need the discs and it will install without the key.

 

[4ycr]

have you tried the Technibble tool it might find what you need