How to Get Actual Build and Revision Number of Windows Vista or Longhorn Server Installed

First we have Bill Gates leaked edition of Windows Vista, then Microsoft released MSDN version of Vista setup files, and by end of January we also have official RTM and retail release of Windows Vista DVD image. Not to mention there are still OEM edition, upgrade version and web download version of Vista, plus ‘hacker’ or ‘amateur’ created version such as those fit into one CD, or all-in-one (AIO) version that include every applications and utilities that the enthusiast feels should be included together with no activation crack. For Windows Server ‘Longhorn’ 2008, there is Beta 1, Beta 2, Beta 3, and then everything suddenly renamed as Windows Server 2008. So how do you know which edition or which version, or more accurately which build number and revision number that you’re installing?

To find out the product edition, build number and revision number for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 (aka Longhorn Server) that is installed, follow these steps:

1. Open Registry Editor by typing Regedt32 or Regedit in Start Search, then hit Enter.
2. Navigate to the following registry key:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion

3. In the right pane, you will see lots of registry subkeys and its value date. Here’s how you read the value for some of the keys.

   ProductName

   The product name of Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008 edition on the system. For example, Windows Vista (TM) Ultimate.

   EditionID

   The edition of the operating system. For example, Ultimate.

   BuildLabEx

   Contains build and revision number. For example, 6000.16386.x86fre.vista_rtm.061101-2205 where first portion will give the build number (6000) and the next set of number if revision number (16386).

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 23rd, 2007 at 4:15 pm and is filed under Windows Vista. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.