How do I find out what version of Windows I have?
I need to download a driver and it asks what version of Windows I'm running. I think it's Windows XP but I'm not sure if it's Home or Professional, or what 'Service Pack' I have. How do I check exactly which version of Windows is on my computer?
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This is a case where spending a little more upfront saves you money in the long run. Cheap hardware fails faster and costs more to replace. Buy quality components from reputable brands and they'll last years longer.
5 Answers
This is a case where spending a little more upfront saves you money in the long run. Cheap hardware fails faster and costs more to replace. Buy quality components from reputable brands and they'll last years longer.
Make sure you have the latest drivers from the actual manufacturer's website, not whatever Windows Update gives you. Video card drivers especially — nVidia and ATI release new ones every month and they make a real difference.
Newegg is your friend for parts. Way cheaper than Best Buy or CompUSA and the customer reviews actually help you avoid junk. Just watch out for shipping on heavy stuff like CRT monitors. Read the reviews before you buy ANYTHING.
Definitely back up your important files before trying any fixes. I learned this the hard way when I lost 3 years of photos trying to fix a simple problem. Get an external hard drive or burn DVDs of your important stuff first.
I'd post this on the Tom's Hardware or AnandTech forums with your full system specs — CPU, RAM, motherboard, the works. People can't really help without knowing what you've got. The more detail you give, the better the answers.
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