How do I verify which version of Windows XP (Home or Professional) is installed on my computer? My Computer|Properties|General tab says Windows XP Home Edition Version 2002 Service Pack 1 is installed but the boot.ini file says operating system is "Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition" Also, the sticker on the computer says Windows XP Home Edition and lists the product key. However, when I run Magic Jelly Bean keyfinder, it reports a different product key then that listed on the sticker. What is my actual product key, the one on the sticker or the one reported by keyfinder?

You obviously have Win XP Home edition. I would take the data written on the Properties General screen over what may be written in boot.ini. As for your product key, use the one on the case for reinstall. No doubt your computer was preloaded from a mass loader at the factory who have blanket authority to use different CD Keys. Do not use the one that Magic Jelly bean found as it probably will not work. The one on the case is the one to use.

Another way to tell is to download and istall Tweak UI form microsoft http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/c/a/fca6767b-9ed9-45a6-b352-839afb2a2679/TweakUiPowertoySetup.exe Run it and click on general. Then find and enable "Show Windows Version on Desktop" restart your computer and it will tell you in the bottom right hand corner.

How to Determine the Version of Windows XP in Use

click start, then click run, type in winver , click ok. there will be your answer.

Many thanks to terii, rriven, Chuck 2 and www for your reply to my message with special thanks to terii for clarifying which product key I should use.