How to tell if an .ISO is Retail, OEM, or VLK?

[tmontney]

So let's say I have an iso of Windows, could be Vista, 7, whatever. Without any previous knowledge, how can I determine what type it is (OEM, Retail, or VLK)? I've heard about the ei.cfg, but in some .isos it is does not exist (Vista from what I can tell). XP has the setupp.ini.

I'm also aware of certain versions like Starter Edition being OEM only, or Enterprise being VLK only.

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

If you acquired it legally you would know exactly what it was. If you acquired it illegally, we can't help.

 

[tmontney]

If you acquired it legally you would know exactly what it was. If you acquired it illegally, we can't help.

Define "obtained illegally". If I were looking to do illegal things or anything related, it goes without saying that tom's HW is not the place to ask.

 

[JDFan]

If the iso is a purchased copy the disk will tell you what version it is -- if it is a burned copy you should know what version you downloaded -- AND if you don't know where it came from I would suggest not trusting it as you do not know if it is "modified" and includes extra "features" like tracking software or malware included in the image which put any financial info you install on the system at risk.

What version do you have the key for (the COA that has the key will also tell you what version it is for) - Once you know what version you need download the iso from Digital River ( VISTA LINKS ( http://downloadsnfix.blogspot.com/2012/08/microsoft-windows-vista-official-iso.html ) WIN 7 Links ( http://www.mydigitallife.info/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-from-digital-river/ ) - microsoft's approved digital download source so that you know it is an original source and use it to install with the key you have.