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is Microsoft Windows 7 the same as "Windows 6.1" ?

Anonymous
2011-06-09T13:28:50+00:00
  • I have just bought a new (second-+hand) laptop with Microsoft Windows 7 operating system installed, but in all system dialogue screens it refers to it as Windows 6.1 . . . which I've never heard of !
  • Why is this? Are they the same thing or not?
  • Have I been sold a 'kosher' version of Windows 7 or not?

I thought Microsoft Windows evolution went successively from Windows 2000 on to Windows XP then to Windows Vista and then straight to Windows 7. Where did a version "6.1" ever come in?!

Any answers will be most greatly appreciated! The laptop is not working properly so this query forms the basis of a larger concern, and Currys/PC World are being EXTREMELY unhelpful !!!!

Lyn x

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Apps

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-06-09T13:46:37+00:00

    Each Windows has it's name, like 2000, xp, vista, 7, etc, most likely so consumers don't get confused, and then they have their version numbers just like any software does.

    Windows XP is technically Windows 5.0, Vista is 6.0, and 7 is 6.1.

    The 7 in Windows 7 is just the name of it, since vista was 6.0 they named it 7 (at least I think that's why it's Win 7)

    So in answer to your question, both Windows 7 and Windows 6.1 are the same product, it's just 2 ways of referring to it.

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-06-09T20:19:06+00:00

    I thought Microsoft Windows evolution went successively from Windows 2000 on to Windows XP then to Windows Vista and then straight to Windows 7. Where did a version "6.1" ever come in?!

    Hi

    The names you posted are called 'friendly names', all software will have a numeric Version and Build Number.

    Go to Start and type  winver  and press Enter.

    In the window that pops up, you will see Version 6.1 (Build 7600) if you have the Service 1 installed, it will show (Build 7601, Service Pack 1).

    Regards

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-06-09T20:38:16+00:00

    Type MsInfo32 in the Start RUN box and look at your System Summary.

    You should see entries similar to these.

    OS Name Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate

    Version 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1 Build 7601

    Hardware Abstraction Layer Version = "6.1.7601.17514"

    Now start a new post with your next and main problem question clearly defined in the heading, and all the details in the body of the post.

    How to ask a question

    http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-06-10T02:47:13+00:00

    Thanks very much - that is very helpful to read and very informative. Thank you so much for your time!

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-06-10T02:46:01+00:00

    That is just so brilliant, thank you.

    I saw one other person had asked a pretty similar question, but I didn't understand the naswer they got as it was way too technical! That, yours, is just brilliant. Thanks so much for your time and kindness to reply to me - it's been really helpful. Grateful! :-)

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