How to find out what SP level is installed

I'm trying to help a friend with a dead PC. His motherboard died, but he was able to find an exact replacement for it. The problem is he doesn't remember if he installed SP3, or if he was still at SP2 of WinXP. We can slipstream his XP CD if need be, but we need to know how to tell what level the OS is before attempting a repair install when the board is replaced. Is there a file that we can check on his hard drive that will provide a clue as to the SP level?

 

Click start, then right click on My Computer and choose properties. It'll tell you there, on the general tab, under system.

Edit:
OOPS, I didn't read close enough. I see you aren't able to get into Windows. In that case, I'm not really sure how you'd find out. Sorry.

However, I would think you would be ok if you just installed XP with SP3 on it. It wouldn't be good going backwards in versions but shouldn't hurt to install SP3 if he had SP2. You can wait to see if somebody else has a differing opinon though.

 

If you want to know what Version of Windows is running and what Service Pack is installed
Start -> Run type WINVER and press OK
It can also be done in Safe Mode.

I also didn't read that you could not access Windows.

 

If all you have replaced is the MB, and it is the exact duplicate, you should have no problems installing the new board and booting to Windows from the old drive - assuming Windows was OK prior to the MB failure.

 

If your replacing the motherboard - you might want to see this article from Microsoft:
Look under Replace a failed motherboard

 

Thanks for all the replies. The drive appears to be ok, I have put it in another machine and it works just fine. I hadn't thought about booting into safe mode first, might have to give that a try to find out the windows SP level, or as TonyT suggested deleting the hardware, rebooting and reinstalling the drivers. Most of the hardware devices are on the Mboard with the exception of the modem, so the drivers should come with the board if he doesn't have them.

We may also get lucky and windows will be happy with the replacement board without much work.

Other ideas are still welcome.