How to determine OS Platform with WMI?

Question

I am trying to figure out if there is a location in WMI that will return the OS Architecture (i.e. 32-bit or 64-bit) that will work across \"all\" versions of Windows. I though

Answer 1

After awhile of searching and testing, I've come up with a "fix/answer" although it's not exactly what I was hoping for. Performing the query from via the Registry appears to be consistent across all the version I have in my lab for Win2k3 & Win2k8. Here's where I am pulling the information from:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\Session Manager\Environment

KEY: PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE

It displays x86 or AMD64. It's not perfect, but at least it gives me the proper answer every time.

Still, if anyone knows a consistent 'Class' or Registry key that will output 32/64, 32-bit/64-bit, or X86/X64, I would greatly appreciate the information.