Reference number: CH000017
Ways of locating hardware and other system
specifications.
Issue:Ways of locating hardware and other system specifications.
Solution:Note: Although almost always correct, keep in mind that
whenever viewing any information about computer hardware through
software that it may be incorrect.
Windows
98, ME, 2000, XP, and Vista users
Windows 95 users
MS-DOS and Windows 3.x users
Third-party programs and other methods
Windows
98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, and Windows XP users
msinfo32
Run the Windows System
Information (msinfo32) that comes pre-installed with Windows to
determine installed hardware and software specifications. See
our msinfo32 dictionary
definition page for complete information about this utility.
Device Manager
Generic
hardware information of what Microsoft Windows is detecting can be
found through the Device
Manager. Additional information about how to get into the
Device Manager can be found on document
CH000833. If more detailed information is required we
suggest one of the alternative solutions.
Third-party programs
If this program does not list the information you need or you
need additional details or other benchmark utilities see the
third-party program section on this page for a
listing of programs that can be installed to detect and list the
hardware and software on your computer.
Windows
95 users
Device Manager
Generic
hardware information of what Microsoft Windows is detecting can be
found through the Device
Manager. Additional information about how to get into the
Device Manager can be found on document
CH000833. If more detailed information is required we
suggest one of the alternative solutions.
Third-party programs
If this program does not list the information you need or you
need additional details or other benchmark utilities see the
third-party program section on this page for a
listing of programs that can be installed to detect and list the
hardware and software on your computer.
MS-DOS
and Windows 3.x users
To see the computer's system specifications run the
MSD command from a
MS-DOS prompt. Note: As mentioned on
the MSD command page this command is only meant for older computers
running MS-DOS and not Windows computers running the Windows command
line.
Third-party
programs
In addition to the methods listed above for
determining the system specifications many computer manufactures such
as Dell have unique identification numbers that can be used by
the computer manufacturer or through their website to determine all your
system specifications. Finally, there are several
third-party programs that enable users to display their system specifications
and in some cases also benchmark
their computer. Below is a short listing of some of these programs
and each of the programs capabilities listed in the order we
recommend most. WinAudit
http://pxserver.com/WinAudit.htm
Fantastic free and small program and our highest recommended
program for detecting and listing the hardware and software in a
computer. Below is a listing of what this program is cable of
detecting.
- Operating System and system model type
- Computer model and serial number
- Processor speed and primary and secondary cache amount.
- Type of BIOS, display, peripherals, and other system
information.
- Installed programs.
- Security information such as open ports, shares, Internet
utility versions, network groups and users, etc.
- Scheduled tasks, error logs, and complete uptime statistics.
- Installed memory including what size of chips and what bank
their installed into.
- Drives including hard disk drive manufacturer, size, SMART
status, network drives, and other disc/diskette drives.
Belarc Advisor
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
The Belarc free personal PC audit is a great software program and
another highly recommended program that creates a fantastic report of your
computer hardware and software. Below is a list of what this program
is capable of detecting and displaying.
- Operating System and system model type
- Processor speed and primary and secondary cache amount.
- Motherboard type/chipset, controllers, bus clock speed, and
type of BIOS.
- Installed memory including what size of chips and what bank
their installed into.
- Drives including hard disk drive manufacturer, size, SMART
status, network drives, and other disc/diskette drives.
- Installed local and network printers and their paths.
- Installed Video card and display.
- Installed sound card and other multimedia card.
- Other connected devices, ie: keyboard, mouse, USB devices.
- User accounts and last login date and time.
- Installed virus scanner and its version.
- Installed Microsoft Security hotfixes and if any missing
hotfixes are detected.
- Software license information
- Installed software version
Fresh Diagnose
http://www.freshdevices.com/
Another great free method for determining your
system specifications through software as well as a program capable
of benchmarking your hardware devices. The program is capable of
detecting such hardware as the CPU, hard drive, video, sound,
motherboard, and drive performance. The program does require a valid
e-mail address however to download. HWiNFO / HWiNFO32
http://www.hwinfo.com/
Another great software tool for getting a comprehensive list
of your hardware information that is available as a 14 day
trial. In addition to detecting as much and in some cases more than
all the programs listed on this page the program is also capable of
displaying sensor information used for detecting the temperature of
the motherboard, CPU, and any other devices and displaying voltage
and fan RPM speeds. Finally, the program also includes a
benchmarking comparison that can be used to compare your computer
against other hardware. Lavalys
EVEREST
http://www.lavalys.com/
Finally, Lavalys EVEREST is a software program that is available
as a trial base and is capable of displaying a very complete list of
all the software and hardware installed on your computer as well as
capable of performing benchmarks.
The program is capable of detecting as much as many of the other
programs listed on this page.
SiSoftware SANDRA
http://www.sisoftware.co.uk/
Short for System ANalyser Diagnostic and Report
Assistant, SANDRA is an information and diagnostics
software program capable of listing the hardware in the
computer.
Additional information:
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