Problem solving information gathering

PeterPerfect

Looking through many of the posts by people as regards their problems, it is often the case to request more information on the software or hardware used. Below are some suggestions on information gathering

Hardware
- Detailed information on the hardware that maybe the cause. Saying a Toshiba laptop means their are many to choose from. Better to say Toshiba Satellite P10-504.
- What actions were made prior to the problem
- Use the inbuilt information from the OS to get hardware details. In XP for instance, use msconfig, then under the Tools tab, select System Information

Software
- Name of OS and version to begin with. Any particular software application problems, then the version of that as well
- Any logs generated, these can appear in the temp directory. Or use the Event viewer to see processor/security or application issues.
- You may find that some of the tools found at
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/default.aspx

useful in any diagnosis.

Anyone want to add to the tools list or ideas on solving a problem. This may become a sticky?

S0litaire

Try this :

Belarc Adviser (PC Audit software)
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

It's free for use on a personal PC.

Lists all the hardware and software (with CD-Key's / Codes if available.) Also lists what patches updates have been applied to Windows and if any are outstanding. It also does a quick Security check to see how secure the PC is.