Get information about your PC using the System Information

Nobody remembers every detail about their computer, but there are times when you’ll need to check.

A full breakdown of a PC’s hardware and software is vital information for anyone providing technical support, while even a basic overview can be checked against the minimum requirements of some new software you’re thinking about buying, preventing a costly mistake.

Windows provides a handy but hidden way to get both in the shape of the System Information tool. This can be run in Windows 7 or Vista simply by typing system information into the Start Menu search box, then clicking the top result that appears.

It’s a bit more hidden away in XP, where you’ll need to click the Start button, click Run and type c:\windows\system32\dllcache\msinfo32.exe into the box that appears, before clicking OK.

The System Information Tool starts with a system summary that usually includes all sorts of handy information and is often the only way to find out which motherboard is inside the computer without grabbing a screwdriver, for example.

Clicking on the Components or Software Environment categories in the left-hand pane reveals more detailed information on a PC’s hardware or software makeup.

The search box at the bottom makes it easy to search for a specific component or manufacturer name, which is handy if you’re seeing error messages from a component that you’ve never heard of and want to find out what it does. Best of all, there’s no need to feel intimidated, as the tool is for information only so you can’t damage anything here.

Using the Windows Command Prompt
Use Ping to troubleshoot your network
Clear your PC of clutter safely with Disk Cleanup
Revert to previous settings with System Restore
Identify memory problems with Memory Diagnostics
Starting Windows in Safe Mode
Use Windows Resource Checker to replace corrupted software
Use Remote Assistance to see another computer
Speed up your hard disk using Disk Defragmenter

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