System Information, Tools and Configuration Utility

WINDOWS Vista

WINDOWS Seven

WINDOWS 95-XP

System Information - System Configuration - System File Checker (SFC) - Safe Mode - Backup

System Information provides information about your Computer, Processor, RAM/Memory, BIOS make and version, documents history, changes of your systems configuration, installed programs, devices, etc. This information is very helpful when contacting a Technician.

Windows Operating Systems 98-ME-2000-XP have System Information. What tools are offered from the different OS's vary Fig 3a, is Windows 98, Fig 3b Windows ME, Fig 3c Windows XP.

To Run System Information and save to disk: Start> Programs> Accessories> System Tools>System Information. Or Start> select Run and type MSINFO32 (Fig. 1) and enter.

Fig. 1 Fig. 1

This will bring up System Information Fig. 2 (shown below), File, Save As and save by date i.e. 5Dec01.nfo Save this file to a Floppy 3.5, or other removable media as a Zip drive, CD, or USB Flash Storage device and store with other OS Installation/Restore CD's/Disks in a safe place.

Fig. 2 Fig. 2

From the Tools Menu allows access to other System Tools as shown below in Windows 98:
Fig. 3a

System Tools Menu

Fig. 3b - Windows ME System Information Tools

Fig 3c. Windows XP System Information Tools

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Windows 98 - The System Configuration Utility allows you to change, config.sys, autoexec.bat, system.ini, win.ini, startup and back up your system's configuration. By Editing Startup you prevent the loading of programs running in the background or programs not needed on boot up. There are visible programs as shown in the Taskbar tray and those you may not be aware of running, taking away from your System Resources as shown in Fig. 5

Fig. 4

98 Configuration Utility Window

Fig. 5 Fig. 3

Now that you are at the System Configuration Utility window and you click on the Startup tab, what do I do?

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System Configuration Backup with Windows 98 & ME - Windows XP

Open System Information as described in Fig. 1, select from the the Tools Menu> System Configuration Utility> General Tab> Create Backup

Fig. 6 98 Configuration Utility Window

Windows XP uses System Restore that monitors changes to the system and some application files, and it automatically creates easily identified restore points. These restore points allow you to revert the system to a previous time. They are created daily and at the time of significant system events (such as when an application or driver is installed). You can also create and name your own restore points at any time. For more information on XP System Restore, from your Desktop click on the screen hit F1 for Help and Support, type in Restore in the Search Window, then listed under Overview, Articles and Tutorials will be System Restore Overview.

Fig. 7

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Safe Mode

You have installed hardware, software or changed your computer settings and your machine boots to the "Safe Mode" First use the Safe Mode and try to correct or un-install the program and or hardware that maybe causing the problem.

Always make note or keep a history of your changes be it installing/removing software or hardware. This helps Computer-Firstaid help you easier when called or another computer service/technician. Make sure you have original disks, documentation about the product and your computer (System Information). Store together in a safe place.

Un-install the program/hardware or change back to your last saved settings using the System Configuration Utility

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System File Checker

You have added or removed a program or hardware device and are experiencing problems. Run System File Checker (Fig. 6) and Registry Checker. These options can be found under System Information Tools. Or you can locate and run them individually by left click Start and selecting Run. Type in Sfc.exe for System File Checker or Scanregw.exe for Registry Checker

Fig. 6 Fig. 6

Fig. 7 Fig. 5

3. Always make note or keep a history of system changes, installing/removing software or hardware. This helps Computer-Firstaid help you easier when called or another computer service/technician. Make sure you have original disks, documentation about the product and your computer. Store together in a safe place.

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Re-installing Windows. From Start, left click, select run, browse to C:\windows\options\cabs\ and

select the file with an icon named setup.exe or setup

then initiate by selecting the file and then Open, then click OK

You can save money by doing this yourself or have Computer-Firstaid do it......Remember once you have re-installed Windows or other programs it is recommended to backup your system information and save to disk, preferably a removable storage device.

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