yeah, great advice. But i recommend people also get a diagnostics program
like CheckIt.

http://www.smithmicro.com/checkit/

very handy to find out what's under the "hood" of your PC ;) or more
imporantly, the persons PC your trying to fix that didn't do the
recommendation below!


cheers,
Adam

> -----Original Message-----
> From: John Chin [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Monday, March 19, 2001 4:53 PM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      [PCBUILD] System Documentation & Inventory
>
> Hi:
>
> A major aggravation in dealing with computer problems is the failure to
> maintain SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & SUPPORTING SOFTWARE.
>
> Computer technicians and owners should keep system documentation, drivers
> and other software for their computers in a re-sealable envelope, bag or
> box. Keep an inventory of system components and a log of all changes and
> events.
>
> The inventory should include the following:
>
> --- SYSTEM UNIT ---
> System  Make and Model
> Motherboard Make and Model
> CPU / Type / Speed
> BIOS Manufacturer / Version
> CMOS entry hotkey
> CMOS Settings
> RAM Type / Speed / Amount
> Memory Sockets (# and types)
> Expansion Slots (# and types)
> Onboard Ports and Connectors
>
>  ---DRIVES ---
> Hard drive Make / Model / Mode
> Hard Drive Parameters C/H/S
> Drive Interface
> Capacity
> Floppy A
> Floppy B
> CD-ROM Make / Model / Interface / Driver name
>
> --- EXPANSION ADAPTOR CARDS  ---
> (Make / Model / Slot / Settings / Drivers)
> Video Card
> Sound Card
> Modem
> Network Card
>
> --- OTHER ---
> IRQ/DMA/IO-port/memory information
> OS version and patches
> Backups of essential system settings
> License numbers
>
> The collection of this information is not just for the overly retentive or
> sophisticated power user; it's for every user who does not want to go
> "nuts" trying to get a system back online.
>
> Assemble system documentation and drivers, for yourself and your clients,
> and keep these resources accessible, in a retrieveable place. Indeed, you
> should visit all the makers' web sites and download PDF/DOC copies of most
> manuals, and the appropriate drivers, then burn this onto a CDROM disc for
> instant reference. Avoid those makers who do not render basic (necessary)
> Internet support.
>
> Try not to learn the hard way....
>
> Regards,
>
> John Chin
>
>          PCBUILD maintains hundreds of useful files for download
>                      visit our download web page at:
>                   http://freepctech.com/downloads.shtml

         PCBUILD maintains hundreds of useful files for download
                     visit our download web page at:
                  http://freepctech.com/downloads.shtml