BIOS Question

[wlpsyp]

Did not know where to post this, so this is the best place if any I guess. I have 600+ computers I manage all of various types etc. What I am looking at doing, and I maybe off my rockers here..... Is there a utility or app that will capture all of the BIOS settings and be able to print them out or save to a file? I have a requirement to have all BIOS settings logged and safeguarded and it is getting old trying to keep track of them all especially after a flash etc. All I want to be able to do, if anyone knows is capture all of the BIOS setting.

Any ideas?

Print screen wont accomplish this task

 

[bjdobs]

There used to be shareware BIOS capture programs out there mostly pre Pentium days, however the issue would be not with capturing the BIOS image but more to do with in the event that you would need to replace the BIOS, would you have the right data format for what ever program required to re flash or burn the PROMs ... there are a number of data formats used by comercial EPROM/EEPROM/PROM burners that are required for proper burning of these devices. It is not impossible but can be tricky ... another issue I encountered was with some of the 486 BIOS chips came in pairs and the code was stored with odd addresses in one chip and even addresses in the other which ment you would have to take a raw data dump and split the code into to files then decide on a data format and then massage the data back into that standard format

 

[wlpsyp]

Exactely what I was thinking also. Is there a utility out there that will do just a "screen Shot" of the bios page one at a time? To get a screen capture before the system is even posted is far fected I think, I know this is pushing it, but working for the Gov, life gets crazy on info everyone wants. I see of no way to do this, but looking for ideas or suggestions

Bill

 

[aldog]

Hi, you may use SiSoftware Sandra. It is freeware for the most part. I'm surprised not many people know about SiSandra. This diagnostic program will list all your Bios, chipset, mainboard type and all its specifications you could ever need! It also lists all your hardware specifications as well.

I downloaded the program from

http://www.easywarez.to

Usually you can download the trial version of programs from this site, and then download a file to turn the trial version into a full version (a Crack), that works very well. These are very nice programs. Just make sure you delete the crack after you run it. I don't see anything wrong with this unless you are selling the program as your own, you are merely downloading it and using it for your own needs.

 

[wlpsyp]

I do use Sandra love it. However the powers to be are wanting to see exacte screen shots of the BIOS bage just as if you where sitting at the box and in the BIOS. I have basically told them today they are SOL.

Thanks

Bill

 

[aldog]

Oh, I did not realise you needed a screen shot.

 

[KimberTech]

Am I off my rocker, or am I thinking you just need a digital camera?????? Can rent/buy/borrow one for an hour and do this up just fine.
You can give a digital image as a picture file, or printout to those information gatherers.

Kimber

The more I learn,I realize how much more there is to know!

 

[mdengtek]

The camera idea is fantastic. I wish I had thought of that. I ended up hooking up an old DOS dot matrix printer and print screen each page! Kind of a pain if you have to do 500+ though, camera probably better!

 

[wlpsyp]

That is do-able, and would work. But 600+ computers at a average of 8-10 pictures per BIOS adds up to .. well ALOT of pictures. (-:

May be my last recourse. Would think that there would be some app that could handle it. oh well. Maybe just a new job.....

Thanks

Bill

 

[KimberTech]

Bill I feel for you...aren't any of those bios pages identical?

A lot of pictures is better than a lot of page printouts though especially for storage purposes.
Any program would have to be locally installed on each machine if you need to do it for every computer...what a PAIN> and if you turn down the digital camera resolution to its lowest setting you can get 100 pics on an 8 MB module...could be worse.

I think whoever is getting you to do this has WAY TOO MUCH TIME on their hands....

Kimber

The more I learn,I realize how much more there is to know!

 

[wlpsyp]

Kinber,

Bu thoughts exactely. My boss and his boss are one of those types that can spell computer, but ask almost on a daily basis how to turn the darn thing on or where to insert a CD-Rom. They have way to much time on there hands and do alot of "what if's" or "it wopuld be neat to see this etc" It is tough at time, but they sign my paycheck, so....

Out of all the computers, there is some BIOS similarities, so that will help. Have already done the camera thing on 25 boxes, only 575 more to go..

Thanks for the help and advice

Bill

 

[KimberTech]

Bill....always a pleasure to help.
If I can't answer, there is always someone that will volunteer in these forums. They are the best on the net.

Glad I was able to contribute, and I hope things improve for you very soon. You might mention the procedure you had to follow to get the information they needed, and how long it took. Bosses pay attention to $$ better than anyone in the company. If you want to get some attention brought to an unreasonable request, you can show them how much it costs them to acquire it. Sometimes it works rather well...

GOOD LUCK!! Kimber

The more I learn,I realize how much more there is to know!

 

[tmCCNA]

I would talk to my boss and tell him that there is no reason for this. If you are having trouble with one, then check it out, but to log them all is just stupid, not to mention hard to keep up with, I would hate to see that spreadsheet. Travis McGuire
CCNA, Network+, A+