Identify hardware 2

[stech1]

There must be some way to identify hardware even if it is not installed and there are no external markings. Sometimes we get a machine where the OS is corrupt before we can tell what is inside. After the restage, the hardware will not be installed and, if there are no external markings, we can be in a bind. However, on some occasions, windows update will id the hardware and install it.

How does windows update know what the hardware is? How can we ID the hardware for ourselves

TIA

 

[ski]

This will tell you exactly what hardware is installed in a system:

http://www.lavalys.com/products/download.php?pid=1&lang=en&pageid=3

 

[edfair]

There are a couple of software packages that have that purpose. Try a google search for "identify hardware" and you should hit on them.
They were written to identify unknown hardware, which is above and beyond the reporting of Mitchell (aka Aida32) , Bellarc Advisor, and Sysoft Sandra.
I haven't had occasion to use them, but have downloaded them for the future.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[SkipCox]

This link is a good start:

http://www.halfdone.com/Development/UnknownDevices/

Skip

http://scc.i8.com

 

[Eguy]

stech1,

Almost all PC hardware and peripherals have an FCC ID number.
If you are unable to determine the manufacture of a card then the FCC database will be able to help.

http://www.driverzone.com/fcc_id_search.htm

HTH
Ed


Please let me know if the suggestion(s) I provide are helpful to you.
Sometimes you're the windshield... Sometimes you're the bug.

 

[garebo]

There is also a motherboard website that will id any mobo you can throw at them. Sure you could google it.


Good advice + great people = tek-tips