The system information utility
Windows creates setupapi.log file that tracks each piece of installed hardware.
1. Hardware and software configuration information 2. Application settings 3. Users preferences
The operating system (OS) is responsible for keeping track of all installed hardware and software on a computer. It maintains a database known as the registry (in Windows) or uses configuration files (in Unix-based systems) to store information about the system's components. Additionally, device drivers and system management tools help the OS communicate with and manage the hardware effectively. This ensures that the software can interact seamlessly with the hardware.
Msinfo32
In Windows 95, information regarding the configuration of hardware and software is stored in the Windows Registry. The Registry is a hierarchical database that contains settings and options for the operating system, including device drivers, user preferences, and system configurations. It plays a crucial role in managing the system's resources and ensuring the proper functioning of installed applications.
The Registry subtree that contains all the configuration information for the computer's hardware is the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE (HKLM) subtree. Within this subtree, the SYSTEM key holds detailed information about the hardware components and their configurations, including device drivers and system settings. This information is crucial for the operating system to manage hardware resources effectively.
Use hardware inventory in Configuration Manager to collect information about the hardware configuration of client devices in your organization. To collect hardware inventory, you must select the Enable hardware inventory on clients setting in client settings. After hardware inventory is enabled and the client runs a hardware inventory cycle, the client sends the information to a management point in the client's site. The management point then forwards the inventory information to the Configuration Manager site server, which stores the inventory information in the site database. Hardware inventory runs on clients according to the schedule that you specify in client settings.
the purpose is to collect and store configuration settings of Windows components, installed software/application/hardware and more.
The registry key that contains Plug and Play information about the hardware configuration used by the computer at startup is located at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum. This key stores details about all detected hardware devices, including their configuration and status. It is essential for the operating system to manage hardware resources effectively during the boot process.
form_title=Hardware form_header=Add to your telecommunications collection with new hardware! What type of hardware are you looking to install?=_ When do you need the hardware installed?=_ Where does the hardware need to be installed?=_
Device Manager>System>Hardware
HDW.DA and SWARE.DAT