Inventorying Computer Hardware

Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Scripting Guide

microsoft windows 2000 scripting guide

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The inventory process helps determine the number of computers in your organization and how these computers have been configured. This type of information can be very useful in a number of situations:

  • Preparing to upgrade to a new operating system or a new software package.

    The inventory helps determine which computers have hardware that is compatible with the new produc. It also helps you determine whether these computers have sufficient hardware resources to run the new product.

  • Planning the information technology budget.

    The inventory helps determine which computers have adequate hardware to last through the next budget period and which computers require hardware upgrades or need to be replaced.

  • Replacing computers in an organization.

    The inventory helps determine which hardware can be used elsewhere in the organization and which hardware cannot.

  • Taking help desk calls from users.

    The inventory helps determine the hardware configuration of a user's computer. This kind of information is important for help desk personnel trying to remotely diagnose and resolve computer problems.

WMI contains many classes that enable you to retrieve detailed information about computer hardware. For example, Table 8.4 lists hardware categories that can be retrieved either by using the System Information snap-in or by using the equivalent WMI classes.

Table 8.4   System Information Categories and Their WMI Equivalents

System Information CategoryWMI Class
CD-ROMWin32_CDRomDrive
Sound DeviceWin32_SoundDevice
DisplayWin32_VideoController
InfraredWin32_InfraredDevice
KeyboardWin32_Keyboard
Pointing DeviceWin32_PointingDevice
ModemWin32_POTSModem
Network AdapterWin32_NetworkAdapter
Serial PortsWin32_SerialPort
Parallel PortsWin32_ParallelPort
DrivesWin32_DiskDrive
SCSIWin32_SCSIController
PrintersWin32_Printer
USBWin32_USBController

In addition to the classes listed in Table 8.4, a number of other WMI classes are useful in taking inventory of computer hardware. WMI classes exist for almost all hardware components on a computer. (However, there are proprietary hardware devices that do not support WMI.) Some of these classes are listed in Table 8.5.

Table 8.5   Additional WMI Classes for Retrieving Hardware Information

WMI ClassDescription
Win32_BaseboardProvides information about the computer motherboard (also known as the baseboard or system board). The motherboard contains the bus, the processor and coprocessor sockets, memory sockets, keyboard controller, and other electrical components.
Win32_BusProvides information about the internal bus. The bus allows the computer to transfer data between the central processing unit, system memory, and peripheral buses.
Win32_DesktopMonitorProvides information about the monitor or display device used by the computer.
Win32_FanProvides information about fans, including the CPU cooling device, installed in the computer.
Win32_PhysicalMemoryProvides information regarding physical memory devices installed in the computer.
Win32_PNPEntityProvides information about all Plug and Play devices installed in the computer. Plug and Play devices are hardware devices that conform to the Plug and Play standard, allowing them to be installed on a computer without the need for manual configuration.
Win32_ProcessorProvides information about each processor installed on a computer.

The information available through the various WMI classes is almost identical to the hardware information available using graphical user interface (GUI) tools. For example, Figure 8.3 compares the Win32_PointingDevice class with the data available in the System Information snap-in.

Figure 8.3   Win32_PointingDevice and System Information

Win32_PointingDevice and System Information


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Microsoft Windows 2000 Scripting Guide(c) Automating System Administration 2003
Microsoft Windows 2000 Scripting Guide(c) Automating System Administration 2003
ISBN: N/A
EAN: N/A
Year: 2004
Pages: 635

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