Lesson 1Procedures for verifying inventory accuracy and reconciling differences across PCsSet out steps to check inventory accuracy and sort out differences between computers. Learn sampling methods, double-checks, and ways to compare that help find missing information, uneven records, and mistakes in documentation.
Spot‑checking records against systemsCross‑validating from multiple toolsComparing PCs with reference baselinesResolving conflicting data entriesDocumenting verification resultsLesson 2Collecting patch level and hotfix details via Windows Update History and wmic qfe listLearn how to note patch levels and hotfix details using Windows Update History and wmic qfe list. Understand KB numbers, install dates, and how to save and compare results from many computers to ensure even security levels.
Reviewing Windows Update HistoryExporting update lists to filesUsing wmic qfe list with filtersMatching KB numbers to advisoriesComparing patch levels across PCsLesson 3Preparing an inventory plan and checklist tailored to 12 factory PCsMake an inventory plan suited to twelve factory computers. Set the range, priorities, and data items, then turn them into a useful checklist that directs technicians through steady, repeatable gathering and recording steps on each machine.
Defining inventory scope and goalsSelecting mandatory data fieldsCreating a per‑PC checklist templateSequencing collection steps efficientlyAssigning responsibilities and timelinesLesson 4Backup and retention policy for inventory data and secure storage considerations (encryption, access control)Create a backup and retention rule for inventory data. Choose where and how long to keep records, use encryption and access limits, and make sure backups are tested, recorded, and match factory and rule requirements.
Defining retention periods per data typeSelecting backup locations and mediaEncrypting inventory files at restControlling access with permissionsTesting restore procedures regularlyLesson 5Enumerating installed software with WMIC Product, registry, and Add/Remove Programs snapshotsLearn ways to list installed software on Windows 7 using WMIC Product, registry views, and Programs and Features. Record version, maker, and install dates, and make snapshots that aid checks and license following.
Listing software via WMIC ProductReading uninstall registry keysExporting Programs and Features listsNormalizing product names and versionsFlagging unsupported or risky softwareLesson 6Listing local user and group accounts and permissions using lusrmgr.msc and net user /net localgroup commandsLearn to list local users, groups, and rights using lusrmgr.msc and net commands. Record membership, privilege levels, and service accounts to aid checks, fixing issues, and making standards across all factory workstations.
Reviewing accounts in lusrmgr.mscListing users with net user commandsListing groups with net localgroupDocumenting group membershipsIdentifying risky local administrator useLesson 7Gathering hardware data: CPU, memory, disk, BIOS/firmware using msinfo32 and wmic commandsUse msinfo32 and wmic to collect detailed hardware info, including CPU, memory, disks, and BIOS or firmware. Learn to save reports, read key fields, and standardise data so systems can be compared and followed over time.
Collecting system summary in msinfo32Exporting msinfo32 reports to filesQuerying CPU and memory with wmicDocumenting disks and SMART detailsRecording BIOS and firmware versionsLesson 8Recording network configuration and adapters with ipconfig /all, route print, and netsh interface ipv4 show configCapture network setup details using ipconfig, route print, and netsh. Record IP settings, gateways, DNS, and adapter details so connection problems, routing faults, and setup changes can be quickly found.
Running ipconfig /all for IP detailsSaving route print outputsUsing netsh interface ipv4 show configDocumenting DNS and gateway settingsTracking changes to adapter bindingsLesson 9Designing a consistent document template (fields, naming conventions, versioning) and how to store baseline snapshotsMake a steady documentation template for all inventory data. Set fields, naming rules, and version controls, and learn to store standard snapshots so future changes can be tracked and undone when needed.
Choosing core inventory fieldsDefining file and folder naming rulesImplementing document version numbersCapturing initial baseline snapshotsOrganizing baselines by site and dateLesson 10Methods for updating inventory: periodic scheduled exports, manual change logs, and checksum/versioned filesSet ways to keep inventory up to date using planned exports, manual change notes, and checksum or versioned files. Learn to automate regular tasks and record steps so updates stay reliable and checkable.
Scheduling recurring export tasksMaintaining manual change logsUsing checksums to detect changesVersioning inventory files by dateReviewing updates for completenessLesson 11Documenting scheduled tasks, installed drivers (driverquery), and device manager exportsLook at ways to record scheduled tasks, installed drivers, and Device Manager data. Use Task Scheduler, driverquery, and Device Manager saves to build a solid record of automation, hardware drivers, and fix points.
Listing tasks in Task SchedulerExporting tasks to XML for backupUsing driverquery with useful switchesExporting Device Manager views to filesCorrelating tasks and driver dependenciesLesson 12Using System Information (msinfo32) and System Properties to record OS, edition, and install datesUse System Information and System Properties to record Windows 7 edition, version, and install dates. Learn key fields for support, licensing, and life planning, and how to save this data steadily for all computers.
Finding OS details in msinfo32Using System Properties for editionRecording product ID and license dataCapturing original install dateExporting OS details for all PCsLesson 13Capturing running services and startup programs using services.msc, msconfig, and sc queryLearn to capture running services and startup items on Windows 7 using services.msc, msconfig, and sc query. Understand how to save, filter, and read results to record standard behaviour and spot unwanted or off items.
Reviewing service status in services.mscDocumenting startup items with msconfigUsing sc query to export service listsFiltering services by state and start typeSaving outputs to text and CSV files
