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, cross-checks, and comparison methods to spot missing data, inconsistent records, and documentation mistakes.
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 status using Windows Update History and wmic qfe list. Understand KB numbers, install dates, and how to export and compare results across several computers to confirm steady security status.
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 PCsPlan an inventory for twelve factory computers. Set scope, priorities, and data fields, then turn them into a practical checklist to guide 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)Make a backup and storage policy for inventory data. Decide where and how long to keep records, use encryption and access controls, and ensure backups are tested, recorded, and match factory and compliance needs.
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. Capture version, vendor, and install dates, and make snapshots for audits and licence checks.
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 permissions using lusrmgr.msc and net commands. Record membership, privilege levels, and service accounts to aid audits, fixing issues, and standardising 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 export reports, read key fields, and standardise data for comparing and tracking systems 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 properties so connectivity problems, routing issues, and setup changes can be quickly sorted.
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 snapshotsCreate a steady documentation template for all inventory data. Define fields, naming rules, and versioning, and learn to store baseline snapshots so future changes can be tracked and reversed if 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 methods to keep inventory up to date using scheduled exports, manual change logs, 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 exports to build a reliable record of automation, hardware drivers, and troubleshooting 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 lifecycle planning, and how to export 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 entries on Windows 7 using services.msc, msconfig, and sc query. Understand exporting, filtering, and reading results to record baseline behaviour and spot unwanted or disabled 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
