Lesson 1Procedures for verifying inventory accuracy and reconciling differences across PCsSet out steps to check if inventory information is correct and sort out differences between computers. Learn ways to sample, double-check, and compare that help find missing information, wrong entries, and record 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 down patch levels and hotfix status using Windows Update History and wmic qfe list. Understand KB numbers, install dates, and how to save and compare results from many computers to make sure security is the same everywhere.
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 for twelve factory computers. Set the range, what matters most, and data needed, then turn it into a useful checklist that guides workers 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 keeping policy 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 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 different 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 help checks and license rules.
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 who belongs where, power levels, and service accounts to help checks, fixing problems, and making all factory workstations the same.
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, like CPU, memory, disks, and BIOS or firmware. Learn to save reports, understand key parts, and make data standard 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 configGather network setup details using ipconfig, route print, and netsh. Note IP settings, gateways, DNS, and adapter details so connection problems, route issues, and setup changes can be found quickly.
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 document template for all inventory data. Set fields, naming ways, and version rules, and learn how to keep starting snapshots so future changes can be followed and fixed back 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 ways to keep inventory up to date using planned saves, hand-written change notes, and checksum or versioned files. Learn to make repeating tasks automatic and record steps so updates stay sure 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 planned tasks, installed drivers, and Device Manager data. Use Task Scheduler, driverquery, and Device Manager saves to build a sure record of automatic work, hardware drivers, and fixing 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 type, version, and install dates. Learn which parts matter for help, 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 gather running services and startup items on Windows 7 using services.msc, msconfig, and sc query. Understand how to save, sort, and read results to record normal ways and find 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