Lesson 1Procedures for verifying inventory accuracy and reconciling differences across PCsDefine procedures to verify inventory accuracy and reconcile differences between PCs. Learn sampling, cross-checks, and comparison techniques that help detect missing data, inconsistent entries, and documentation errors.
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 record patch level and hotfix status using Windows Update History and wmic qfe list. Understand KB identifiers, install dates, and how to export and compare results across multiple PCs to confirm consistent security posture.
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 PCsDesign an inventory plan tailored to twelve factory PCs. Define scope, priorities, and data fields, then convert them into a practical checklist that guides technicians through consistent, repeatable collection and documentation steps on every 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)Develop a backup and retention policy for inventory data. Decide where and how long to store records, apply encryption and access control, and ensure that backups are tested, documented, and aligned with factory and compliance 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 several ways to enumerate installed software on Windows 7 using WMIC Product, registry views, and Programs and Features. Capture version, vendor, and install dates, and create snapshots that support audits and licence compliance 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. Document membership, privilege levels, and service accounts to support audits, troubleshooting, and standardisation 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 gather detailed hardware information, including CPU, memory, disks, and BIOS or firmware. Learn how to export reports, interpret key fields, and normalise data so that systems can be compared and tracked 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 configuration details using ipconfig, route print, and netsh. Record IP settings, gateways, DNS, and adapter properties so that connectivity issues, routing problems, and configuration drift can be quickly diagnosed.
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 consistent documentation template for all inventory data. Define fields, naming conventions, and versioning rules, and learn how to store baseline snapshots so that future changes can be tracked and rolled back when necessary.
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 filesEstablish methods to keep inventory current using scheduled exports, manual change logs, and checksum or versioned files. Learn how to automate recurring tasks and document procedures so updates remain reliable and auditable.
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 exportsExplore methods to document 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 potential 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 installation dates. Learn which fields matter for support, licensing, and lifecycle planning, and how to export this data consistently for all PCs.
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 how to export, filter, and interpret results to document baseline behaviour and detect 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
