MSINFO32 - CMD

Overview

The MSINFO32 command, known as System Information, is a utility in Windows operating systems that displays a comprehensive view of the hardware, system components, and software environment. This command is useful for troubleshooting system issues and gathering system configuration information that might be required for system support and management.

Syntax

The full syntax for the MSINFO32 command is as follows:

MSINFO32 [/pch] [/nfo <Path>] [/report <Path>] [/computer <Name>] [/showcategories] [/category <CategoryID>] [/?
  • /pch : Causes the application to display SafeDllSearchMode security information.
  • /nfo <Path>: Saves the exported information in the .nfo file format specified by <Path>.
  • /report <Path>: Saves the exported information as a text file to the specified <Path>.
  • /computer <Name>: Connects to a remote computer specified by <Name>.
  • /showcategories: Displays the category IDs for use with /category.
  • /category <CategoryID>: Displays only the data associated with the specified category ID.
  • /? or /help: Displays help and exit.

Options/Flags

  • /pch: Useful in security assessments for determining configuration related to DLL loading.
  • /nfo <Path>: Automates the backup of system information for diagnostics or archival purposes. The output is in a formatted Microsoft proprietary .nfo file.
  • /report <Path>: Ideal for creating documentation or reports, providing a mechanism to generate and save system information in a text format.
  • /computer <Name>: Enhances support scenarios by allowing system administrators to remotely gather system info from different machines on the network.
  • /showcategories: Each category represents different system data, useful for targeted diagnostics.
  • /category <CategoryID>: Filters output to specific areas, improving the efficiency of diagnostics and reporting.

Examples

  • Basic Usage:

    MSINFO32

    Launches the System Information interface.

  • Generate a Report:

    MSINFO32 /report C:\system_info.txt

    Saves a comprehensive system report to C:\system_info.txt.

  • Export to NFO File:

    MSINFO32 /nfo C:\system_info.nfo

    Exports the system information into an .nfo file at the specified location.

  • Remote System Information:

    MSINFO32 /computer SERVER001

    Retrieves and displays the system information of the remote computer named “SERVER001”.

Common Issues

  • Remote Connection Failures: When trying to fetch data from a remote computer, ensure that you have appropriate permissions and that network connections are properly configured.
  • File Writing Errors: Ensure that the path specified in /report or /nfo exists and is accessible for write operations.

Integration

Combine MSINFO32 with scripting tools like PowerShell or batch scripts to automate regular system diagnostics:

Batch script example:

@echo off
MSINFO32 /report C:\daily_system_check.txt
REM Additional commands here
  • DXDIAG: Provides detailed information about the system’s DirectX components and drivers.
  • SYSTEMINFO: Displays basic system configuration information and running Windows OS environment.

For more extensive support and information, consult the Windows command line documentation and the Microsoft official support website.