Specialty Forums
Security and Virus
General Hardware
CPUs/Overclocking
Networking
Digital Photo/Video
Office Software
PC Gaming
Console Gaming
Programming
Database
Web Development
Digital Home

General Forums
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 95/98
Windows Me
Windows NT
Windows 2000
Win Server 2008
Win Server 2003
Windows 3.1
Linux
PDAs
BeOS
Novell Netware
OpenVMS
Solaris
Disk Op. System
Unix
Mac
OS/2

Drivers
Driver Scan
Driver Forum

Software
Automatic Updates

BIOS Updates

My Computing.Net

Solution Center

Free IT eBook

Howtos

Site Search

Message Find

RSS Feeds

Install Guides

Data Recovery

About

Home
Reply to Message Icon Go to Main Page Icon

Good Hardware Diagnostic Utility(s)

Original Message
Name: woodcycl
Date: April 16, 2008 at 09:24:23 Pacific
Subject: Good Hardware Diagnostic Utility(s)
OS: WinXP Pro
CPU/Ram: 2GB
Model/Manufacturer: Custom
Comment:
More and more, I am faced with hardware problems (as opposed to malware or OS corruption) on computers I'm asked to diagnose.

Can anyone recommend or suggest a good Hardware diagnostic utility or utilities that will make my job easier? At this point, going the old route of unhooking one component at a time (or unhooking all and adding one back in at a time) is taking its toll on me. Spending $$ on a good reliable software tool that can be run from a USB drive, CD, or installed and uninstalled for troubleshooting multiple systems is warranted.

Any help is appreciated. Many thanks.

Thanks,
Brian


Report Offensive Message For Removal


Response Number 1
Name: jam
Date: April 16, 2008 at 11:42:03 Pacific
Subject: Good Hardware Diagnostic Utility(s)
Reply: (edit)
I don't think any software program will ever replace good ol' fashioned troubleshooting.

Report Offensive Follow Up For Removal

Response Number 2
Name: woodcycl
Date: April 16, 2008 at 12:05:54 Pacific
Subject: Good Hardware Diagnostic Utility(s)
Reply: (edit)
Agreed. Looking at the options however.

Thanks,
Brian


Report Offensive Follow Up For Removal

Response Number 3
Name: OtheHill
Date: April 16, 2008 at 14:23:53 Pacific
Subject: Good Hardware Diagnostic Utility(s)
Reply: (edit)
SIW.exe is not a diagnostic utility but it is the most comprehensive freeware to give you info on about every aspect of the computer. There is also a paid version which may do more. You could email the author to ask about the differences. There are many standalone utilities to test specific items. memtest86 for RAM, speeddisk for harddrives are two that come to mind.

Sisoft SANDRA has both free and paid versions of their swissknife type software suite. The freeware versions have many of the modules disabled.

Look at the freeware threead at this site.

http://forums.pcper.com/showthread....


Report Offensive Follow Up For Removal

Response Number 4
Name: Rayburn
Date: April 16, 2008 at 14:39:45 Pacific
Subject: Good Hardware Diagnostic Utility(s)
Reply: (edit)
I too agree that the old fashioned diagnostic is the best way.

Report Offensive Follow Up For Removal

Response Number 5
Name: Mechanix2Go
Date: April 16, 2008 at 14:54:48 Pacific
Subject: Good Hardware Diagnostic Utility(s)
Reply: (edit)
LOL What's the old fashioned way of troubleshooting intermittent lock ups?

[After replacing everything but CPU and mobo.]


=====================================
If at first you don't succeed, you're about average.

M2


Report Offensive Follow Up For Removal


Response Number 6
Name: jefro
Date: April 16, 2008 at 16:55:32 Pacific
Subject: Good Hardware Diagnostic Utility(s)
Reply: (edit)
Free is event viewer, performance monitor and
dump logs and Dr. Watson 32.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308538


Search for hardware diagnostic software and other types of searches. Diag suites are very good in many cases. They are never perfect. All OEM lines use some sort of diag software. Normally locally produced for techs only but some offer that too on web pages.

I read it wrong and answer it wrong too. So get off my case you peanut.


Report Offensive Follow Up For Removal

Response Number 7
Name: jam
Date: April 16, 2008 at 18:22:18 Pacific
Subject: Good Hardware Diagnostic Utility(s)
Reply: (edit)
"What's the old fashioned way of troubleshooting intermittent lock ups?"

Same way as you would troubleshoot anything else...process of elimination. Simply replacing parts that you *think* are the problem is NOT troubleshooting.


Report Offensive Follow Up For Removal

Response Number 8
Name: Rayburn
Date: April 16, 2008 at 18:38:43 Pacific
Subject: Good Hardware Diagnostic Utility(s)
Reply: (edit)
Yep jam is right.

Report Offensive Follow Up For Removal

Response Number 9
Name: Mechanix2Go
Date: April 16, 2008 at 19:04:51 Pacific
Subject: Good Hardware Diagnostic Utility(s)
Reply: (edit)
Problem is, the only thing left to 'replace' is the IDE controller. [By putting in a controller card. And if that ain't it, I'll have a card I don't need.]


=====================================
If at first you don't succeed, you're about average.

M2


Report Offensive Follow Up For Removal



Use following form to reply to current message:

   Name: From My Computing.Net Settings
 E-Mail: From My Computing.Net Settings

Subject: Good Hardware Diagnostic Utility(s)

Comments:

 
  Homepage URL (*): 
Homepage Title (*): 
         Image URL: 
 


Data Recovery Software




exessive internet traffic

ZoneAlarm Question. Blocked Connect

Windows Live Messenger Problem

Delete $Uninstall after SP3 updates

help for hp compaq laptop


The information on Computing.Net is the opinions of its users. Such opinions may not be accurate and they are to be used at your own risk. Computing.Net cannot verify the validity of the statements made on this site. Computing.Net and Computing.Net, LLC hereby disclaim all responsibility and liability for the content of Computing.Net and its accuracy.
PLEASE READ THE FULL DISCLAIMER AND LEGAL TERMS BY CLICKING HERE

All content ©1996-2007 Computing.Net, LLC