System Information overview

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

System Information overview

System Information collects and displays system configuration information for local and remote computers. This includes information about hardware configurations, computer components, and software, including signed drivers and unsigned drivers. You can use System Information to quickly find the information that you need to resolve a system problem.

System Information saves data files in a native (.nfo) format. By default, system data is automatically saved in an .nfo file format that is compatible with the current version of System Information. You can also save data as a Version 5.0/6.0 System Information (.nfo) file, which is compatible with older versions of System Information.

You can use System Information to view system history. System history is collected when changes are made to certain system devices and settings. This system history data is compared periodically to the previous system settings, and if there are any changes, those changes are saved in the System History view. Only the most recent changes are compared against previous settings; therefore, it is possible to make multiple changes to a certain device or driver and have only one of the changes appear in the System History view. For more information, see View system history.

You can also open .cab files and .xml files in System Information. When you open .cab files, you can view the contents of those files by using the Tools menu.