Desktop

Ask something
Discussion Locked

Identifying hardware without FCC ID

0 helpful
2 replies

by stevew272

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.

I am trying to find a way to identify hardware without using the FCC ID. Does anyone know of a DOS command that will give me a list of the hardware in the system. I am in technical support and come across so many people that think that if they come clean with you that you won't provide them help figuring out what the problem is. 9 times out of 10 the problem lies with the previously installed hardware. Any help in this matter would be appreciated.

Steve

2 replies

by andy

Short of running a google or deja search on the sound/nework/video controller chip number located on the card such as RTL8139 (which Murphy's Law guarantees will be covered with a little logo sticker or 'Yes it runs with Netware' sticker, your options are limited, as even if you find drivers for the controller it may not work. In cases where the mystery device is a PCI card or onboard device, running the utility found at the site below may provide more info, not least a PCI Vendor number:

ftp://ftp.heise.de/pub/ct/ctsi/ctpci330.zip

Note that the actual program is in German, but the resulting list of devices will be in English, is it is pulled from the system. It's best to run this from a DOS Boot floppy.

Armed with the Vendor number, visit this site for what should be details of the cards' maker:

http://www.yourvote.com/pci/pciread.asp?sort=venid

Hope this helps

by rfury

I have been using a program called Aida32 and Aida16, both are free and available at www.aida32.hu. It is a very impressive program and the Aida16 can be run from a DOS floppy.

This discussion is closed to new replies.