In the modern world, a computer is our first assistant in various matters, be it work or leisure. To understand exactly where the limit of its capabilities is, you need to know the parameters and characteristics. You can find and view them using standard built-in methods in Windows 7 or using external software.
Why do you need information about the characteristics of a computer running Windows 7?
Of course, every owner of a personal computer or laptop with the Windows 7 operating system has an approximate idea of its computing power and speed of work in a particular program. But there are cases when parameters expressed in numerical values need to be known more accurately.
For example, a PC owner decides to buy a new game. Modern games are very demanding on computer resources - a good video card or a stronger processor may be required. If the current PC specifications do not meet the requirements, the gamer may think about upgrading, that is, improving the computer’s parameters, purchasing new or additional configuration elements. Then it will be necessary to take into account the compatibility of new components with existing ones, which means you need to know their composition.
The problem is relevant not only for those who like to play computer games, but also for any person who is in one way or another involved in installing programs and applications on a computer. Programs usually have minimum system requirements, especially for serious professional software - graphics packages, 3D processing programs, publishing systems, powerful word processors.
You can also determine the upper limit of PC performance experimentally, when the installed program begins to slow down when performing certain actions. However, why spend extra time installing it if you can immediately see whether the PC parameters meet the requirements. Moreover, this can be done easily and quickly using standard methods, that is, using built-in utility programs, and by installing additional software.
How to find out the parameters, properties and information of a PC or laptop
Standard methods
The Windows 7 operating system already has a set of built-in programs and methods to quickly find out the PC settings without resorting to installing other software. Methods for obtaining information differ in the level of complexity of the call, so the user can choose the most convenient and easily accessible options for himself. Every PC user knows at least two methods.
There are no differences for different OS versions. These methods will work in all versions of Windows 7: Home, Professional, Ultimate and other builds.
System Information utility
The built-in system information utility program can be launched in a few mouse clicks:
The call is made by clicking on the computer icon
That, in fact, is all you need to view information about the system. The window that opens will display information about the version of the Windows 7 operating system, installed updates, and licenses. The following contains information about the characteristics of the processor, RAM memory, OS bit depth, as well as the system performance index. Below is the computer name.
The main part of the window contains information about the OS, processor parameters and other information
Hotkeys for calling the window with system properties
You can access this window even faster by using the hotkey combination Win (Windows window icon) + Pause/Break. The Pause/Break key is present on standard personal computer keyboards, but may not be present on laptop keyboards whose creators strive for compactness and abandon some rarely used keys for the sake of other functions.
Via control panel
It's not always easy to remember keyboard shortcuts for different programs. There is no need to despair. It is worth remembering that any computer has a main central point for controlling all devices and parameters. This is the Control Panel. Just remember how to launch it, and you will always have access to all important functions and information.
Features are divided into categories
If the window looks like this, select “System and Security”.
If icons with names are displayed on the screen, without breakdown into categories, then you should immediately go to the “System” item. You can change the display type to one that suits you in the upper right corner of the window, the “View” option, then change it to “Category” or “Large/small icons”.
Display all Control Panel items without categorizing them
After selecting the appropriate item, the same system information window will appear with information about the version of Windows 7, processor properties and other data.
How to open using Device Manager
Often, the information provided in the system properties window is not enough to make a decision about upgrading a PC. For example, you need to know the exact model of the processor, audio and video device, or information about other components. This is where Device Manager comes to the rescue. It contains information about absolutely all components inside your PC and connected external devices.
You can access the “Device Manager” through the “System Properties” window, from the tab in the left side menu.
To launch the dispatcher, you need to select the appropriate item in the left system properties menu
The Device Manager itself looks like this and contains a list of PC components divided into categories. To view the composition of each category, you need to expand it by clicking on the triangle on the left side of each item.
The manager contains information about components by category
In addition to general information about the composition of your PC's hardware, Device Manager can provide even more valuable information - whether it's time to update the device driver or whether there are any conflicts between devices. You can right-click on each list item and select “Properties”, where detailed information about the component, installed drivers and other information needed in exceptional cases will be presented. Conflicting devices will be marked with a yellow triangle - by this icon you can determine that there is a problem with the component, perhaps it is incompatible with some other device, then you need to reinstall the component or update its driver.
Via the command line
A little more information than the “System Information” window is provided by launching a special utility through the Windows 7 command line.
Result of executing the systeminfo command
How to open by launching the Run applet
The Run applet also allows you to launch the system properties window directly from it, you just need to know a special command.
System properties can be accessed through the control system command
If this method does not work and gives an error, try writing the full name of the command “control /name Microsoft.System” in the applet (without quotes, with a space before the slash (slash) and without a space after it). Click OK.
Full name of the command to view system information
The convenience of this method is that the “Run” applet remembers all the commands you previously entered. It is enough to remember approximately what words it contains or what letter it begins with. When you enter this letter into a line, the applet will display all the commands that you entered that begin with this letter.
How to Check Specifications Using the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
Detailed information about the main devices can be obtained using the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, this utility is also included in the system.
The utility is launched through the execution applet and the dxdiag command
How to log in via BIOS
If the above methods of obtaining information about the system are still not enough, you can be determined and “get into” the very core of the computer - the BIOS. In addition to basic information, you can find out there, for example, the temperature of the hard drive and processor.
This method of finding out the parameters is not recommended for beginners, since, firstly, to enter the BIOS you will need to determine its type in order to find the desired entry key, because it is different for all manufacturers. Secondly, you will need to press this key very quickly when loading the PC, since this only takes a few seconds. Thirdly, the BIOS in most cases is a blue or black screen with text, which is unusual for GUI users. Accidentally changing settings in it can lead to a malfunction of the PC.
Below you can find information about the button to enter the BIOS
Popular keys to access the BIOS are DEL or F2.
And also knowing the name of the BIOS on your PC (you can see it in the very top line of the black screen during boot if you did not notice the BIOS entry key), you can find information about the key combination, this depends on the PC manufacturer.
The most common brands of PCs and laptops and buttons for entering BIOS:
If the input does not work the first time, even when you press the desired key, try again. It happens that the key simply does not have time to work, and the OS boot process proceeds as usual.
The BIOS looks different on every PC and the information presented may vary greatly. The main thing to remember is that you don’t need to change the settings without the need and understanding of what this may lead to.
Displays information about PC components
Using third-party programs and utilities
The most complete information about the system, presented in one place in a user-friendly form with graphs, can be obtained using specialized programs that are installed separately on the PC. With them you can not only have data about your computer, but also monitor the temperature, memory and hard drive load in “real time”.
Aida
It is considered the most popular program for obtaining complete information about the characteristics and current state of the PC. Here you can learn everything about computer hardware and software, operating system, and additional external devices. In addition, the program has a number of tests to determine PC performance, analyze configuration features (which even allows you to find out what is not in the documentation), check system stability, and much more.
The program is very functional, but therefore it is not free. The Extreme Edition and Engineer Edition are available to download for free with a 30-day trial. The versions are almost fully functional; they only lack some reports. However, this will be more than enough to test the system and identify faults.
You can download the program from the official website using the link - http://www.aida64.ru/download.
After launching the program, an interface similar to “Device Manager” appears, where all PC components are divided into categories.
PC components are categorized and you can view information for each
Everest
Previously, it was also one of the most famous programs for monitoring the configuration and status of a PC. Now its support has been discontinued, the program has been replaced by AIDA64. However, you can still find versions of this software on the Internet. However, you can’t hope for stability of its operation, and it’s better to use other utilities.
HWInfo
In the HWInfo utility, information about a PC is not displayed as structured as in other programs, but the software has a number of details that may seem convenient to someone.
The only negative is that there is no Russian language.
Display system data on one screen
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PC Wizard
The functionality of the PC Wizard program is similar to previous programs. Through it you can obtain information about the system, test PC performance, check driver updates, and more. It contains less data than the AIDA leader, but for some this is more than enough.
The program quickly minimizes to the tray and displays indicators and notifications there. The only drawback is that when you first start the software, it may freeze for several minutes as it collects data about the system.
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The program displays system data
Speccy
Another convenient program in its class is Piriform Speccy. The program is completely free and also offers many PC characteristics and indicators for all major devices to view. At the same time, various brands and manufacturers of PCs, laptops, and netbooks are supported. It works quickly and is Russified. Conveniently, there is a portable version of this program - that is, it does not require installation and starts immediately after downloading. You can carry it with you on a flash drive and open it directly from it.
">http://www.piriform.com/speccy/download">http://www.piriform.com/speccy/download.
Displaying system characteristics by partition
Video: where to find and view information about the properties of the operating system
Having become familiar with the information on viewing system parameters using various standard methods and built-in programs, the user will always be able to accurately find out the configuration of his PC, the status of the devices, and also check their stable operation.
My name is Elizaveta, I am 27 years old. Higher education in pedagogy, specialty: teacher of computer science and English; the second is a systems engineer. She worked in the educational field, as well as in the IT field. Since childhood, I have been interested in writing articles, stories and other literary opuses :-), with spelling, punctuation and grammar, everything is in perfect order. As a student, I worked part-time as a rewriter/copywriter. I wrote on topics that were suggested to me, most often these were children’s/women’s topics: health, pregnancy, children, development. Less frequently came across news and announcements on finance/business and technology. Now I run my own thematic communities on social networks, and I write articles for them myself.
Using the user menu on the home screen
It's not the best, but it's one of the fastest ways to get to PC Settings, and it involves using the custom menu in the top right corner of the Start screen. Just click on your account name and select “Change avatar”.
This will launch the PC Settings app and take you to the personalization section in Windows 8 and the account settings section if you are using Windows 8.1.
Using the Options panel
Another way is to use the Options panel (Charm).
To bring up this panel, move the mouse pointer to the upper or lower right corners of the screen. Then move your cursor down or up to see the buttons on a black background.
Click the Settings button and then select Change PC settings.
Using the control panel
This is the longest and most inconvenient way to open the PC Settings application, but it will be better if you know about it.
Open Control Panel and go to Accounts and Family Safety -> User Accounts.
This will take you to PC Settings in the account settings section.
Using a tile on the Start screen (Windows 8.1)
This method only works in Windows 8.1, because in this version of the operating system, unlike Windows 8, you can pin the PC Settings tile to the Start screen.
Open the Start screen and enter “Settings.”
26.11.2009 22:52
System Setup- This diagnostic a tool designed to configure Windows 7 startup settings in order to identify the causes of problems with the computer and operating system. Using the System Configuration program, you can identify drivers, programs and components that, due to incorrect operation, cause errors during the startup and operation of Windows 7.
Launching the System Configuration Program
To launch System Setup, open the Start menu, type in the search bar, and press Enter.
You can also use the keyboard shortcut Windows + R, enter and press OK.
General tab
On the tab You can choose one of three options for starting the operating system:
Normal launch
In this mode, Windows 7 starts in the normal way. “Normal startup” is used when there are no problems loading the OS or after troubleshooting.
Diagnostic run
In diagnostic startup mode, only the basic services and drivers necessary for the functioning of the operating system and computer are launched along with Windows. If the problem does not disappear when diagnostic startup is enabled, then most likely the main Windows files and drivers are damaged. If there are no problems when diagnostic startup is enabled, then you need to use the mode Selective launch.
Selective launch
In this mode, Windows 7 starts using basic services and drivers, as well as other services and automatically loaded programs selected by the user. Three additional options are available:
- Load system services– if this parameter is enabled, then the operating system boots with a standard set of services necessary for its operation.
- – if this parameter is enabled, then programs marked with checkboxes on the tab are launched along with the operating system.
- – This option is enabled by default and is grayed out. This option restores the original Windows 7 startup settings if changes are made on the tab.
Selective startup should be used if diagnostic run passed without errors. Turn on additional services and programs one by one, and monitor the system until you identify the cause of the errors.
Loading tab
Default operating system
If you have multiple operating systems installed on your computer, you can designate any of them as the default boot one. To do this, highlight the desired operating system and click the button Use as default.
You can also set a custom multiboot menu delay time by setting the time in seconds in the field Time-out.
To remove an operating system from the list, select it and click the button Delete.
Safe mode
Safe mode is a mode of operation of the operating system with a limited set of services, devices and drivers necessary for the functioning of the computer.
Windows services that start in safe mode:
- Windows Event Log
- Plug and Play device support
- Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
- Cryptography Services
- Windows Defender
- Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)
Devices and drivers that run in safe mode:
- Internal hard drives (ATA, SATA, SCSI)
- External hard drives (USB)
- Floppy drives (internal and USB)
- Internal CD and DVD drives (ATA, SCSI)
- External USB drives for CDs and DVDs
- Keyboards and mice (USB, PS/2, serial)
- VGA video cards (PCI, AGP)
Check the box Safe mode and select one of the download options:
Minimum– launch Windows 7 Explorer in safe mode using only basic Windows devices, drivers and services, without network support.
Another shell– loading the command line, basic devices, drivers and services of Windows 7. Explorer and network components are disabled.
Active Directory Recovery– launch Windows 7 Explorer in safe mode using only essential services, devices and drivers, as well as the Active Directory directory service.
Net– launch Windows 7 Explorer in safe mode using only the main components of the operating system, as well as the following network components:
- Network adapters (wired Ethernet and wireless 802.11x)
- Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol DHCP
- Network connections
- NetBIOS support module over TCP/IP
- Windows Firewall
Download log– all information about the Windows 7 boot process is saved to a file %SystemRoot%/Ntbtlog.txt.
Basic video– standard VGA drivers are loaded instead of drivers corresponding to the video card.
OS information– When Windows 7 boots, the names of the downloaded drivers are displayed.
Make these boot options permanent– if this option is enabled, then the system settings you have changed can only be canceled manually. You cannot undo changes by selecting Normal Startup on the General tab. Also you will not be able to undo changes using the function Use original boot configuration on the tab .
To configure advanced boot options for Windows 7, on the tab, click Extra options.
Number of processors
This setting allows you to limit the number of both real and virtual processors used in the system. Select the checkbox and use the drop-down list to specify the number of processors that you want to use starting from the next system startup.
Maximum memory capacity
This setting allows you to limit the amount of physical RAM used by the operating system. Select the checkbox and in the text field specify the maximum amount of RAM (in megabytes) that will be used by the system starting from the next startup.
PCI blocking
If this setting is enabled, the operating system does not allocate I/O and interrupt resources on the PCI bus. In this case, the I/O and memory resources specified in the BIOS are preserved.
Debugging
When enabled, you can set global kernel-mode debugging options for device driver developers.
Services Tab
Tab Services contains a list of services that start automatically when Windows 7 boots. All these services are divided into two categories:
- Microsoft services, on which the operation of the operating system depends;
- third party services, necessary for the operation of drivers and some programs.
When identifying the causes of problems that occur during the startup or operation of Windows 7, you need to perform the following steps:
1. On the tab
- Turn on Selective launch.
- Check the box Load system services.
- Uncheck Load startup items.
2. On the tab Services:
- Check the box .
- Disable all third party services from running.
3. Restart your computer.
If problems do not occur after a reboot, then the Windows 7 system components are working properly, and the cause of the errors is most likely the incorrect operation of one or more third-party services. To identify which service is causing the failure, enable one service at a time, restart the computer, and monitor the system status.
If your system still experiences errors after disabling third-party services, the underlying operating system components may be damaged. To identify the cause of the errors, follow these steps:
1. Uncheck Don't display Microsoft services.
2. Disable all Microsoft services, then enable them one at a time, restart your computer and monitor the changes until you identify all the services causing the failure.
Startup tab
- In column Startup item The program name is displayed.
- In column Manufacturer- program developer.
- In column Team the executable file that runs with the OS is indicated, as well as the location of this file.
- In column Location The registry key responsible for automatically starting the program along with Windows 7 is displayed.
- In column Shutdown date The date for disabling startup items that do not start automatically with the operating system is indicated.
If problems arise in Windows 7, you can try to determine the cause of the problem by disabling automatic program launch one by one. To identify which program is causing the crash, turn off the startup of all programs, and then turn on one program at a time, restart the computer and monitor the system status.
To prevent the program from starting with Windows 7, you need to uncheck the box next to its name and click the button Apply.
Service tab
Tab allows you to quickly launch Windows configuration, administration, and diagnostic tools. Select the desired tool and press the button Launch.
About the program– displays information about the version of Windows 7 installed on the computer.
Change User Account Control settings– setting up UAC, a Windows 7 security component that requests confirmation of actions that require administrator rights.
Support Center- The main place to view alerts and take actions that help Windows 7 run smoothly. Action Center lists important messages about security and computer maintenance settings that require your attention.
– a set of tools for automatically resolving some common problems when working with networks, hardware and devices associated with the use of the Internet, as well as program compatibility problems.
Computer management– a set of tools for managing hardware, software and network components of Windows 7.
System Information– a Windows 7 component that displays detailed information about your computer's hardware configuration, components, and software, including drivers.
Event Viewer– a tool for viewing detailed information about important events that occur in the system (for example, programs that do not start properly or updates that are downloaded automatically). This information may be helpful in troubleshooting problems and errors in Windows 7 and installed programs.
Programs– Windows 7 Programs and Features tool, designed to enable or disable Windows 7 components, as well as to remove programs or change their configuration.
Properties of the system– basic information about the hardware and operating system. Windows 7 version and activation status, performance index, computer name, domain name, and workgroup settings.
Internet Options– Internet Explorer browser settings.
IP protocol configuration– view and configure the computer’s network address (in the command line).
is a powerful diagnostic and performance monitoring tool built into Windows 7.
Resource Monitor– A tool for viewing processor, hard drive, network, and memory usage in real time.
Task Manager– displays applications, processes and services that are currently running on the computer. You can use it to monitor your computer's performance or stop applications that are not responding. Monitoring the network status and viewing its operating parameters.
Command line- A Windows 7 feature that allows you to enter MS-DOS and other commands without a graphical user interface.
Registry Editor– a tool designed to view and change settings in the system registry, which contains information about the operation of the computer.
With the release of each new Windows, Microsoft developers are working to ensure that the Settings menu becomes a full-fledged replacement for the classic Control Panel. This became especially noticeable with the release of Windows 10. Having updated to the latest version of the “windowed” operating system, users began to encounter a problem - “Settings” does not open using any known method:
- via a shortcut in Start;
- through the voice assistant Cortana;
- through the "Quick Action" function;
- using the combination “Win + I”.
Today's short article is designed to help the user audience, whose representatives work in Windows 10, solve this problem. It contains both information from Microsoft employees and advice from users who were able to independently find a solution to the problem.
Installing a fix
The creators of Windows 10 recognized the problem and quickly released a fix that solved the problem. Representatives of the company even managed to name the bug – “Emerging Issue 67758”.
- To do this, you need to go to the official support website and download the “CSSEmergdiagcab” file.
We kindly ask you not to download this file from third-party resources - there is an official Microsoft page for this, so as not to become a victim of malware.
- We launch the file for execution.
- When prompted, confirm the security of the file that allows you to launch Windows 10 Settings.
- In the first window, check the box as shown in the screenshot and click “Next” if you want the fix utility to fix the problem automatically.
The next window notifies you that the fix will fix a problem that occurred with the “Options” menu.
- Simply click “Next” after reading the information.
After this, the process of troubleshooting and subsequent elimination will begin.
Further, all actions will be performed automatically and will not be visualized. Once the procedures are completed, the utility will display a window with a bug fix report for your computer with the ability to print it on a computer with Windows 10.
After following these simple steps, check if the computer settings open. As a rule, the bug is fixed and everything works.
Installing the update
If you have installed an outdated build of Windows 10 on your computer and do not have high-speed Internet access to regularly update the operating system, then you will have to download and install the “KB3081424” update released on August 5, 2015. It already includes the above fix to ensure the normal functioning of the Settings menu on your computer.
Alternative solution
In addition to the utility provided by Microsoft, which is recommended to be used, because its effectiveness is actually 100%, there is another method to return the ability to call the Settings menu. This is the use of a command that allows you to restore critical Windows 10 system files.
- Call by entering cmd in the search.
- Enter the command in the black window: