MB Scientific's PC INVENTORY- shareware v 0.9
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BY  Mike Baharmast 3-95
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Hi,

Here is a simple windows program I wrote to let me keep track of what's in my 
computer. It has three components: HARDWARE INVENTORY, SOFTWARE INVENTORY 
and SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS. Only HARDWARE INVENTORY is enabled here. It holds
a database of hardware settings, driver info as well as manufacturer info
such as phone, email&mail address etc.

I have also simultaneously released an external update program that lets a 
manufacturer directly update this data base as a part of their installation
and upgrade process. It is a freeware program packaged in EXTUPD.ZIP.
Let your manufacturers and suppliers know. It is available from compuserve,
windows shareware forum (GO WINSHARE) in library #4 (WIN. SYSTEMS UTILS.).

To enable the auto-update feature PC INVENTORY must be registered.
The shareware version can only be manual updated. There is a sample 
database HIFILE.MBX in this package. It has some common resources
(base system, com1,com2,lpt1,etc.) semi filled in. Alter the records 
to reflect your system.

To register fill in the REGISTRATION TITLE in REGISTER.TXT and send it 
to MBS  with :
1) $10 US if you are an end use
2) $5 if you are an OEM (plan to build the PC INVENTORY into the windows
operating environment, i.e. stick the icon in the accessories folder).
3) CALL for large OEM quantity pricing and site licensing.

If you register you get:
1) The auto update feature activated, this would let the manufacturers 
directly tell you what they have installed in detail, and summary. And 
when trouble occurs you can send them your machine profile via the export 
feature so they can help you trouble shoot.
2) All free upgrades, announcements, from MBS
3) A direct EMAIL line to MBS, 
4) Steep discounts on upcoming nonshare-ware upgrades including software 
inventory and system diagnostics.

Once you get the registration number type it in (see MAINMENU | REGISTRATION)
and you are registered.

If you need to get in touch email me at:
73143,1534 @ comuserv.com (yep that's compuserv)
or call 407-239-6407
The mailing address is:
MBS 
7432 Lake Willis Dr.
Orlando Florida 32821

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INSTALLATION
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Simply run t2 under windows. Or place the icon in a folder,
I reccommend accessories or main. The file list is:
t2.exe
t2.ico
t2.hlp
hifile.mbx
register.txt
readme.txt


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POST RELEASE PROBLEMS
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BUG- if there is only one record in the database it doesn't come
up in the detailed record view
WORK AROUND- add in a second record.

PROBLEM- need more space for generic comments under MSC field
(100 characters max)
WORK AROUND- use the DRIVERS field(800 chars) under heading {GENERAL}
or name an external text file in MSC and put the info in it.

PROBLEM- hardware settings summary table is hard to read
WORK AROUND- there isn't a good one. The table is of the form:
RESOURCE-IRQ-IO-BASE-DMA, so one could appear as xxyy-11---1;
and is hard to read. For now you just have to mentally insert (
or physically in the exported text:SUMTABLE.TXT) something like
xxyy-11-no io-no base-1.

PROBLEM- what if I need more than the 20 hardware resources I'm limited to.
WORK AROUND- I have never seen a pc with more than 20 hardware resources,
and I've maxed out some machines in my time. But, if you need have more 
than one HIFILE.MBX in different directories.

If you find additional stuff let me know.

Needless to say these will be addressed in the next releases.