LookInMyPC is a small, portable and freeware tool designed to generate a very comprehensive report of a system and export it to a HTML page. It will display Running Processes, Installed Devices, Drivers, Services, Startup Programs, Windows Updates, TCP/IP Port Usage, Registry Run Entries, System Restore Information, Event Log detail and much much more. Here is a sample of a report that LookInMyPC produces: http://www.lookinmypc.com/ReportPage1.htm http://www.lookinmypc.com/ReportPage2.htm

Microsoft has tightened up security in Windows Vista and 7 by disallowing access to critical system files using a Unix like permission system. While this is great for the average user because it helps protect them from viruses and themselves preventing them from being able to accidentally delete a critical system file. It isn’t so great for a Computer Technician who may need to access those areas. Even if your user account is set to be an Administrator, there are many files and folders you cannot access including something as simple as changing the Start Menu under Windows 7. If you try, you will get an “Access Denied” error because SYSTEM owns this folder, not your user account. While there is a round-about way to assign yourself permission of these files, its a little long winded.