Diagnostic software to test computer????

[Joe M]

Hi, is there any third party Diagnostic software for PC to test what's
wrong with a computer????
What would be the best one to use???

 

[Philip Herlihy]

http://www.tufftest.com/
http://www.simmtester.com/PAGE/products/doc/docinfo.asp
http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp
http://www.memtest86.com/

Collected these links a while ago, and have never found time to try any of
them, so I'll be watching other replies with interest!

 

[Al Dykes]

Hi, is there any third party Diagnostic software for PC to test what's
wrong with a computer????
What would be the best one to use???

There are a couple packages that tried to test everything, but the one
I've used (qafe) is no longer made, and they aren't cheap.

There are tools to test specific parts; memory and disk.

Booking a Linux CD (knoppix is nice) shows lots more detail
during boot and I find it useful for some troubleshooting.

The pro's troubleshhot is by swapping parts. There isn't a big
market for diagnostic software.

 

[brush-head]

While there's loads of stuff out there, it really depends on whether you
want to fix a specific problem or just have a toolkit to troubleshoot as
yet, unencountered issues.
I can recommend a great book though - Bigelow's Troubleshooting,
Maintaining & Repairing Pc's - now in it's 5th edition -ISBN
0-07-213272-8. It also has a CD with lots of trial s/w of varying
types.Only problem is it's cost of $US60 - you may pick it up for less
from a bookclub or discounter.

"The meek shall inherit the earth, but not the mineral rights"

John Paul Getty 1892 - 1976

 

[WayneM]

Joe M,

This isn't software but if you have a free PCI slot it may be worth a try
and it's not to expensive:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=13-998-101&depa=0

I've been tempted to purchase it a couple times and the next time Newegg
puts it on special I may purchase it.

Wayne

 

[Shawn Finnie]

Great idea Wayne.

Joe M,

This isn't software but if you have a free PCI slot it may be worth a try
and it's not to expensive:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=13-998-101&depa=0

I've been tempted to purchase it a couple times and the next time Newegg
puts it on special I may purchase it.

Wayne

 

[yabbadoo]

assuming the pc is working and has internet access - try www.pcpitstop.com
for free comprehensive diagnostics which tests quite a bit - read all the
reports, not just the summary, and use the links for additional explanations
and solutions.

This is a super (free) service - I've used it for years (and it's got even
better/more comprehensive this last year)

Hope this helps! Len