System File Checker

[Tom]

What happened to SFC in XP pro? Does anyone know of a
replacement program for this wonderful little tool? Or
does it still exist and I just don't know how to access
it.

 

[L. A. Powell]

Go to Start->Run, enter "cmd" (sans quotes). In the cmd window enter sfc
/? for your options.

HTH

 

[_Jan]

Hello Tom,

DO a System File Check via

[Start]
| Run... |
SFC /SCANNOW [OK]

System File Checker (sfc) Scans and verifies the
versions of all protected system files.

For further details,
[Start] | Help and Support | SFC [Enter]

REFERENCE:

"Description of the Windows System File Checker Tool"
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310747

Jan

 

[Sharon F]

What happened to SFC in XP pro? Does anyone know of a
replacement program for this wonderful little tool? Or
does it still exist and I just don't know how to access
it.

It's there but may work different than the SFC tool you're referring to:
Start > Run> CMD
Type in SFC /?

The old Win98 SFC tool would also extract files from the Windows setup
files. To do this in XP, use Start> Run> MSCONFIG. You'll find an "Expand"
button that replaces the old extract function.

 

[Gene K]

Tom,
Start/My Computer/right click the Hard Drive/Properties/Tools/it is listed
here as "Error Checking" but it is the "Check Disk" Tool. You can also start
it from the Command Line and, if my memory is correct, under Tools in Help
and Support.

 

[Wesley VogelX]

Sharon;
Thank you. I used SFC w/Win98 all the time. I have used SFC with XP and
you have no clue what it is doing. Is there a log? It seems you just insert
your XP CD and the black cloak comes down. No user interaction that I can see,
like w/98 SFC had.
However, I did not know about the Expand button. I see you can specify the
File to restore, from where and Save where. I used this feature w/98 after
downloading a dll from the web or whatever.
W/98 SFC there was a report on what SFC did. Ignored, restored , deleted,
whatever. I would really like to know if there is log somewhere. I saw this
log question posted a few days ago, but I did not see any replies.
Anyway, thank you for the Expand button tip.
Wes

 

[Sharon F]

Sharon;
Thank you. I used SFC w/Win98 all the time. I have used SFC with XP and
you have no clue what it is doing. Is there a log? It seems you just insert
your XP CD and the black cloak comes down. No user interaction that I can see,
like w/98 SFC had.
However, I did not know about the Expand button. I see you can specify the
File to restore, from where and Save where. I used this feature w/98 after
downloading a dll from the web or whatever.
W/98 SFC there was a report on what SFC did. Ignored, restored , deleted,
whatever. I would really like to know if there is log somewhere. I saw this
log question posted a few days ago, but I did not see any replies.
Anyway, thank you for the Expand button tip.
Wes

Something that is new in XP is called "Windows File Protection" (Windows ME
has a similar feature called System File Protection). This feature takes
care of the "changed system files" that the Win98 SFC tracked.

If a program overwrites a critical system file, it is automatically
replaced with a fresh new copy of the correct version. In fact, if you can
find one of the protected files and manage to delete it, you can see it
instantly reappear in Windows Explorer. Spare copies of monitored files are
stored in Windows\system32\dllcache and Windows\ServicePackFiles

Windows File Protection and SFC work in tandem. WFP runs automatically. SFC
can be run manually. I don't think a log is kept of what's replaced. If
there is one, it's buried in files that may be off limits - one of the
pchealth log files that always seem to be inaccessible because they're in
use, for example.

There is information about both tools in Help and Support. You can also
read more about them here:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/d.../setup/windows_file_protection_start_page.asp

 

[Wesley VogelX]

Sharon;
Thank you very much for your reply. First, I don't need to know all the
history, but I think MS took a good thing (Win98 SFC) and wrecked it. I don't
care if they are or are not related, i.e.98, NT, Win2000 or XP, the result is
the same.
I ran SFC again last night, in the hopes that I could get msinfo32.exe to
work correctly without using: Run/msinfo32 /showcategories If I don't use this
command, I get an endless Twilight Zone of Help and Support re-opening itself.
I see on the NG's that I am not alone.
I have tried:
===========
C:\Documents and Settings\WESLEY P. VOGEL>EXPAND -R E:\I386\MSCONFIG.EX_
C:\WINDOWS\PCHEALTH\HELPCTR\BINARIES
Microsoft (R) File Expansion Utility Version 5.1.2600.0
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corp 1990-1999. All rights reserved.

Expanding e:\i386\msconfig.ex_ to
c:\windows\pchealth\helpctr\binaries\msconfig.exe.
e:\i386\msconfig.ex_: 56259 bytes expanded to 145408 bytes, 158% increase.
===========
With no success, let alone any joy.
I tried again ,just now, to use Run/msconfig/Expand File. I know where
msinfo32.exe is on the CD and it's two places on my machine. C:\Program
Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo and C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache
I could not do a thing. SFC wants a CAB file, apparently the only choice.
MSINFO32.EX_ is in the
i386 file. If it is also in a CAB file, I don't know which one. If it is in a
CAB file, I would really like to know which one.
Last night I also ran the File Signature Verification Utility, I think
there were 3 or 4 unsigned files. I don't remember which ones.
I checked Help and Support for Windows File Protection and System File
Checker. The info was sparse. I also checked out the link that you included.
I did: Start > Run> CMD Type in SFC /? The results were a display of the
switches which I had already saved ro a .doc file from:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/wfp/setup/system_file_checker.asp

Anyway, after all this rambling, thanks again for your reply.
Wes, (the Ramblin' Guy) ;-)

Something that is new in XP is called "Windows File Protection"
(Windows ME has a similar feature called System File Protection).
This feature takes care of the "changed system files" that the Win98
SFC tracked.

If a program overwrites a critical system file, it is automatically
replaced with a fresh new copy of the correct version. In fact, if
you can find one of the protected files and manage to delete it, you
can see it instantly reappear in Windows Explorer. Spare copies of
monitored files are stored in Windows\system32\dllcache and
Windows\ServicePackFiles

Windows File Protection and SFC work in tandem. WFP runs
automatically. SFC can be run manually. I don't think a log is kept
of what's replaced. If there is one, it's buried in files that may be
off limits - one of the pchealth log files that always seem to be
inaccessible because they're in use, for example.

There is information about both tools in Help and Support. You can
also read more about them here:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/d.../setup/windows_file_protection_start_page.asp

 

[Sharon F]

Sharon;
Thank you very much for your reply. First, I don't need to know all the
history, but I think MS took a good thing (Win98 SFC) and wrecked it. I don't
care if they are or are not related, i.e.98, NT, Win2000 or XP, the result is
the same.
I ran SFC again last night, in the hopes that I could get msinfo32.exe to
work correctly without using: Run/msinfo32 /showcategories If I don't use this
command, I get an endless Twilight Zone of Help and Support re-opening itself.
I see on the NG's that I am not alone.
I have tried:
===========
C:\Documents and Settings\WESLEY P. VOGEL>EXPAND -R E:\I386\MSCONFIG.EX_
C:\WINDOWS\PCHEALTH\HELPCTR\BINARIES
Microsoft (R) File Expansion Utility Version 5.1.2600.0
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corp 1990-1999. All rights reserved.

Expanding e:\i386\msconfig.ex_ to
c:\windows\pchealth\helpctr\binaries\msconfig.exe.
e:\i386\msconfig.ex_: 56259 bytes expanded to 145408 bytes, 158% increase.
===========
With no success, let alone any joy.
I tried again ,just now, to use Run/msconfig/Expand File. I know where
msinfo32.exe is on the CD and it's two places on my machine. C:\Program
Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo and C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache
I could not do a thing. SFC wants a CAB file, apparently the only choice.
MSINFO32.EX_ is in the
i386 file. If it is also in a CAB file, I don't know which one. If it is in a
CAB file, I would really like to know which one.
Last night I also ran the File Signature Verification Utility, I think
there were 3 or 4 unsigned files. I don't remember which ones.
I checked Help and Support for Windows File Protection and System File
Checker. The info was sparse. I also checked out the link that you included.
I did: Start > Run> CMD Type in SFC /? The results were a display of the
switches which I had already saved ro a .doc file from:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/wfp/setup/system_file_checker.asp

Anyway, after all this rambling, thanks again for your reply.
Wes, (the Ramblin' Guy) ;-)

You're welcome, Wes. You didn't mention that you were looking into this
because of a problem you were having. To run System Information, I go
another route: Start> Programs> System Information. The target for that
shortcut is:
"C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo\msinfo32.exe"

If you have a non-working msinfo32.exe file, why are you expanding
msinfo.exe? Instead expand a new copy of msinfo32.exe to the folder in the
path above. May want to replace the one in Windows\system32\dllcache folder
as well. If you don't, it may overwrite the file you just placed into
Program Files.

You could also reinstall msinfo32. Go to the Windows\Inf folder. Right
click on the msinfo32.inf file and select Install. This should redo some of
the system information registry entries that you may have gotten damaged
somehow.

 

[Wesley VogelX]

Sharon;
Again, thanks for the reply. I was looking into this for several reasons.
One was because like most ex98 users, I had wondered what had happened to SFC.
I know how to get Sys Info. My machine does not. The reason I was
expanding msinfo.exe, that was the advice I got.
Went to the Windows\Inf folder, right clicked msinfo32.inf, Install. I
beleive it installed. Still no joy.
Assume I know less than I do. That can't be too hard. I can get to
cmd.exe no problem. Just show me what I can copy and paste into the Command
window. Use D for the CD Drive. By copying and pasting I don't have to worry
about screwing around with spaces, etc.
Here's what I got:
============================================================
C:\Documents and Settings\WESLEY P. VOGEL>EXPAND -R D:\I386\MSINFO32.EX_
c:\Win
dows\system32\dllcache
Microsoft (R) File Expansion Utility Version 5.1.2600.0
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corp 1990-1999. All rights reserved.

Expanding d:\i386\msinfo32.ex_ to c:\windows\system32\dllcache\msinfo32.exe.
d:\i386\msinfo32.ex_: 18633 bytes expanded to 39936 bytes, 114% increase.
=============================================================
C:\Documents and Settings\WESLEY P. VOGEL>EXPAND -R D:\I386\MSINFO32.EX_ C:\Pr
ogram Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo\msinfo32.exe

Expanding d:\i386\msinfo32.ex_ to d:\i386\msinfo32.exe.
Can't open output file: d:\i386\msinfo32.exe.

Can't open input file: c:\program.

Can't open input file: files\common.

Can't open input file: files\microsoft.

Can't open input file: shared\msinfo\msinfo32.exe.
=================================================

I got one to expand but not the other. Still no joy. What am I doing
wrong here? I know.
======================================================
C:\Documents and Settings\WESLEY P. VOGEL>EXPAND -R D:\I386\MSINFO32.EX_
C:\Prog
ram Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo
..
Expanding d:\i386\msinfo32.ex_ to d:\i386\msinfo32.exe.
Can't open output file: d:\i386\msinfo32.exe.

Can't open input file: c:\program.

Can't open input file: files\common.

Can't open input file: files\microsoft.

Can't open input file: shared\msinfo.
=======================================================
No, I don't know. I know not, what it is I do. What am I doing wrong
here? This is driving me crazy.
I am all eyes. Any more input will be gladly received.
Thank you,
Wes

 

[Sharon F]

Sharon;
Again, thanks for the reply. I was looking into this for several reasons.
One was because like most ex98 users, I had wondered what had happened to SFC. [snip]
Can't open input file: c:\program.
Can't open input file: files\common.
Can't open input file: files\microsoft.
Can't open input file: shared\msinfo\msinfo32.exe.
=================================================

Sorry, it took me a while to get back to you.

Put your path in quotes. Change:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSINFO
to "C:\Programs Files>\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSINFO"
(Include filename - msinfo32.exe at the end if that's what is called for.)

 

[Wesley VogelX]

Sharon;
Not a problem, I sincerely thank you for your reply. )
I tried your advice.
Bit of history.
Msinfo32.exe works using any one of the following:
Start/Run:
msinfo32 /pch
msinfo32 /showcategories
msinfo32 /categories +all -loadedmodules

msinfo32******Opens Help
I did not try, nor do I care if the other switches work.
Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Information******Opens Help
--------------------------------------------------------------
Did this:
Start/Run/cmd/OK
expanded to the dllcache again. Looks like success!!!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------
C:\Documents and Settings\WESLEY P. VOGEL>EXPAND -R D:\I386\MSINFO32.EX_
c:\Win
dows\system32\dllcache
Microsoft (R) File Expansion Utility Version 5.1.2600.0
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corp 1990-1999. All rights reserved.

Expanding d:\i386\msinfo32.ex_ to c:\windows\system32\dllcache\msinfo32.exe.
d:\i386\msinfo32.ex_: 18633 bytes expanded to 39936 bytes, 114% increase.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------
Start/Run/cmd/OK
Expanded to msinfo. Looks like we have a launch. Success this time!!!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------
C:\Documents and Settings\WESLEY P. VOGEL>EXPAND -R D:\I386\MSINFO32.EX_
"C:\Pro
gram Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo"
Microsoft (R) File Expansion Utility Version 5.1.2600.0
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corp 1990-1999. All rights reserved.

Expanding d:\i386\msinfo32.ex_ to c:\program files\common files\microsoft
shared
\msinfo\msinfo32.exe.
d:\i386\msinfo32.ex_: 18633 bytes expanded to 39936 bytes, 114% increase.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Went to C:\windows\inf\msinfo32.inf
right clicked: msinfo32.inf
clicked: Install
File Install window with fuel guage pops up too quick to read
Files Needed window pops up
Browse
Copy files from:
D: i386\MSINFO32.EX_
OPEN
OK
window with fuel guage pops up too quick to read
ERROR Installation failed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
******Rebooted**********
Went to C:\windows\inf\msinfo32.inf
right clicked: msinfo32.inf
clicked: Install
File Install window pops up
Files needed window pops up
Browse
Copy files from:
D: i386\MSINFO32.EX_
OPEN
OK
window with fuel guage pops up, slower this time, starts to go to work......
ERROR Installation failed.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One more time!!!!!!!!!!!
Went to C:\windows\inf\msinfo32.inf
right clicked: msinfo32.inf
clicked: Install
File Install window pops up
Files needed window pops up
Browse
Copy files from:
D: i386\MSINFO32.EX_
OPEN
OK
window with fuel guage pops up, slower again this time, starts to go to work...
ERROR Installation failed.
!@$@$#%$%^&%^*, SON OF A GUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Start/Run/msinfo32/OK
Help starts
click: Use Tools to view your computer information and diagnose
click: Advanced System Information
click: View detailed system information (Msinfo32.exe)
Help starts
-------------------
Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Information
Help starts
click: Use Tools to view your computer information and diagnose
click: Advanced System Information
click: View detailed system information (Msinfo32.exe)
Help starts (Twilight Zone Theme now plays )
---------------------------------------------------
I think Rod Serling new more than he was telling us.
------------------------------------------------------
Went to Kelly's Korner
Went through everything that applied to my "Can't open Msinfo32" problem.
Downloaded a batch file that opens Msinfo32.exe.
I don't have to go through all these steps: Start/run/msinfo32
/showcategories/OK
Now all I have to do is double click the shortcut on the Desktop.
--------------------------------------------------------
I can open System Information, but, I do believe that msinfo32.inf is
corrupted!
Went to C:\windows\inf\msinfo32.inf
right clicked: msinfo32.inf
clicked: OPEN
I am not including that here. However, is there somewhere that I could compare
the info in my copy?
Size: 3.59 KB (3,677 bytes)
Size on disk: 8.00 KB (8,192 bytes)
I did start looking through msinfo32.inf, comparing it to the Registry.
I'll check through more of that later.
Found a reference to layout.inf.
Or maybe layout.inf is corrupted?
Yep!
Went to: C:\windows\inf\layout.inf
right clicked: Install
bang..........ERROR Installation failed.
Opened layout.inf
I don't have a clue!
I quit! For now.
--------------------------
Thank you again for your reply. This is not a real large problem.
However, I seem to have a truckload
of little ones. :`o(
Thanks again for your reply.
Wes

Sharon;
Again, thanks for the reply. I was looking into this for
several reasons. One was because like most ex98 users, I had
wondered what had happened to SFC. [snip] Can't open input file:
c:\program.
Can't open input file: files\common.
Can't open input file: files\microsoft.
Can't open input file: shared\msinfo\msinfo32.exe.
=================================================

Sorry, it took me a while to get back to you.

Put your path in quotes. Change:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSINFO
to "C:\Programs Files>\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSINFO"
(Include filename - msinfo32.exe at the end if that's what is called
for.)

 

[Sharon F]

Sharon;
Not a problem, I sincerely thank you for your reply. )
I tried your advice.

[snip, sorry - but I did read it all!]

Well, at least we got the Expand technique down pat now

Is your XP a retail version or an OEM version? Just a thought... Some of
the OEM's alter portions of the help system. This could overlap with
MSINFO32 and might explain why you're having such a dickens of a time
with this.

My msinfo32 is working as expected. Using the msinfo32 /showcategories
switch showed some different category names -- SW in front of each
software branch for example --but basically the same display.

Am including my msinfo32.inf contents below for your reference. If there's
any registry keys you want to compare, let me know.

; MSINFO32.INF

[version]
signature="$Windows NT$"
LayoutFile=layout.inf
DriverVer=07/01/2001,5.1.2600.0

[DefaultInstall]
DelFiles = MSInfoDelOldFiles
CopyFiles = MSInfoCopyFiles
RegisterDlls = MSInfoRegSvr
ProfileItems = MSInfoInstallItems
AddReg = MSinfoRegistryItems
DelReg = DelMSinfoRegistryItems

[DelMSinfoRegistryItems]
HKCR,"MSInfo.Application"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Application.1"
HKCR,"CLSID\{45AC8C62-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKCR,"CLSID\{45AC8C63-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKCR,"CLSID\{45AC8C64-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKCR,"CLSID\{45AC8C65-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Snapin.1"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Extension"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Extension.1"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Snapin"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Snapin.1"
HKCR,"MSInfo.About"
HKCR,"MSInfo.About.1"

HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{45AC8C62-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{45AC8C63-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{45AC8C64-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{45AC8C65-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\MSInfo.About"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\MSInfo.About.1";
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\MSInfo.Application"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\MSInfo.Application.1"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\MSInfo.Extension"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\MSInfo.Snapin";


HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MMC\NodeTypes\{45ac8c66-23e2-11d1-a696-00c04fd58bc3}"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MMC\SnapIns\{45ac8c63-23e2-11d1-a696-00c04fd58bc3}"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MMC\SnapIns\{45ac8c64-23e2-11d1-a696-00c04fd58bc3}"


[MSinfoRegistryItems]
HKCR,".nfo","",0x00000002,"MSInfo.Document"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Document","",0x00000002,"MSInfo File"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Document\DefaultIcon","",0x00000002,""%16427%\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe",0"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Document\Shell\Open\Command","",0x00000002,""%16427%\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe" "/msinfo_file %1""
HKCR,"MSInfo.Document\Shell\Print\Command","",0x00000002,"""%16427%\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe"" /p ""%1"""
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared
Tools\MSInfo","Path",0x00000002,"%16427%\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSInfo\Categories"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSInfo\Templates"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSInfo\Toolsets\MSInfo"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\Applications\MSInfo32.exe","NoOpenWith",0x00000002,""
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\Applications\MSInfo32.exe","NoOpenWith",0x00000002,""
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App
Paths\msinfo32.exe","",0x00000002,""%16427%\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe""
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App
Paths\msinfo32.exe","Path",0x00000002,""%16427%\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo""


[DestinationDirs]
MSInfoCopyFiles = 16427,%MSINFOPATHL% ;DIRID_PROGRAM_FILES_COMMON
MSInfoDelOldFiles = 16427,%MSINFOPATHL% ;DIRID_PROGRAM_FILES_COMMON

[MSInfoDelOldFiles]
imgwalk.dll
msinf16h.exe
msinfo32.dll
msinfo32.msc

[MSInfoCopyFiles]
msinfo32.exe

[MSInfoCopyFiles.Security]
"D(A;;GRGX;;;BU)(A;;GA;;;BA)(A;;GA;;;SY)"

[MSInfoInstallItems]
Name = %MSInfo32_DESC%
CmdLine = 16427,%MSINFOPATHL%,msinfo32.exe
SubDir = %SystemTools_GROUP%
WorkingDir = 16427,%MSINFOPATHL%
InfoTip = "@%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll,-22575"
DisplayResource="%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll",22063

[MSInfoRegSvr]

[Strings]
MSInfo32_DESC = "System Information"
MSInfo32_INFOTIP = "Displays current system information."
SystemTools_GROUP = "Accessories\System Tools"
MSINFOPATHL = "Microsoft Shared\MSInfo"

 

[Wesley VogelX]

Sharon;
Thank you for the reply. I don't know what the deal is. I just NOW saw your reply.
And I mean JUST NOW. Some of my posts were way delayed in making an appearance also. I
almost forgot about this problem. Yeah, getting pretty good at expanding. The
Expanders, coming to a theater near you! XP is Retail.
I put a shortcut @ C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start
Menu\Programs\Accessories\System Tools\msinfo_force_run.bat. This does work. Thanks to
Doug Knox. I actually have three shortcuts placed at various strategic places.
I will compare and contrast our msinfo32.inf contents. I will have to check and see
if I have a Blue Book. ) I might take you up on the Registry key comparison.
Thank you again!
Wes

Sharon;
Not a problem, I sincerely thank you for your reply. )
I tried your advice.

[snip, sorry - but I did read it all!]

Well, at least we got the Expand technique down pat now

Is your XP a retail version or an OEM version? Just a thought... Some
of the OEM's alter portions of the help system. This could overlap
with MSINFO32 and might explain why you're having such a dickens of a
time with this.

My msinfo32 is working as expected. Using the msinfo32 /showcategories
switch showed some different category names -- SW in front of each
software branch for example --but basically the same display.

Am including my msinfo32.inf contents below for your reference. If
there's any registry keys you want to compare, let me know.

; MSINFO32.INF

[version]
signature="$Windows NT$"
LayoutFile=layout.inf
DriverVer=07/01/2001,5.1.2600.0

[DefaultInstall]
DelFiles = MSInfoDelOldFiles
CopyFiles = MSInfoCopyFiles
RegisterDlls = MSInfoRegSvr
ProfileItems = MSInfoInstallItems
AddReg = MSinfoRegistryItems
DelReg = DelMSinfoRegistryItems

[DelMSinfoRegistryItems]
HKCR,"MSInfo.Application"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Application.1"
HKCR,"CLSID\{45AC8C62-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKCR,"CLSID\{45AC8C63-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKCR,"CLSID\{45AC8C64-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKCR,"CLSID\{45AC8C65-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Snapin.1"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Extension"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Extension.1"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Snapin"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Snapin.1"
HKCR,"MSInfo.About"
HKCR,"MSInfo.About.1"

HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{45AC8C62-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{45AC8C63-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{45AC8C64-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{45AC8C65-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\MSInfo.About"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\MSInfo.About.1";
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\MSInfo.Application"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\MSInfo.Application.1"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\MSInfo.Extension"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\MSInfo.Snapin";


HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MMC\NodeTypes\{45ac8c66-23e2-11d1-a696-00c04fd58bc3}"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MMC\SnapIns\{45ac8c63-23e2-11d1-a696-00c04fd58bc3}"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MMC\SnapIns\{45ac8c64-23e2-11d1-a696-00c04fd58bc3}"


[MSinfoRegistryItems]
HKCR,".nfo","",0x00000002,"MSInfo.Document"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Document","",0x00000002,"MSInfo File"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Document\DefaultIcon","",0x00000002,""%16427%\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe",0"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Document\Shell\Open\Command","",0x00000002,""%16427%\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe" "/msinfo_file %1""
HKCR,"MSInfo.Document\Shell\Print\Command","",0x00000002,"""%16427%\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe"" /p ""%1"""
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared
Tools\MSInfo","Path",0x00000002,"%16427%\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSInfo\Categories"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSInfo\Templates"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSInfo\Toolsets\MSInfo"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\Applications\MSInfo32.exe","NoOpenWith",0x00000002,""
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\Applications\MSInfo32.exe","NoOpenWith",0x00000002,""
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App
Paths\msinfo32.exe","",0x00000002,""%16427%\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe""
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App
Paths\msinfo32.exe","Path",0x00000002,""%16427%\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo""


[DestinationDirs]
MSInfoCopyFiles = 16427,%MSINFOPATHL% ;DIRID_PROGRAM_FILES_COMMON
MSInfoDelOldFiles = 16427,%MSINFOPATHL% ;DIRID_PROGRAM_FILES_COMMON

[MSInfoDelOldFiles]
imgwalk.dll
msinf16h.exe
msinfo32.dll
msinfo32.msc

[MSInfoCopyFiles]
msinfo32.exe

[MSInfoCopyFiles.Security]
"D(A;;GRGX;;;BU)(A;;GA;;;BA)(A;;GA;;;SY)"

[MSInfoInstallItems]
Name = %MSInfo32_DESC%
CmdLine = 16427,%MSINFOPATHL%,msinfo32.exe
SubDir = %SystemTools_GROUP%
WorkingDir = 16427,%MSINFOPATHL%
InfoTip = "@%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll,-22575"
DisplayResource="%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll",22063

[MSInfoRegSvr]

[Strings]
MSInfo32_DESC = "System Information"
MSInfo32_INFOTIP = "Displays current system information."
SystemTools_GROUP = "Accessories\System Tools"
MSINFOPATHL = "Microsoft Shared\MSInfo"

 

[Wesley VogelX]

Sharon;
Thank you again for your replies.
I checked everything on my MSINFO32.INF against yours. I did not find any discrepencies.
I then checked MSINFO32.INF against the Registry. Here is what I found.

[DelMSinfoRegistryItems]
Nothing remained.

[MSinfoRegistryItems]
This is what shows in MSINFO32.INF:
HKCR,".nfo","",0x00000002,"MSInfo.Document"

Here is what shows in the Registry: ???
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.nfo
(Default) REG_SZ MSInfo.Document
---------------------------------------
This is what shows in MSINFO32.INF:
HKCR,"MSInfo.Document","",0x00000002,"MSInfo File"

Here is what shows in the Registry: ???
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\MSInfo.Document
(Default) REG_SZ MSInfo File
FriendlyTypeName REG_SZ @C:\WINDOWS\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries\msinfo.dll,-391
---------------------------------------------
This is what shows in MSINFO32.INF:
HKCR,"MSInfo.Document\DefaultIcon","",0x00000002,""%16427%\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe",0"

Here is what shows in the Registry: ????????????????
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\MSInfo.Document\DefaultIcon
(Default) REG_SZ C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft
shared\MsInfo32.exe,0
----------------------------------------------------------------
This is what shows in MSINFO32.INF:
HKCR,"MSInfo.Document\Shell\Open\Command","",0x00000002,""%16427%\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe" "/msinfo_file %1""

Here is what shows in the Registry:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\MSInfo.Document\Shell\Open\Command
(Default) REG_SZ C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MsInfo32.exe
/msinfo_file %1
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I don't understand. %SystemRoot% = C:\WINDOWS BUT %16427% DOES NOT = C:\WINDOWS
??????
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This is what shows in MSINFO32.INF:
HKCR,"MSInfo.Document\Shell\Print\Command","",0x00000002,"""%16427%\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe"" /p ""%1"""

Here is what shows in the Registry:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\MSInfo.Document\Shell\Print\Command
(Default) REG_SZ "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft
shared\MsInfo32.exe" /p "%1"
------------------------------------------------------------
This is what shows in MSINFO32.INF:
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSInfo","Path",0x00000002,"%16427%\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe"

Here is what shows in the Registry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSInfo
(Default) REG_SZ (value not set)
CopiedMof REG_DWORD 0x00000001 (1)
Path REG_SZ C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft
Shared\MsInfo\msinfo32.exe
----------------------------------------------------------
This is what shows in MSINFO32.INF:
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSInfo\Categories"

Here is what shows in the Registry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSInfo\Categories
(Default) REG_SZ
-----------------------------------------------------------
This is what shows in MSINFO32.INF:
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSInfo\Templates"

Here is what shows in the Registry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSInfo\Templates
(Default) REG_SZ
-------------------------------------------------------------
This is what shows in MSINFO32.INF:
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSInfo\Toolsets\MSInfo"

Here is what shows in the Registry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSInfo\Toolsets\MSInfo
(Default) REG_SZ
--------------------------------------------------------------
This is what shows in MSINFO32.INF:
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\Applications\MSInfo32.exe","NoOpenWith",0x00000002,""

Here is what shows in the Registry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Applications\MSInfo32.exe
(Default) REG_SZ (value not set)
NoOpenWith REG_SZ
-------------------------------------------------------------------
This is what shows in MSINFO32.INF:
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\Applications\MSInfo32.exe","NoOpenWith",0x00000002,""
=======================================
This is the second occurence in MSINFO32.INF ???????????
=======================================
This is what shows in MSINFO32.INF:
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App
Paths\msinfo32.exe","",0x00000002,""%16427%\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe""

Here is what shows in the Registry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\msinfo32.exe
(Default) REG_SZ C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MsInfo32.exe
Path REG_SZ C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo
---------------------------------------------------------------------
This is what shows in MSINFO32.INF:
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App
Paths\msinfo32.exe","Path",0x00000002,""%16427%\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo""

Here is what shows in the Registry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\msinfo32.exe
(Default) REG_SZ C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MsInfo32.exe
Path REG_SZ C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[MSInfoDelOldFiles]
imgwalk.dll {GONE}
msinf16h.exe {GONE}
msinfo32.dll {GONE}
msinfo32.msc {GONE}
======================================
Thanks again for your replies. I am open for any and all input.
Wes
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sharon;
Not a problem, I sincerely thank you for your reply. )
I tried your advice.

[snip, sorry - but I did read it all!]

Well, at least we got the Expand technique down pat now

Is your XP a retail version or an OEM version? Just a thought... Some
of the OEM's alter portions of the help system. This could overlap
with MSINFO32 and might explain why you're having such a dickens of a
time with this.

My msinfo32 is working as expected. Using the msinfo32 /showcategories
switch showed some different category names -- SW in front of each
software branch for example --but basically the same display.

Am including my msinfo32.inf contents below for your reference. If
there's any registry keys you want to compare, let me know.

; MSINFO32.INF

[version]
signature="$Windows NT$"
LayoutFile=layout.inf
DriverVer=07/01/2001,5.1.2600.0

[DefaultInstall]
DelFiles = MSInfoDelOldFiles
CopyFiles = MSInfoCopyFiles
RegisterDlls = MSInfoRegSvr
ProfileItems = MSInfoInstallItems
AddReg = MSinfoRegistryItems
DelReg = DelMSinfoRegistryItems

[DelMSinfoRegistryItems]
HKCR,"MSInfo.Application"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Application.1"
HKCR,"CLSID\{45AC8C62-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKCR,"CLSID\{45AC8C63-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKCR,"CLSID\{45AC8C64-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKCR,"CLSID\{45AC8C65-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Snapin.1"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Extension"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Extension.1"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Snapin"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Snapin.1"
HKCR,"MSInfo.About"
HKCR,"MSInfo.About.1"

HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{45AC8C62-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{45AC8C63-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{45AC8C64-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{45AC8C65-23E2-11D1-A696-00C04FD58BC3}"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\MSInfo.About"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\MSInfo.About.1";
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\MSInfo.Application"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\MSInfo.Application.1"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\MSInfo.Extension"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\MSInfo.Snapin";


HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MMC\NodeTypes\{45ac8c66-23e2-11d1-a696-00c04fd58bc3}"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MMC\SnapIns\{45ac8c63-23e2-11d1-a696-00c04fd58bc3}"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MMC\SnapIns\{45ac8c64-23e2-11d1-a696-00c04fd58bc3}"


[MSinfoRegistryItems]
HKCR,".nfo","",0x00000002,"MSInfo.Document"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Document","",0x00000002,"MSInfo File"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Document\DefaultIcon","",0x00000002,""%16427%\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe",0"
HKCR,"MSInfo.Document\Shell\Open\Command","",0x00000002,""%16427%\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe" "/msinfo_file %1""
HKCR,"MSInfo.Document\Shell\Print\Command","",0x00000002,"""%16427%\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe"" /p ""%1"""
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared
Tools\MSInfo","Path",0x00000002,"%16427%\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSInfo\Categories"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSInfo\Templates"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSInfo\Toolsets\MSInfo"
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\Applications\MSInfo32.exe","NoOpenWith",0x00000002,""
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\Applications\MSInfo32.exe","NoOpenWith",0x00000002,""
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App
Paths\msinfo32.exe","",0x00000002,""%16427%\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe""
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App
Paths\msinfo32.exe","Path",0x00000002,""%16427%\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo""


[DestinationDirs]
MSInfoCopyFiles = 16427,%MSINFOPATHL% ;DIRID_PROGRAM_FILES_COMMON
MSInfoDelOldFiles = 16427,%MSINFOPATHL% ;DIRID_PROGRAM_FILES_COMMON

[MSInfoDelOldFiles]
imgwalk.dll
msinf16h.exe
msinfo32.dll
msinfo32.msc

[MSInfoCopyFiles]
msinfo32.exe

[MSInfoCopyFiles.Security]
"D(A;;GRGX;;;BU)(A;;GA;;;BA)(A;;GA;;;SY)"

[MSInfoInstallItems]
Name = %MSInfo32_DESC%
CmdLine = 16427,%MSINFOPATHL%,msinfo32.exe
SubDir = %SystemTools_GROUP%
WorkingDir = 16427,%MSINFOPATHL%
InfoTip = "@%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll,-22575"
DisplayResource="%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll",22063

[MSInfoRegSvr]

[Strings]
MSInfo32_DESC = "System Information"
MSInfo32_INFOTIP = "Displays current system information."
SystemTools_GROUP = "Accessories\System Tools"
MSINFOPATHL = "Microsoft Shared\MSInfo"

 

[Sharon F]

Sharon;
Thank you again for your replies.
I checked everything on my MSINFO32.INF against yours. I did not find any discrepencies.
I then checked MSINFO32.INF against the Registry. Here is what I found.

[snip]

I'm glad to hear that you have found a workaround to tide you over with
this. Doug Knox is a great help, isn't he?

One thing I noticed in your post is that there was an odd break at one
point. It doesn't look like the break was caused by line wrapping after x
amount of characters.

<quote>
Here is what shows in the Registry:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\MSInfo.Document\Shell\Open\Command
(Default) REG_SZ C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MsInfo32.exe
/msinfo_file %1
</end quote>

Notice how /msinfo_file %1 dropped down to a separate line? It may be
present because of that odd 5-line break that crops up now and then. Or it
may be from something else. May want to review that value in the registry to
be sure there isn't an extra space or line break hidden in it.

In regards to [DelMSinfoRegistryItems] and [MSInfoDelOldFiles], I think
that these parts of the INF are intended for XP upgrade installations.
They will remove any old MSINFO registry entries and files from older
versions of Windows or from MS Office that are not needed in XP.

Answers/comments in response to your questions:

Q: I don't understand. %SystemRoot% = C:\WINDOWS BUT %16427% DOES
NOT = C:\WINDOWS??????

A/C: I don't understand it either. My guess is that this is "INF-speak" and
it did what it was supposed to.

Q: This is what shows in MSINFO32.INF:
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\Applications\MSInfo32.exe","NoOpenWith",0x00000002,""
This is the second occurence in MSINFO32.INF ???????????

A/C: Probably similar to seeing some drivers twice in a Win9x bootlog -
repeated to be sure the driver is loaded. In this case, the repeat is insuring
that this registry entry is created.

Compared your registry to mine. Didn't notice any discrepancies other than
that odd line break that I mentioned earlier.

Also, I did a quick search through the registry and have these additional
keys for MSINFO32 in my registry:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Applications\MSInfo32.exe
(Default) REG_SZ (value not set)
NoOpenWith REG_SZ

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{273380E8-1438-4B2C-95B0-713284FBC302}\VersionIndependentProgID
(Default) REG_SZ Msinfo32.MSInfo

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{273380E8-1438-4B2C-95B0-713284FBC302}\ProgID
(Default) REG_SZ Msinfo32.MsInfo.1

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Msinfo32.MSInfo
(Default) REG_SZ System Information

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Msinfo32.MSInfo.1
(Default) REG_SZ System Information

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Msinfo32.MSInfo\CLSID
(Default) REG_SZ {273380E8-1438-4B2C-95B0-713284FBC302}

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Msinfo32.MSInfo\CurVer
(Default) REG_SZ Msinfo32.MSInfo.1

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Msinfo32.MSInfo.1\CLSID
(Default) REG_SZ {273380E8-1438-4B2C-95B0-713284FBC302}

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\TypeLib\{7AC18319-0739-4377-8984-848573D519A5}\1.0
(Default) REG_SZ msinfo32 1.0 Type Library
***Some other subkeys under this; did not include those here***

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MSInfo.Document\DefaultIcon
(Default) REG_SZ C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe,0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MSInfo.Document\Shell\Open\Command
(Default) REG_SZ C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe /msinfo_file %1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\MSInfo.Document\Shell\Print\Command
(Default) REG_SZ "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft
Shared\MSInfo\MSInfo32.exe" /p "%1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Msinfo32.MSInfo
(Default) REG_SZ System Information

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Msinfo32.MSInfo\CLSID
(Default) REG_SZ {273380E8-1438-4B2C-95B0-713284FBC302}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Msinfo32.MSInfo.1\CLSID
(Default) REG_SZ {273380E8-1438-4B2C-95B0-713284FBC302}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Msinfo32.MSInfo\CurVer
(Default) REG_SZ Msinfo32.MSInfo.1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\TypeLib\{7AC18319-0739-4377-8984-848573D519A5}\1.0
(Default) REG_SZ msinfo32 1.0 Type Library
***Some other subkeys under this; did not include those here***

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{273380E8-1438-4B2C-95B0-713284FBC302}\ProgID
(Default) REG_SZ Msinfo32.MsInfo.1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{273380E8-1438-4B2C-95B0-713284FBC302}\VersionIndependentProgID
(Default) REG_SZ Msinfo32.MSInfo

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SharedDLLs
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo\msinfo32.exe
REG_DWORD 0x00000001

I hope this helps.

 

[Wesley VogelX]

Sharon;
Thanks again for the replies. )
Will address your points one by one. Read on, the mystery may have a solution!!
==================

Sharon;
Thank you again for your replies.
I checked everything on my MSINFO32.INF against yours. I did not
find any discrepencies. I then checked MSINFO32.INF against the
Registry. Here is what I found.

[snip]
I'm glad to hear that you have found a workaround to tide you over
with
this. Doug Knox is a great help, isn't he?

================================
Yes he is!
==================================

One thing I noticed in your post is that there was an odd break at one
point. It doesn't look like the break was caused by line wrapping
after x amount of characters.
<quote>
Here is what shows in the Registry:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\MSInfo.Document\Shell\Open\Command
(Default) REG_SZ C:\Program Files\Common
Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo\MsInfo32.exe
/msinfo_file %1
</end quote>

Notice how /msinfo_file %1 dropped down to a separate line? It may be
present because of that odd 5-line break that crops up now and then.
Or it may be from something else. May want to review that value in
the registry to be sure there isn't an extra space or line break
hidden in it.

============================
Shows up correctly in the Registry. OE? Probably. I am using OE-Quotefix.
===========================

In regards to [DelMSinfoRegistryItems] and [MSInfoDelOldFiles], I
think
that these parts of the INF are intended for XP upgrade installations.
They will remove any old MSINFO registry entries and files from older
versions of Windows or from MS Office that are not needed in XP.

====================
Well, it works. No stone unturned and all that. I am an Electrician by trade.
In trouble shooting, if you skip something, that will be where the problem lies.
If you try to eliminate everything, what remains may very well provide a solution.
===================

Answers/comments in response to your questions:

Q: I don't understand. %SystemRoot% = C:\WINDOWS BUT %16427%
DOES NOT = C:\WINDOWS??????

A/C: I don't understand it either. My guess is that this is
"INF-speak" and it did what it was supposed to.

Q: This is what shows in MSINFO32.INF:
HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Classes\Applications\MSInfo32.exe","NoOpenWith",0x00000002,""
This is the second occurence in MSINFO32.INF ???????????

A/C: Probably similar to seeing some drivers twice in a Win9x bootlog
- repeated to be sure the driver is loaded. In this case, the repeat
is insuring that this registry entry is created.

===================
Shrug. ;-)
===================

Compared your registry to mine. Didn't notice any discrepancies other
than that odd line break that I mentioned earlier.

Also, I did a quick search through the registry and have these
additional keys for MSINFO32 in my registry:

================
[snip]
================
All looked fine, except:
===================

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SharedDLLs
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo\msinfo32.exe
REG_DWORD 0x00000001

==============================================
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SharedDLLs

Skips from; C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Grphflt\WMFIMP32.FLT
To; C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof\CSAPI3T1.DLL
=========================================
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo\msinfo32.exe
DOES NOT APPEAR!!! I checked through the whole enchilada. There are 21 entries
for
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ and MSInfo\msinfo32.exe is not one
of them.

Could this be the problem? This could very well explain why msinfo32 works only with
crutches.
This could also explain why Help opens from any application that has a link to System
Information.
i.e. MS Word. And if this is the problem, why the heck is this entry missing from the
Registry? I am in no hurry to do anything. I will be very pleased if this is the
problem. I checked this about five times to be sure.
Should I add a new Binary Value/DWORD Value/etc, for:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SharedDLLs ?????
==========================================
Any further advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for sticking with this.
Wes

 

[Sharon F]

Sharon;
Thanks again for the replies. )
Will address your points one by one. Read on, the mystery may have a solution!!
All looked fine, except:
===================
==============================================
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SharedDLLs

Skips from; C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Grphflt\WMFIMP32.FLT
To; C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Proof\CSAPI3T1.DLL
=========================================
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo\msinfo32.exe
DOES NOT APPEAR!!! I checked through the whole enchilada. There are 21 entries
for
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ and MSInfo\msinfo32.exe is not one
of them.

Could this be the problem? This could very well explain why msinfo32 works only with
crutches.
This could also explain why Help opens from any application that has a link to System
Information.
i.e. MS Word. And if this is the problem, why the heck is this entry missing from the
Registry? I am in no hurry to do anything. I will be very pleased if this is the
problem. I checked this about five times to be sure.
Should I add a new Binary Value/DWORD Value/etc, for:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SharedDLLs ?????
==========================================
Any further advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for sticking with this.
Wes

It wouldn't hurt to try the addition to registry. If the entry is
extraneous on your system, it will not interfere with what you already
have set up. If it's the missing link (or at least one of them), it might
help. If by some odd chance a problem develops, you can simply
remove the addition.

In Regedit's "Edit" menu there is a New command with a flyout menu. DWORD
is one of the options available. "Value Name" is the path. Value data is the
0x00000001. After the key is created the Data column should show up as
"0x00000001(1)"

Did some more checking. I have a desktop and tablet PC. Both with MSINFO
working. The desktop has this registry value. The tablet does not. The only
difference that I can think of that might explain this is that there have been
more versions of Office installed on the desktop than the tablet.

It may be that this key was created to tie in MSINFO features from Office
into the XP MSINFO program (instead of replacing it with the Office
version). And perhaps helps to feed the Office info to appears in the
Office section of MSINFO. Based on that, there is no way to guess if
adding the key is going to help or not. You'll have to try adding and
testing to see if it makes any difference.

 

[Wesley VogelX]

Sharon;
Thank you again for the replies and info!! The butler did it and I shot him.
This is how I did it. Right click SharedDLLs/New/DWORD Value/Backspace/paste/Enter/right
click C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo\msinfo32.exe / Modify/change
Value data to 1/OK.
============
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SharedDLLs
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo\msinfo32.exe
REG_DWORD 0x00000001 (1)
============
Now exists in my Registry. Unfortunately, it does nothing. :`o( Molasses!! Shoot, I
thought I had a real deal here.
Well thanks again. I guess I just keep this on my list of SCREWEDUP Windows XP stuff.
I was hoping to cross off another item. Good thing my HDD is 50% free so I have room for
the List. ;o) I reckon I'll delete this DWORD Value.
I haven't had this much fun with the Registry since I deleted every reference to McAfee,
3dfx Voodoo Banshee and Ensoniq. My F3 key is about worn out. And again, thank you very
much for your help. I think I'll check my crock-pot to see how the Iowa chops are doing.
I plan on deleting them too.
Wes

 

[Sharon F]

Sharon;
Thank you again for the replies and info!! The butler did it and I shot him.
This is how I did it. Right click SharedDLLs/New/DWORD Value/Backspace/paste/Enter/right
click C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo\msinfo32.exe / Modify/change
Value data to 1/OK.
============
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SharedDLLs
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MSInfo\msinfo32.exe
REG_DWORD 0x00000001 (1)
============
Now exists in my Registry. Unfortunately, it does nothing. :`o( Molasses!! Shoot, I
thought I had a real deal here.
Well thanks again. I guess I just keep this on my list of SCREWEDUP Windows XP stuff.
I was hoping to cross off another item. Good thing my HDD is 50% free so I have room for
the List. ;o) I reckon I'll delete this DWORD Value.
I haven't had this much fun with the Registry since I deleted every reference to McAfee,
3dfx Voodoo Banshee and Ensoniq. My F3 key is about worn out. And again, thank you very
much for your help. I think I'll check my crock-pot to see how the Iowa chops are doing.
I plan on deleting them too.
Wes

Rats! Well, no one can say that we didn't give it the old college try.
Sorry it didn't work out for you. No pork chops in the crock pot here but
I do have some BBQ. I think I'll go and warm some up for a sandwich
now that you've made me hungry.

Enjoy your feast!