Microsoft Diagnostics
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
MSD (Microsoft Diagnostics) was a software tool developed by Microsoft which was shipped with various versions of the DOS and MS-Windows operating systems (until Windows 95 when it was replaced by "Microsoft System Information" utility (it wasn't in Windows 95 itself but was included with, for example, Office 97, and was also included in Plus! for Windows 95) - msinfo.exe or msinfo32.exe or winmsd.exe). The Windows NT version was called Windows NT Diagnostics (Winmsd), later also replaced by Msinfo32. The primary use of this tool was to provide detailed technical information about the user's software and hardware and then print the gathered information, usually to be used by Microsoft support technicians in resolving user troubleshooting.
The program was usually started from the DOS Command Prompt using the command MSD.EXE.
Aspects of the system for which MSD provided technical information:
- Computer brand and processor information
- Memory (Total, EMS, and XMS)
- Video (Type such as VGA and manufacturer)
- Network
- Operating System versions
- Type of Mouse if installed
- Disk drives (and partitions), excluding CD-ROM drives etc.
- LPT ports
- COM ports
- IRQ status
- TSR programs
- Device drivers
- Other adapters
