Tech Tip #1: Ever wonder what software a computer technician might have in their toolkits? Here's some that I use!

in #technician7 years ago

Passwords and serial #

ProduKey:
Used to extract the Windows installation key when it is not in the BIOS or on the pc/laptop case. http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

Active@ Password Changer:
Ever have a Server, Desktop or Laptop where you are completely locked out? Can't used the Admin account? Look no further. I tested this at home on Server 2016 Datecenter, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, 8 and Windows 7. All versions I was able to clear the admin password and gain entry! Corporate version is $59.99 and well worth the $$ when you really need it (makes you really think about locking down bootable devices on your servers, desktops and laptops as well as considering encryption for your bootable drives).
http://www.lsoft.net/pwch.aspx

NOTE: Next test is encrypting the boot drive then testing password reset.

SIDCHG:

If you have multiple machines you clone from one source image and you need to change all the SID's (machine, WSUS etc) then this tool is magic.
http://www.stratesave.com/html/sidchg.html

Note: While you can use the traditional sysprep after you set up the source machine then use that as your image, you may possibly have duplicate SID's after reimaging...will have to test. Always grab the machines product key PRIOR to imaging to reactivate....this is not necessary with current Dells but a good preventative measure.

Belarc Advisor:

This gives you a detailed list of software and hardware on a machine.
http://www.belarc.com/products_belarc_advisor


Diagnostics:

Memtest86:
Provides in depth testing of desktop and laptop memory (yes the oem may have their tools but they don't always catch the error) https://www.memtest86.com/

Intel CPU diagnostics:
Often overlooked, your problems may lie with the cpu. Here's Intel's official CPU diagnostic tool
https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/19792/Intel-Processor-Diagnostic-Tool


Last on the shortlist is the tried and true Hiren's Boot CD (or USB) https://www.hiren.info/pages/bootcd. It has so many tools and utils it would take a page on its own, however, many are dated.

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