How to scan Windows devices

Why is it necessary?

Scanning Windows computers on the network is an important task that provides invaluable information about hardware and software components, allowing you to effectively manage your IT infrastructure. This data is crucial for assessing the performance levels of various equipment, identifying any potential hardware or software issues, and ensuring compatibility across the network.

Moreover, regular scans help maintain the integrity of the system drives by detecting early signs of failure or corruption, thereby preventing potential data loss. They also play a significant role in security management. By keeping track of the latest system updates and patches, network administrators can ensure that all Windows computers are up-to-date, thereby minimizing vulnerabilities to cyber threats.

How to scan Windows computers on a local network?

To scan Windows computers on a network, Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) is typically used. In addition, data can be obtained from the Windows registry and Active Directory. Using Total Network Inventory software, you can fully automate the scanning process by combining data from various sources in just one place.

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Remote scanning methods for Windows computers

Remote scanning via SMB

In this method, the scan agent is downloaded to the remote computer and removed after the scanning is completed. While this approach minimizes the lingering footprint on the scanned system, it can potentially load the network when scanning a large number of computers regularly.

Remote scanning via RPC

With this method, Total Network Inventory directly connects to the WMI service of a remote computer and extracts the necessary information about it. However, this approach can noticeably increase network traffic and should be considered as an alternative if the SMB protocol is not available.

Low-level hardware scan

TNI can scan the Windows computer’s hardware using a driver that allows you to collect data that is not available in WMI, such as detailed information about memory modules, S.M.A.R.T. data, and more.

Resident agent scanning

A permanently installed agent running as a service allows you to check on a schedule without using the main TNI module. This method reduces the load on the network and enables you to constantly have the most up-to-date information about your computers for further analysis and reporting.

For more detailed information about scanning methods and configurations, please consult the TNI user manual.

Windows device scanner in Total Network Inventory

The scanner in Total Network Inventory enables you to scan remote computers on the network using all of the above-mentioned methods. Scan targets can be set in several ways, including network names, IP addresses, network ranges with mask indications, IP address ranges, Windows workgroup names, Active Directory domain controllers, and LDAP notation.

Automatic inventory of Windows devices on a schedule

All device scanning tasks can be entered into the scheduler. TNI will perform them automatically, according to the set schedule. The program offers extensive fine-tuning of the scheduler, which is explained in detail in the user manual.

The program allows you to work with the following equipment and more: network storage devices (NAS), printers, routers, switches, UPS devices, VOIP phones, and web servers based on various OS. The scanning algorithm is nearly identical for all equipment with the only difference being the protocol used by the specific device.

What data can be extracted when scanning Windows computers?

Hardware:

• CPU: manufacturer, specifications, connector type, power (TDP), number of cores, etc.
• System memory: total volume, swap files, available slots, etc.
• Video: graphics adapters and monitors, manufacturer name, chipsets, driver information, video signal type.
• Storage: information about hard drives, volumes, type, chipset support.
• Logical partitions: drive and media type, file system.
• Network: network adapters, MAC address, subnet/gateway, IP addresses, connection statuses, hostnames, etc.
• Periphery equipment: printers, plotters, scanners additional information about ports, attributes, connectors, and more.
• Connected USB devices, that can scan for devices on the network without permission and more.

Software:

• Operating system: version and architecture, product key.
• Installed software: name and publisher, version, installation date.
• System updates.
• Safety.
• Antivirus, firewall, antispyware.
• Database.
• Virtual machines.

And more:

• System and User Environment Variables.
• Shared Resources: disk devices, printer queues, IPC admin, etc.
• Startup.
• Services: file system drivers, kernel drivers.
• Running processes.
• User accounts.