Can't Collect Information with MSINFO32.EXE.

Larryvf,

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Question:
When trying to use System Information, I get the following error:
( Can't Collect Information... )

Answer:
Try the following steps to resolve this issue.

Procedure 1:
Click Start, click Control Panel.
On the left hand side of control Panel, click Switch to Classic View.
Double click Administrative Tools, and double click Services.

-In the right pane, find the entry for Event Log.
Right click Event Log, click on Properties.
Click the Log On tab, click Local System account, and then click OK.

-In the right pane, find the entry for Windows Management Instrumentation.
Right click Windows Management Instrumentation, click on Properties.
Click the Log On tab, click Local System account, and then click OK.

-In the right pane, find the entry for Remote Procedure Call (RPC).
Right click Remote Procedure Call (RPC), click on Properties.
Click the Log On tab, click Local System account, and then click OK.
*Warning*
There will be two listings for the (RPC) file, and both listings must
be modified using the above steps.

Once you are done, close all open Windows and restart the system.
When you get back into Windows, try getting system information again.

Procedure 2:
If you use a password for your user account, you may also want to
check the password status box.. This should only be uses if you have
multiple user accounts on your system, and each account requires a
password.

Log on with the account that is having the problem.
Click Start, click Control Panel.
On the left hand side of control Panel, click Switch to Classic View.
Double click Administrative Tools, and double click Services.

-In the right pane, find the entry for Event Log.
Right click Event Log, click on Properties.
Click the Log On tab, put a check in the box for "This Account."
Type in the password that you use to log on to your user account.
Re-type the password to confirm it, and then click Apply and Ok.
Reboot the system and see if the problem still occurs.
*You must repeat this step for Windows Management Instrumentation,
and both Remove Procedure Call Files.

Related Microsoft Articles:

1.Msinfo32.exe Generates a "Can't Collect Information" Error Message
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q323209

2."Event ID: 7000" or "Event ID: 7013" Error Message When You Attempt to Start a Service.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;[LN];Q314357

I'm having this problem too. I tried your procedure but got as far as clicking Local System account in the RPC Properties. This option was not highlighted.

Recently I put in passwords for booting up my computer and starting Windows. Could that be the issue?

Dimension 4550 with Windows XP Professional

1 GIG RAM

semana

Semana,

Yes, changing the log on password can affect this.
Try using the second portion of the instructions:

Procedure 2:
If you use a password for your user account, you may also want to
check the password status box.. This should only be uses if you have
multiple user accounts on your system, and each account requires a
password.

Log on with the account that is having the problem.
Click Start, click Control Panel.
On the left hand side of control Panel, click Switch to Classic View.
Double click Administrative Tools, and double click Services.

-In the right pane, find the entry for Event Log.
Right click Event Log, click on Properties.
Click the Log On tab, put a check in the box for "This Account."
Type in the password that you use to log on to your user account.
Re-type the password to confirm it, and then click Apply and Ok.
Reboot the system and see if the problem still occurs.
*You must repeat this step for Windows Management Instrumentation,
and both Remove Procedure Call Files.

Related Microsoft Articles:

1.Msinfo32.exe Generates a "Can't Collect Information" Error Message
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q323209

2."Event ID: 7000" or "Event ID: 7013" Error Message When You Attempt to Start a Service.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;[LN];Q314357

I tried this and rebooted but no change.

I can't be sure, but it seemed like after I put in the checkmark and the password and password confirmation then clicked apply and OK it flipped back to the other checkbox before closing.

I AM able to collect my detailed computer configuration using Tune-Up Utilities and, of course I can to to my service tag/account number on the DELL site and get my original configuration.

But I don't like it when things don't work as they once did.

Semana,

Ok, try the following, small change made...

Procedure 2:
If you use a password for your user account, you may also want to
check the password status box.. This should only be uses if you have
multiple user accounts on your system, and each account requires a
password.

Log on with the account that is having the problem.
Click Start, click Control Panel.
On the left hand side of control Panel, click Switch to Classic View.
Double click Administrative Tools, and double click Services.

-In the right pane, find the entry for Event Log.
Right click Event Log, click on Properties.
Click the Log On tab, put a check in the box for "This Account."
Type in the user name of the account that you are currently logged into.
(For example: ONI-1)
Then type in the password that you use to log on to your user account.
Re-type the password to confirm it, and then click Apply and Ok.
Reboot the system and see if the problem still occurs.
*You must repeat this step for Windows Management Instrumentation,
and both Remove Procedure Call Files.

Related Microsoft Articles:

1.Msinfo32.exe Generates a "Can't Collect Information" Error Message
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q323209

2."Event ID: 7000" or "Event ID: 7013" Error Message When You Attempt to Start a Service.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;[LN];Q314357

I tried that and not only could I not get my computer information but I could not log on to the internet either. I went back and changed it back and now at least I can get on to the internet.

I think I'll just remove the passwords.

Semana,

If you take off the password and it still does not work, the only thing I can think of
is that the services are not starting properly.
Make sure each service that is required is started automatically.
This was Procedure-1 of the information I posted above.
Reboot the system and check the services, properties, to make sure they are started.
If every time you restart they do not start again, then you may want to check your MSCONFIG
settings.
If you recently used MSCONFIG, make sure the option for "Load System Services" is checked.
If this option is not checked, none of your system services will be started, and you will have problems.
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To undo any (MSCONFIG) changes that have been made,
and to make sure the system is running in (NORMAL MODE)
perform the following steps:

Click the Start button, click Run, and then type msconfig in the Open box.
Click OK.The System Configuration Utility window appears.
Under the "General Tab", click the radio button next to "Normal Startup."
This should take the check out of the radio button next to "Selective Startup"
Then click (Apply and OK).
Then restart the system.
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