Collecting system information on a local system using the Preboot Edition

The following procedure describes how to collect system information on a local system using the Preboot Dynamic System Analysis graphical user interface (GUI) and the Preboot Edition command-line interface (CLI).

About this task

Select a collection option and complete the steps for that option.
  • Preboot Edition GUI:
    1. Boot to the Dynamic System Analysis, either by booting to removable media or, for preinstalled Dynamic System Analysis, pressing F2 to interrupt the boot sequence.
    2. Select Quit to DSA to exit the standalone memory diagnostic program.
      Note: After you exit the standalone memory diagnostic environment, you must restart the system before you can access this environment again.
    3. Select Click here to start diagnostics (GUI) or enter gui from the command line to start the graphical user interface.
    4. Click I Accept to accept the Preboot License.
    5. Click Full Inventory Collection and Diagnosis.
    6. By default inventory and diagnostic tests are performed. If you want to run only one of the two tests, you can deselect one. At least one test must selected.
    7. Select actions to be performed after the data collection. If an internet connection is available, you can select to send the results to IBM website. If you have the removable available, you can select to save the result to removable media.
      • By default, diagnostic tests are performed. To skip the diagnostic tests, deselect Run Diagnostic Test and click OK to begin the collection process.
      • When the inventory is finished, the selected actions will be performed automatically. To display the Inventory details, in the navigation pane on the left, click Full inventory file.
  • Preboot Edition CLI:
    1. Boot to the Dynamic System Analysis, either by booting to removable media or, for preinstalled Dynamic System Analysis, pressing F2 to interrupt the boot sequence.
    2. Select Diagnostics from the navigation pane.
    3. Click Click here to start diagnostics (CLI) or enter cmd from the command line to start the command-line interface.
    4. Select the Data Collection option to open the data collection menu.
    5. When the collection is finished, click View collection results to display the results.
    6. When you are done, enter :q to exit the viewer.
Parent topic: Collecting system information