Kaspersky GetSystemInfo (GSI) is a very useful support tool often used by Kaspersky Lab engineers to collect system information in order to troubleshoot technical issues. It collects a wealth of information about the users system which can then be analyzed to detect incompatible software, detect possible known and unknown malware on your computer, and also detect program function errors. The Kaspersky GSI tool has been in development for several years and contains many features that make the interpretation of possible problems on a users system easier for both the user themselves and anybody offering technical support.
The Kaspersky GSI tool works along similar lines to Trend Micro’s HijackThis which scans your computer and then creates a log file. The GSI log file though, is massive and far more comprehensive in comparison (typically over 1MB) as the tool is set up to scan just about every corner of your system. The log file that was created on my computer contains more than 15,000 lines and it would’t be easy to analyze manually. This is where the online part of this tool comes into play thanks to the GSI parser. Once uploaded, it takes all of the information in the log file and parses the data into an easily readable tabbed webpage. This functionality means that users with limited computer experience have a better chance to troubleshoot an issue on their own.
Only 3 simple steps are required to analyze your computer with GSI; download the tool, run it, and then upload the results to view online.
1. Download the latest version of Kaspersky GSI. There are 2 versions available when you click the Download link at the top. The latest version 5 is for XP, 2003/2008, Vista and Windows 7/8. As for version 3, this is compatible with Windows 2000, NT and 98.
2. Run the GetSystemInfo (GSI) tool and click the button to create a report log file. By default, the settings are set to collect recommended information from the system. This can be changed by going into Settings and moving the slide bar, or manually changing the scan criteria. For example, setting the slider to maximum will also include scanning the \System32, \Windows and \System32\Drivers directories and also Services modules.
If you want to scan your computer for malicious software, it is recommended that you change the setting to maximum before running the utility as malware often installs itself in those locations that are not included in the Recommended setting. Before running the GetSystemInfo utility on the system, it is recommended to close all other running applications first.
3. Once the GSI tool has completed, which could take a few minutes if the maximum setting is used, a webpage will open telling you the report log has been created with a link to give to anyone providing technical support. To have a look at the report yourself, there is a link in the lower left corner “if you want to analyze it yourself (for experts only), click here“. Or you can upload the report log file to GSI Parser at a later date. The report file is automatically saved to your chosen location in a zip archive. Within a few seconds, GSI Parser will show you the report log file in an easily readable tab format.
If GSI found any possible malwares on your system, you should see something like this in the summary screen:
You can also sign up for a free account at Kaspersky GetSystemInfo where you can start rating the files and also write comments. Kaspersky GSI is a useful utility and resource for identifying a number of system issues not just security threats. But just like any other utility that scans and analyzes your computer, it is recommended that you have at least a reasonable level of experience in computers to analyze the log file and interpret the results.