MS-DOS 6.22 System Information Utility: MSD

In MS-DOS 6.22, the primary utility used to inspect hardware and generate detailed system information summaries is Microsoft Diagnostics, accessed via the MSD command. This article covers what Microsoft Diagnostics is, the specific configuration data it reports, and how to execute the program from the command line to view or export full system profiles.

What Is Microsoft Diagnostics (MSD)?

Microsoft Diagnostics (MSD.EXE) is a built-in administrative tool included with MS-DOS versions 6.0 and later, including MS-DOS 6.22. Designed for troubleshooting hardware conflicts, verifying configurations, and gathering technical support data, MSD queries the PC's BIOS and internal registers to present an organized overview of both the physical machine and the running operating system.

Key Information Displayed by MSD

When launched, MSD presents a dashboard organized into categories:

  • Computer: Identifies the processor type (e.g., 80386, 80486, Pentium), bus architecture (ISA, EISA, MCA, PCI), BIOS manufacturer, and BIOS date.
  • Memory: Provides a detailed breakdown of conventional, extended (XMS), and expanded (EMS) memory, including a visual memory map of the upper memory area (UMA).
  • Video: Detects the display adapter type, video BIOS manufacturer, and active display modes.
  • Network: Reports active network drivers, redirectors, and network client status if present.
  • OS Version: Confirms the exact MS-DOS kernel version and environment settings.
  • Mouse: Lists the installed mouse hardware, driver version, and active COM port or IRQ.
  • Other Adapters: Details connected game ports and secondary controllers.
  • Disk Drives: Outlines all detected local and logical drives, their capacities, and free disk space.
  • LPT and COM Ports: Shows the base I/O addresses and status of parallel and serial communications ports.
  • IRQs and TSR Programs: Lists hardware interrupt assignments (IRQ 0–15) to help identify hardware conflicts, alongside currently active terminate-and-stay-resident (TSR) programs and loaded device drivers.

How to Use the MSD Command

To use the interactive text-based interface, type the following command at the MS-DOS prompt and press Enter:

MSD

You can navigate the interface using a mouse or by pressing the highlighted hotkey corresponding to each category (for example, pressing P for Processor details or M for Memory).

Generating Reports Directly to a File

MSD also supports command-line switches to automate reporting without entering the graphical interface:

  • Create a complete text report: Run msd /p report.txt to write a full diagnostic breakdown to a file named report.txt.
  • Create an abbreviated summary: Run msd /s report.txt to output a brief summary of the essential system components.
  • Black-and-white mode: Use msd /b if running on a monochrome display or LCD screen where color contrast is difficult to read.