The System Information Tool May Display an Incorrect Processor Type (292606)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 98
This article was previously published under Q292606

SYMPTOMS

When the System Information tool (Msinfo32.exe) runs, the processor line on the System Summary page may display either the incorrect processor type or speed.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur because many computer manufacturers create an operating system image that is based on one computer for use on many different computers. When you load the image on a computer that has a processor which is different than the computer on which the image had been originally based, the original processor identification information in the registry may not be automatically replaced with the correct new processor information.

The method that the computer manufacturer uses to create, adapt, and install the image on the various different computers determines whether the processor information is updated to reflect the actual computer on which it is installed.

This behavior can also occur if you upgrade the processor in your computer. The system information may be displayed as the original processor information.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, repopulate the processor information key in the registry, right-click the My Computer icon on the desktop and click Properties on the menu. When the System Properties window opens, close it, and then run the System Information tool to verify the change.

MORE INFORMATION

This behavior does not have an adverse effect on the computer, which runs at the speed of the current processor.

The registry key where this information is kept is:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Hardware\Description\System\CentralProcessor\0

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/14/2006
Keywords:kbenv kbnofix kbprb KB292606
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