Scanning for IBM Computer Models

The Scanner (WINSCAN.EXE) uses the IBMNAMES.INI file to get information about IBM* workstations running under Windows* 95/98. The scanner reads the model name using the machine type and model number information specified in the IBMNAMES.INI file. This file is located in the SYS:\PUBLIC\ZENWORKS directory of the inventory server.

Using the IBMNAMES.INI file is an IBM-specific method of scanning model names of IBM workstations defined by the scanner. If you have a new IBM workstation that is not listed in the IBMNAMES.INI file, the model number of the workstation will not be scanned. You must edit the IBMNAMES.INI file to add the machine type, model number, and model description of the new IBM workstation. By adding this entry, you enable the scanner to identify the new model name

Editing the IBMNAMES.INI File to Add the IBM Computer Models

The IBMNAMES.INI file contains the model number and description of IBM desktops and laptop models. You add entries in this file to specify the models that the scanner should scan for at the workstations.

This file begins with a section called [Product Names].

The format of each entry in the section is as follows:

4_bytes_machine_type-3_byte_model_number=model_description

For example, if the model is IBM PC 140 and the machine type is 6260, specify the model description as IBM PC 140. The entry in the IBMNAMES.INI is 6260-79T = IBM PC 140.

If you want the scanner to scan for all IBM computer models of a particular machine type with the same model description, the 3_byte_model_number is specified with three question marks (???) as wildcard characters.

A sample IBMNAMES.INI file is as follows:

[Product Names]

6272-???=IBM PC 300GL (6272)

6260-???=IBM PC 140 (6260)

6282-???=IBM PC 300Gl (6282)

2460-79T=IBM ThinkPad 5602 (2641)

...

For example, to scan all models of a 6282 machine type with same model description, the file entry is as follows:

6282-???=IBM PC 300GL (6282)

The machine type and model number are printed at the rear of the laptop or on the backside of the desktop workstation. For example, the 760E Thinkpad* model has the following label: TYPE 9546-A98.