Portable Sysinternals System Tester Utility v2.2
The USB Toolkit Every IT Professional Needs in Their Kit!
For years, I've been carrying USB drives to client sites loaded with various diagnostic tools - Sysinternals utilities scattered across folders, batch files I'd written years ago, and a mental checklist of tests to run. It worked, but it was messy, inconsistent, and time-consuming. Every diagnostic session meant running tools manually, copying outputs, and cobbling together reports.
I thought: "There has to be a better way."
That frustration led to the creation of the Portable Sysinternals System Tester. A zero-dependency PowerShell solution that transformed my thumb drive into a comprehensive, professional diagnostic toolkit. What started as a personal automation project has evolved into a production-ready tool that IT professionals across the region now rely on for field diagnostics, baseline health checks, and client handoff reports.
Version 2.2 is OUT NOW!
https://github.com/Pnwcomputers/SystemTester/tree/Version2.2
The Problem: Field Diagnostics Chaos
Picture this: You're at a client site. Their computer is running slow. So you need to check:
- Is it the CPU? Memory? Disk?
- Are there hardware errors?
- What's running at startup?
- Is the SSD healthy?
- Are Windows updates pending?
- How's the network performance?
The traditional approach meant:
1. Running 10+ different tools manually
2. Copying outputs to text files
3. Parsing through banners, EULAs, and noise
4. Spending 30+ minutes just gathering data
5. Spending another 30 minutes creating a readable report for the client
There had to be a better way to work smarter, not harder!!
The Solution: One Script, Complete Diagnostics
Portable Sysinternals System Tester does something simple but powerful - it runs a comprehensive, curated set of Sysinternals and Windows diagnostic tools, then automatically processes the raw data to produce two essential reports:
✅ Clean Summary Report - Human-readable, de-noised, with actionable recommendations
✅ Detailed Report - Cleaned tool outputs for technical reference
All from a USB drive. No installation required. One click.
What used to take an hour now takes 10 minutes, and the reports look professional enough to hand directly to clients or management.
What Makes v2.2 Special:Network Diagnostics Overhaul
Version 2.2 introduces a complete Network Speed Test Suite that transforms the tool from "comprehensive" to "indispensable" for real-world diagnostics.
The Challenge: Network Issues Are Everywhere
In my support work across SW Washington and Portland, I've noticed that network issues have become the silent performance killer. A client complains about "slow computers," but it's actually:
- Poor WiFi signal causing packet loss
- DNS resolution delays
- Misconfigured MTU settings
- High latency to cloud services
Traditional tools give you bits and pieces, but nothing comprehensive and portable.
The Solution: Advanced Network Testing Suite
Version 2.2's new Network Speed Test Suite (Menu Option 8) provides in-depth connectivity and performance analysis:
🌐 Local Connectivity Testing
Tests local network and default gateway reachability using Test-NetConnection. Instantly identifies if the problem is local network configuration or beyond the gateway.
🌍 Internet Reachability Analysis
Connectivity tests to multiple endpoints:
• Google DNS (8.8.8.8)
• Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1)
• Google.com
• Microsoft.com
Includes port-specific testing (DNS port 53, HTTPS port 443) to identify firewall or service-specific issues.
⚡ Latency Testing
Detailed ping tests to multiple targets with round-trip time measurements. Identifies intermittent connectivity issues that basic tools miss.
🔬 PSPing Integration
Advanced latency and TCP bandwidth capacity testing using Sysinternals' psping.exe. Provides connection quality analysis that goes beyond basic ping tests.
🔍 DNS Resolution Speed
Measures DNS lookup speed for multiple domains in milliseconds. Slow DNS is often the culprit behind "everything is slow" complaints.
📦 Network MTU Discovery
Checks for standard MTU (1500 bytes) without fragmentation. Misconfigured MTU can cause mysterious connection drops and slow performance.
Core Features That Make It Indispensable
🖱️ One-Click Operation
Use the interactive menu or the -AutoRun parameter for unattended, complete system scans. Perfect for running tests while you work on something else.
📦 Fully Portable
Run entirely from a USB drive with no installation required. Perfect for field technicians, MSPs, or anyone who needs diagnostics on-the-go.
📥 Auto-Download Tools
Built-in functionality to download the latest Sysinternals Suite directly from Microsoft. No manual setup required - just run the launcher and select "Download Sysinternals Suite."
🧹 Smart Reporting & Cleaning
Generates timestamped Clean Summary and Detailed TXT reports. The output cleaner removes EULA screens, banners, and usage blocks for professional, client-ready reports.
🧠 Comprehensive Tests (15 Categories)
Covers everything:
• CPU performance benchmarking
• RAM capacity and usage patterns
• Disk performance and SMART data
• GPU and DirectX information
• Network analysis (new advanced suite in v2.2)
• OS health (DISM, SFC integrity checks)
• Windows Update status
• Security analysis (autorun entries)
• Power and battery health
• Hardware error logs
⚡ Modern PowerShell
Uses CIM instances (not deprecated WMI) for better performance and future compatibility.
🔐 Robust Elevation
SID-based admin check that works on Windows Home editions, with graceful degradation for missing tools.
🔍 Integrity Verified
Validates digital signatures and file integrity for all Sysinternals tools before execution.
Real-World Use Cases
For Field Technicians
Scenario: Client call - "My computer is running slow"
Without System Tester:
• Spend 10 minutes deciding what to test
• Run tools manually
• Copy outputs
• Create report manually
• Total time: 45-60 minutes
With System Tester:
• Plug in USB drive
• Run SystemTester_Launcher.bat
• Select "Run ALL Tests Automatically"
• Get coffee while it runs (10 minutes)
• Hand client the clean summary report
• Total time: 15 minutes
For MSPs and IT Support Companies
Perfect for:
• Baseline health checks for new clients
• Pre-delivery testing of refurbished systems
• Monthly maintenance reporting
• Troubleshooting tickets with comprehensive data
• Client handoff documentation
Real Example from My Business:
"We service over 200 business clients across Vancouver WA, Battle Ground, Camas, Longview, and Portland. System Tester has become our standard tool for every remote and onsite support call. The clean reports have improved our client communication dramatically - they actually understand what we found and what we recommend."
- Pacific Northwest Computers
For System Builders
Scenario: Testing a freshly built gaming PC before delivery
Tests run automatically:
✓ CPU stress testing (coreinfo)
✓ RAM capacity and speed verification
✓ SSD SMART data and TRIM status
✓ GPU detection and DirectX version
✓ Network adapter speed confirmation
✓ Windows Update status
✓ System file integrity
Result: Professional diagnostic report included with every system delivery. Clients love the documentation.
Sample Output: What You Get
Clean Summary Report
---------------------------------
SYSTEM TEST REPORT (CLEANED)
---------------------------------
Date: 2025-01-03 14:30:22
Computer: DESKTOP-ABC123
User: JohnDoe
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
-----------------
Total Tests Run: 28
Successful: 26
Failed: 2
Success Rate: 92.9%
Total Test Time: 347.2 seconds
KEY FINDINGS:
-------------
SYSTEM:
OS: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro 10.0.22631
Total RAM: 16 GB
CPU PERFORMANCE:
Operations/sec: 15,847,293
MEMORY:
Total RAM: 16 GB
Usage: 62.2%
DISK PERFORMANCE:
Write Speed: 487.3 MB/s
Read Speed: 523.1 MB/s
NETWORK:
Gateway Latency: 2ms
Internet Latency: 15ms (Google DNS)
DNS Resolution: 12ms average
WINDOWS UPDATE: 12 pending updates available
RECOMMENDATIONS:
----------------
• WINDOWS UPDATES - 12 updates pending, consider updating soon
• NETWORK PERFORMANCE GOOD - Low latency, no connectivity issues
• DISK PERFORMANCE EXCELLENT - SSD performing within spec
• SYSTEM HEALTH GOOD - No critical issues detected
The report is clean, professional, and actually useful - no technical jargon that confuses clients, but enough detail to justify your recommendations.
The Technical Journey: Building It Right
Challenge 1: Making Sysinternals Portable
Sysinternals tools are amazing, but they're scattered across Microsoft's website. Solution: Built-in auto-download functionality that pulls the entire suite from Microsoft's servers and extracts it to your USB drive automatically.
Challenge 2: Parsing Inconsistent Output
Every Sysinternals tool has different output formats, banners, and EULAs. Solution: Custom output cleaners that intelligently strip noise while preserving diagnostic data. The result? Reports you can hand to clients without embarrassment.
Challenge 3: Slow Tests Blocking Everything
Some tests take minutes (DISM, SFC, Windows Update checks). Solution: Clear progress indicators and the ability to run specific test suites instead of everything. Plus, the -AutoRun mode lets you kick it off and work on something else.
Challenge 4: Network Diagnostics Were Too Basic
Basic "ping Google" tests weren't enough for real-world troubleshooting. Solution: Version 2.2's comprehensive network suite with latency testing, DNS speed checks, MTU discovery, and PSPing integration.
Quick Start: Get Running in 3 Minutes
Step 1: Download & Extract
Download from GitHub, extract to your USB drive
Step 2: First-Time Setup
Run SystemTester_Launcher.bat
Choose Option 6: "Download/Update Sysinternals Suite"
Wait ~2 minutes for download and extraction
Step 3: Run Diagnostics
Choose Option 1 for interactive menu (pick specific tests)
OR
Choose Option 2 to run ALL tests automatically
Reports save automatically to the Reports folder
That's it. You're now running professional-grade diagnostics.
The 15 Test Categories Explained
Category 1-3: Core System
• System Information - OS details, computer info, clock resolution
• CPU Testing - Architecture, performance benchmarks, top processes
• RAM Testing - Memory capacity, modules, usage patterns
Category 4-6: Storage & Security
• Storage Testing - Drives, fragmentation, performance, SMART data
• Process Analysis - Running processes, handles, process tree
• Security Analysis - Autorun entries, startup items
Category 7-8: Network & OS Health (NEW Enhanced Network!)
• FULL Network Analysis - Connections, adapters, latency, DNS, MTU
• OS Health - System file integrity, component store (DISM, SFC)
Category 9-15: Specialized Diagnostics
• Storage SMART - Drive health, reliability counters
• SSD TRIM - TRIM enablement status
• Network Adapters - Link status, speed, IP configuration
• GPU/DirectX - Graphics card info, DirectX version
• Power/Battery - Battery health, energy report
• Hardware Events - WHEA error logs (last 7 days)
• Windows Update - Pending updates, history, service status
Best Practices from the Field
1. Always Run as Administrator
Some tests (DISM, SFC, SMART data, energy reports) require elevation. Right-click the launcher and choose "Run as administrator."
2. Be Patient with Slow Tests
Expected timing:
• CPU Performance: 10 seconds
• Power/Energy Report: 15 seconds
• Windows Update Search: 30-60 seconds
• DISM/SFC Scans: 5-15 minutes
These tests are thorough; the wait is worth it!
3. Review Reports Before Sharing
Reports include computer names, usernames, and installed software paths. Review for sensitive information before sharing with clients.
4. Keep Your USB Drive Updated
Periodically run Option 6 in the launcher to update Sysinternals tools. Microsoft releases updates frequently.
5. Use AutoRun for Consistency
For monthly maintenance or baseline checks, use the -AutoRun parameter for consistent, repeatable testing across all systems.
What's Next: The Roadmap
Short-Term (v2.3-2.5)
• Configuration file support (JSON) for test customization
• Report history viewer in launcher
• Old report cleanup functionality
• Tunable summary verbosity levels
• Advanced GPU diagnostics integration
• Baseline comparison mode (compare current vs. previous tests)
Medium-Term (v2.6-2.9)
• Skip flags (-SkipCPU, -SkipNetwork) for faster targeted testing
• CSV export for data analysis in Excel
• HTML report export with charts and graphs
• Email report functionality
• Task Scheduler integration for automated testing
Long-Term (v3.0+)
• WPF/WinUI graphical interface option
• Pluggable module system for custom tests
• Real-time monitoring dashboard
• Multi-computer report aggregation
• Signed releases with code signing certificate
Privacy & Safety Considerations
✓ No Telemetry - Script does not send data anywhere; purely local operation
✓ Official Sources Only - Auto-download only uses official Microsoft servers
✓ Validated Tools - Digital signature verification for all Sysinternals tools
✓ Local Reports - All reports saved locally to your USB drive
✓ No Installation - Leaves no traces on target systems
Admin Rights Requirements:
• DISM and SFC integrity checks
• SMART data retrieval
• Energy reports generation
• Windows Update queries
• Some hardware event logs
Who Benefits Most?
IT Support Technicians
Professional diagnostic reports for every service call. Consistent testing methodology across all clients.
MSPs and Support Companies
Standardized baseline checks. Monthly maintenance reporting. Efficient troubleshooting with comprehensive data.
System Builders
Pre-delivery testing and documentation. Professional reports included with every system.
Corporate IT Departments
Baseline health checks for new deployments. Troubleshooting documentation. Audit trail for hardware issues.
Power Users
Understanding your system's health. Baseline snapshots before and after changes. Hardware upgrade validation.
Final Thoughts
The Portable Sysinternals System Tester started as a simple automation project to make my own work easier. It's evolved into a tool that IT professionals across the region now rely on daily.
Version 2.2's advanced network diagnostics represent a major step forward. Network issues are everywhere, and having comprehensive connectivity testing in a portable, one-click tool changes how we troubleshoot performance problems.
Whether you're a field technician carrying a USB drive to client sites, an MSP managing dozens of systems, or a system builder documenting pre-delivery testing, this tool saves time and improves professionalism.
Best of all? It's completely free and open source. No licensing fees, no subscriptions, no telemetry. Just a tool built by an IT professional for IT professionals.
Your Feedback Shapes the Future
Have you used System Tester? I'd love to hear:
• What tests would you like to see added?
• How has it improved your workflow?
• What features would make v3.0 even better?
Report Issues: GitHub Issues for bugs and compatibility problems
Request Features: Start a GitHub discussion
Share Success Stories: Let the community know how you're using it
Contribute: Pull requests welcome for improvements
Acknowledgments
Mark Russinovich and the Microsoft Sysinternals Team - For creating and maintaining the incredible suite of diagnostic tools that powers this project
PowerShell Community - For modules, patterns, and best practices that made this project possible
IT Professionals Who Provided Feedback - Your real-world use cases and feature requests shaped v2.2
Thank you for your interest in Portable Sysinternals System Tester. Here's to faster diagnostics, better reports, and more time to actually fix things instead of just gathering data! 🚀
Portable Sysinternals System Tester v2.2 - Professional diagnostics in your pocket
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