The present invention provides a method for collecting information to
uniquely identify an application on a client computer upon the occurrence
of a reporting event, such as a crash. The method is implemented by
providing a client computer having access to a network. In order to
uniquely identify the application, the method generates an inventory of
selected files stored in at least one directory, normally including the
directory containing the application executable file. The method further
generates an inventory of system properties for the client computer. The
inventories are transmitted via the network to a server computer. Upon
receipt by the server computer, the inventory information is compared
with corresponding information in a database to determine whether the
application can be uniquely identified. If the application can be
identified, the user can be notified of a solution or other information
in response to the reporting event. If no appropriate response can be
found, the inventory data can be retained in the database for future
reference.