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.