Wireshark/Install

Wireshark is a free and open source packet analyzer used for network troubleshooting and analysis. These activities will show you how to download and install Wireshark.

Preparation

To prepare for this activity, you need to have a PC which you're allowed to install new software. This course will implement on Windows. However, students with Linux or MacOS can follow the similar steps, except the installation ones.

Activity 1 - Determine System Type

To determine system type for Windows:

1. Use msinfo32 (press Windows key, type "run", then type "Msinfo32") to display the system type. The system type will either be X86-based PC or X64-based PC. X86-based PC is a 32-bit system. X64-based PC is a 64-bit system.
2. Close msinfo32.

Activity 2 - Download Wireshark

To download Wireshark:

1. Open a web browser.
2. Navigate to http://www.wireshark.org.
3. Select Download Wireshark.
4. Select the Wireshark Windows Installer matching your system type, either 32-bit or 64-bit as determined in Activity 1. Save the program in the Downloads folder.
5. Close the web browser.

Activity 3 - Install Wireshark

To Wireshark Windows Installer

1. Wireshark Windows InstallerSelect the Downloads folder.
2. Locate the version of Wireshark you downloaded in Activity 2. Double-click on the file to open it.
3. If you see a User Account Control dialog box, select Yes to allow the program to make changes to this computer.
4. Select Next > to start the Setup Wizard.
5. Review the license agreement. If you agree, select I Agree to continue.
6. Select Next > to accept the default components.
7. Select the shortcuts you would like to have created. Leave the file extensions selected. Select Next > to continue.
8. Select Next > to accept the default install location.
9. Select Install to begin installation.
10. Select Next > to install WinPcap.
11. Select Next > to start the Setup Wizard.
12. Review the license agreement. If you agree, select I Agree to continue.
13. Select Install to begin installation.
14. Select Finish to complete the installation of WinPcap.
15. Select Next > to continue with the installation of Wireshark.
16. Select Finish to complete the installation of Wireshark.

Note:

• If you encounter compatibility errors, such as with installing WinPcap on Windows 8, try using Compatibility Mode.
• All steps above might be slightly different, which depends on the Wireshark versions.

See Also

• Wireshark: Official webpage
• Wireshark User's Guide: Building and Installing Wireshark
• Wireshark Developer's Guide: Quick Setup for Developers