How to Install NetworkMiner on Windows

In this guide, we will take you through the steps of downloading, installing, and running NetworkMiner, a powerful network forensic analysis tool. NetworkMiner is commonly used for analyzing captured network traffic and parsing PCAP files for investigative purposes. We'll cover the installation process, how to set it up with WinPcap or Npcap, and how to start using it to capture and analyze live network traffic or offline PCAP files.

‍

1. Download NetworkMiner

1. Go to the Official NetworkMiner Website:
   
   • Visit the official website: NetworkMiner.
2. Choose the Correct Version:
   
   • Scroll down to find the NetworkMiner Free or Professional version (if you have purchased the Pro version).
   • Click the Download button for the free version. This will either redirect you to the download page or start the download of the ZIP file directly.

‍

2. Extract the ZIP File

1. Locate the ZIP File:
   
   • Once the download is complete, navigate to the folder where the file was saved (usually the Downloads folder).
   • The ZIP file will have a name similar to NetworkMiner_<version>.zip.
2. Extract the ZIP File:
   
   • Right-click on the ZIP file and select Extract All.
   • Choose a destination folder where you want to extract the files.
   • Click Extract to begin the extraction process.

‍

3. Install WinPcap (If Not Installed)

NetworkMiner relies on WinPcap or Npcap for capturing live network traffic. If WinPcap or Npcap is not already installed, follow these steps to install it.

1. Download WinPcap:
   
   • Visit the official WinPcap Download Page or download Npcap from Npcap Website.
   • Download and run the installer.
2. Follow the Installation Instructions:
   
   • Launch the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
   • Optionally, ensure that WinPcap is set to start automatically when your computer boots.

‍

4. Launch NetworkMiner

1. Navigate to the Extracted Folder:
   
   • Go to the folder where you extracted NetworkMiner.
2. Run NetworkMiner:
   
   • Look for the NetworkMiner.exe file in the folder.
   • Double-click the executable to start the program.
   • If prompted by Windows Security, click Yes to allow the program to run.

‍

Check this Network Security course to learn more details about network security.

‍

5. Start Using NetworkMiner

1. Select Network Interface:
   
   • When you first open NetworkMiner, it will ask you to select a network interface for live traffic capturing.
   • Choose the correct network interface (e.g., your Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter) to start capturing live network traffic.

2. Analyze PCAP Files (Optional):
   
   • You can also use NetworkMiner to analyze offline PCAP files.
   • Go to File > Open and select a saved PCAP file for analysis.

‍

If you want to install the NetworkMiner on your Linux device, you can follow the "How to Install NetworkMiner on Linux" post.

‍

By following these steps, you will have NetworkMiner installed and ready for live network traffic analysis or PCAP file analysis. This powerful tool provides deep insights into network activity, making it a valuable asset for forensic investigations.