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SmartScan FAQ

 
 

What is NVIDIA Smart Scan?
What does this service do?
Can I do this from the website?
What do I have to do?
Can I delete the Java applet after NVIDIA Smart Scan has finished analyzing my computer?
What information is collected?
Is any personally identifiable information collected?
What Operating Systems and Browsers does the NVIDIA Smart Scan work with?
What browser do you recommend I use to scan my Mac?
What is the minimum version of Java I can use on Windows?
What if the scanner does not complete the scan?
What is the minimum version of Java I can use on my Mac?
Why does Mozilla Firefox bring me to a Java download page when I try to scan my Mac?

What is NVIDIA Smart Scan?
NVIDIA Smart Scan is a web-based service that identifies the hardware and the software configuration of your computer. The service is used in multiple places on NVIDIA.com to help identify the best driver for your computer configuration, let you know if you can play a game, even to qualify you for hardware specific discounts. Just select a product, click a button, and it will do the rest. Top

What does this service do?
This service analyzes your computer's system information and compares it against a product's specific minimum and recommended requirements. It then instantly provides both a summary and a detailed analysis of your system. In many cases if your PC does not meet a specific requirement then NVIDIA provides links to specific solutions so you can run the product. Top

Can I do this from the website?
Yes. NVIDIA Smart Scan is a web-based service that provides all of the analysis on the website. A small Java Applet is downloaded the first time you run the service. This component only looks at and verifies your system components when you instruct it to do so from the website. Top

What do I have to do?
Simply click the “Scan” or similar button to start NVIDIA Smart Scan. The Java applet automatically downloads, (with your explicit permission), and analyzes your computer to see if you can run the product. Top

Can I delete the downloaded Java applet after NVIDIA Smart Scan has finished analyzing my computer?
Yes. To delete the downloaded Java applet and all of its components, remove the folder and all of its contents at location: %USERPROFILE%\Application Data\NVIDIA. Make sure you ONLY remove this entry. Top

What information is collected?
NVIDIA collects hardware and system software information only. Information such as CPU, CPU speed, OS version, RAM, Video Card, Sound Card, DirectX version, etc. NVIDIA does not collect any personally identifiable information. Top

Is any personally identifiable information collected?
No. There is no personally identifiable information collected. NVIDIA only collects hardware and system software information. Top

What Operating Systems and Browsers does the NVIDIA Smart Scan work with?
Currently, the NVIDIA Smart Scan works with Windows 2000, XP, 2003, Media Center, Vista and 7, and Mac OS X 10.5.7. For Windows, the Browsers you need are either Internet Explorer 6.xx and higher or a Mozilla based browser (Firefox, Netscape, etc.) with Java 1.6 and higher. For Mac OS X 10.5.7, the Browsers you need are either Apple Safari 3.x/4.x or a Mozilla based browser (Firefox, Netscape, etc) with Java 1.5 Top

What browser do you recommend I use to scan my Mac?
Apple Safari 4.x or above. Top

What is the minimum version of Java I can use on Windows?
Older Java versions are reaching their end of life in modern browsers. For this reason we suggest using JavaSE 1.6 or above only.
Please note: attempting to use an older version of Java will likely result in failure to scan. Please avoid at all costs. Top

What if the scanner does not complete the scan?
The scanner can only run in one browser window at a time. Please close the browser and try the scanner again. Top

What is the minimum version of Java I can use on my Mac?
JavaSE 1.5. Top

Why does Mozilla Firefox bring me to a Java download page when I try to scan my Mac?
Possible reasons:

  1. Use the Software Update feature (available on the Apple menu) to ensure that you have the most up-to-date version of Java for your Mac.
  2. If you are certain that your Software Update for Java is current, try the following steps: