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General FAQ

1. What is NeXpose?

NeXpose is a unified vulnerability solution that scans networks to identify the devices running on them and to probe these devices for vulnerabilities. It analyzes the scan data and processes it for reports. You can use these reports to help you assess your network security at various levels of detail and remediate any vulnerabilities quickly.

The vulnerability checks in NeXpose identify security weaknesses in all layers of a network computing environment, including operating systems, databases, applications, and files. NeXpose can detect malicious programs and worms, identify areas in your infrastructure that may be at risk for an attack, and verify patch updates and security compliance measures.

2. What are the System Requirements for Installation?

Minimum System Requirements

  • Dedicated server with no IPS/IDS/Virus Scanning
  • 2 GHz processor and higher
  • 4 GB RAM
  • 80 GB + available disk space (10 GB minimum for engines)
  • Gigabit Network Interface Card

3. What Operating Systems are supported?

Tested Operating Systems

  • MS Windows Server 2003 SP2 / Server 2003 R2
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5
  • Ubuntu 8.04 LTS
  • SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 10

An alpha version of NeXpose runs on Windows XP Professional SP3 (32-bit version). See http://community.rapid7.com/redmine/projects/1/wiki/Windows_XP_Alpha.

NeXpose is not supported on Windows XP SP2, Windows 7, or Vista due to restriction in accessing raw sockets. See http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms740548(VS.85).aspx for more information.

Operating Systems (OS) Reported to Work

  • Windows Server 2003 SP1
  • SuSE Enterprise Linux 9
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4
  • Fedora 9 or higher
  • Debian 4.0 or higher
  • CentOS 4 or higher
  • Ubuntu 7.10 or higher

4. What is the difference between NeXpose Community Edition, Consultant Edition, and Enterprise Edition?

Please see NeXpose Editions for more information.

5. Do I need a new product key if I have to reinstall the product?

Unfortunately you will need a new product key when reinstalling the product. To get a new product key, please register again here. We realize that re-registering is not ideal and we are looking at various options for streamlining the new product key generation process for users who have previously registered. Stay tuned.

6. What if my product key does not seem to be working?

Follow the instructions here on manually applying your product key. If the key still does not seem to be taking then send an e-mail to the community mailing list at and someone should be able to help you.