How to get the latest software for the classic Zetasizer Nano?

by Ulf Nobbmann, Monday, 9th March 2015

While at  the Malvern exhibit at Pittcon quite a few visitors to our booth have asked where to find the latest software version for the Malvern Zetasizer Nano series. And we also encountered a similar question at the Short Course # 78 Fundamentals of Particle Size Analysis with an Emphasis on Light Scattering Techniques :

Where can I find the latest version of the Zetasizer software?

Software-download get the latest Malvern Zetasizer Nano software for DTS files here, link in this post on the software versions of the classic Nano.

When we improved our website, the software download page listing all available Zetasizer software versions no longer exists. Since we migrated to the new site, the old link is no longer available. However, to make things easier for you and more findable on Google, here is a listing of direct links to the currently available versions of the Zetasizer family of instruments, software series 7.

(Note by Editor: We updated some the below download links to the classic software, including this list of some prior versions, to be up-to-date.)

If you are reading this post and the above links do not work for you, you could try to use the advanced search to locate the software you were looking for. If that still leaves you without success, then contact your local help desk.

My Zetasizer software is not working!

Fortunately this is a very rare event. If you have an older computer, try to use an earlier version of the software. For example 7.11 would be less taxing on your system than 7.12  if your computer is already at its performance limit (i.e. low on memory, slower processor). For a very new computer there may be an incompatibility with secure boot in Win8 and Win10. When the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI, UEFI) is enabled with Secure Boot then this may result in blocking a required Malvern USB driver from connecting with the Zetasizer.   Until these drivers are updated, a known workaround is to permanently disable secure boot at the UEFI level. Contact Malvern if you require assistance with this (SBU1046-01).

And for an ultra-quick-start-guide if you are trying to run it with an instrument (not required to analyze data):

Once you downloaded the software on a computer with Win7 or Win8 (or earlier will probably still work as well), install the software.  Do not start it yet! Then plug the USB cable into the computer, connect power to the instrument, turn the instrument on. Finally, let the driver installation finish (this may take a couple of minutes, it goes in two stages, agree that the Malvern driver is unknown to Windows).  When complete, start the software, select Zetasizer Nano, open a new file and you are ready to begin taking measurements.   The manual for the system is available in pdf after the software is installed. For access go to

Start – Programs – Malvern Instruments – Zetasizer Software – Documentation – Manuals  Man0485 .

There are also a range of other useful documents of interest to help you along, however if you have used the system before you very likely may not need any help.

Free tutorial recording: “DLS – The Basics” (no registration required)

The Zetasizer USB drivers are not installing!

This may happen with XP. Go to Device Manager (right-click on the My Computer icon, then properties, then Device Manager) and find the yellow exclamation mark. Now update the driver, select from specific location (not internet) and point to C:\Program Files\Malvern Instruments\Zetasizer Software 7-12\USB Drivers. [this is where the USB drivers for the Zetasizer software are located on your computer] . You may have to reboot before and / or after.


For Windows10, the default secure boot may be disabling the driver for the Zetasizer [up to and including v 7.12]. You can circumvent this by changing the system setup to disable ‘Secure Boot’. Either ask your IT department yourself, or if comfortable with advanced settings, get into the BIOS by rebooting the computer while holding the Shift key. (This booting may take several minutes) Then go to Options-Troubleshoot-Advanced Options-UEFI Firmware Settings-Secure Boot-Secure Boot Enable – check the “Disabled” button. You must acknowledge that it  will reduce system security, Apply, Exit. The computer will reboot and should now work normally with the Malvern Plug and Play PnP drivers.

Update for Windows 10: There is now a signed driver update available on the website – so that the Secure Boot no longer has to be disabled.

Previously

If you have any questions, please email me at ulf.nobbmann@malvern.com. Thanks! While opinions express are generally those of the author, some parts may have been modified by our editorial team.