Getting Started FAQs

What are the minimum system requirements to run StreetSmart Pro®?  

See System Requirements here.

 To check your RAM:

1. Click the Start button, then Settings > Control Panel.  
2. In this window, double-click System. This will launch a dialog box displaying your installed RAM.

StreetSmart Pro also requires a connection to the Internet with at least a 56K modem. Cable or DSL connection is recommended.  

When I try to connect to StreetSmart Pro with Microsoft Internet Explorer, I get the error message "Cannot connect to StreetSmart Pro." What should I do?

1. Check to be sure your version of Internet Explorer is equipped with 128-bit encryption. You can verify this by opening your browser and clicking on Help > About Internet Explorer.
2. Under the version number, you will see Cipher Strength. If it does not read 128-bit, click the link Update Information. This will take you to the Microsoft website where you can download the latest version.  
3. Once you have 128-bit encryption, try connecting to StreetSmart Pro again.

If you continue to get the same error message after you have confirmed that your version of Internet Explorer has 128-bit encryption, repeat the process and reboot your computer.  If that still does not work, contact your Schwab Active Trader team and ask to be connected to Technical Support.

Sometimes I see trade restrictions in effect and trade restrictions lifted. What is that and why does it hinder my ability to place orders in my account?  

You may see a note in your Messages Window stating the following, "trade restrictions in effect" and then later a Message Window note stating, "trade restrictions lifted". Trade restrictions occur when the balances, positions, and transactions (B,P,&T) that are sent from Schwab do not reach and post to StreetSmart Pro. As such, the program cannot verify what the BP&T for the account currently is, so trading gets restricted. This message has nothing to do with restrictions or issues at the account level.  

As this does inhibit trading, you can always logoff and then logon again.  This normally will correct the problem and allow for you to be able to do trading.  If this is not successful, contact your Schwab Active Trader team.

I got my StreetSmart Pro software from a friend. How do I get set up?  

StreetSmart Pro is offered at no charge to a select group of non-professional Schwab Active Trader clients, based upon trading frequency. If you did not receive an email or phone invitation to use StreetSmart Pro, please contact your Schwab Active Trader team for assistance.

I qualify for StreetSmart Pro but don’t have the link to download it.  

Access to the StreetSmart Pro download link is located in the Active Trader tab, which is a sub-tab located within the Trading tab on Schwab.com. If you cannot find the link, contact your Schwab Active Trader team for help.

How do I trade with StreetSmart Pro?  

Simply open the Trading window and use the Order Entry Panel to place your order. For more information about placing an order in the Trading Window, see About the Trading Window.  

You may also link to schwab.com for trading: Open a web browser to connect to schwab.com for trading other security types, such as fixed income and mutual funds.  

I have a Macintosh. Can I use StreetSmart Pro?  

No. Currently, there are no plans to create a Macintosh version of StreetSmart Pro. However, Mac users can access streaming quotes and news with Schwab’s StreetSmart.com web-based platform.