NetSim Network Simulator
Frequently Asked Questions |
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Why you are getting the following error message: "Update server unavailable":This error message means that NetSim is unable to access the internet. This can be due to several reasons. First, make sure that you are physically connected to the internet and that your connection has not been disconnected. Next, make sure that nothing is blocking NetSim from accessing the internet. Such items can include firewalls, antivirus software, and proxy servers.
Why you are getting the following error message: "Update server offline":This error message means that NetSim is unable to access the internet. This can be due to several reasons. First, make sure that you are physically connected to the internet and that your connection has not been disconnected. Next, make sure that nothing is blocking NetSim from accessing the internet. Such items can include firewalls, antivirus software, and proxy servers.
Why you are getting the following error message: "Activation was unsuccessful":I am having trouble activating my software. I keep getting the error message: "Activation was unsuccessful. Please verify that your email address, password, and activation key are correct. If the problem persists, please visit www.boson.com for help." I have already checked and these are all correct. What do I do?
This message could happen for many reasons. There might be a problem with your password. We would recommend that you log on to your online account. Temporarily change your password to something simple like "boson". Afterwards, try activating your software again now using your new, simple password. After you have successfully activated your software, you may go back and change your online password to something more secure.
Additionally, try right-clicking the NetSim shortcut and running the program "As Administrator"
Finally, if the activation still fails, please contact Boson Technical Support for further assistance by logging in to your Boson Online Account and starting a support ticket to register your question, or e-mail
support@boson.com.
Why you are getting the following error message: "Could not register BosonNetsimInterop.dll":This error means that NetSim has detected that the file BosonNetsimInterop.dll is not registered and NetSim was unable to register the file itself. Normally, this file is registered automatically at install time or when NetSim is first run on your system. This process can fail for many reasons.
To resolve the issue, try right clicking the NetSim shortcut and running the program "As Administrator"
If the above did not resolve the issue, the following steps should resolve the issue described:
Make sure that you have the
Microsoft .NET Framework Version 2.0 or higher. (This can be verified in the Windows Add or Remove Programs)
Shut down any Boson applications and/or error windows.
Download our
Registry Assembly Tool.
Run the tool (right click and select "Run as Administrator"). Then, select the dot net version 2.0 from the drop down list.
In the field labeled "Interop Assembly", browse for the file C:\Program Files\Boson Software\Boson NetSim for CCN_ 7.0\bosonnetsiminterop.dll
(Please note that if the errors are for any other dlls, you should follow the above step and browse for the file(s) that is mentioned in the error(s) for each file.)
Click the "Unregister Interop Assembly" button and then click the "Register Interop Assembly" button.
Then, right click the shortcut to start NetSim and click on "Run as Administrator".
If the issue persists, please contact Boson Technical Support for further assistance by logging in to your Boson Online Account and starting a support ticket to register your question, or e-mail
support@boson.com.
Why am I getting "The only lab you can load in the evaluation version is the Demo lab. To view or load additional labs, you will need to purchase the full version of the product."Try opening another lab right away to see if the lab will open.
If the above did not resolve the issue, close the NetSim windows and any error messages try right-clicking the NetSim shortcut and running the program "As Administrator"
Why are some of the labs or lab sections are missing in the Lab Navigator?Missing labs or missing lab sections can sometimes occur when some important NetSim files have been corrupted. To resolve this issue, please follow the below steps (Please note that the below example is for the CCNP version, for other versions the specific folder name will reflect the version that you have (i.e. CCENT, CCNA, etc..)
- Remove the program using "Add or Remove Programs" located in your operating system's Control Panel
- Delete the following folders (if they were not deleted automatically in the first step):
(Please note, that because some of the folders are hidden, to make sure that "Show hidden files and folders" option is enabled in the Tools -> Folder Options)
C:\Program Files\Boson Software\Boson NetSim for CCNP 7.0
AND
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Boson Software\Boson NetSim for CCNP 7.0 .
(if running Windows Vista, the second folder to delete is C:\ProgramData\Boson Software\Boson NetSim for CCNP 7.0 ) - Install the appropriate setup file for your NetSim version from the following URL: http://www.boson.com/download.html
- Restart NetSim for CCNP 7 and activate the Full Version again.
- This should start NetSim for CCNP 7 and the issue should be resolved.
Please let us know if this does not resolve the issue for you.
Where you can download NetSim for CCNA or NetSim for CCNP:You can download NetSim for CCNA and NetSim for CCNP at
http://www.boson.com/Download.html
The minimum system requirements for NetSim:The Boson NetSim will run successfully if the following requirements are met:
- Supported platforms: Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP (Server operating systems are not supported)
- Microsoft .NET Framework Version 2.0
- Installation requirements: 40 MB free space, 500 MHz CPU, 64 MB RAM, 800x600 screen resolution, active Internet connection, Adobe Reader 5 or higher.
The recommended system requirements for NetSim:
- Supported platforms: Window XP/Vista/7 (Server operating systems are not supported)
- Microsoft .NET Framework Version 2.0
- Installation requirements: 40 MB free space, 2 GHz CPU, 1 Gig RAM, 800x600 screen resolution, active Internet connection, Adobe Reader 5 or higher.
How to register NetSim LE if the internet options fail:
- Start NetSim LE, and click Next.
- Accept the terms of the End User License Agreement, and click Next.
- Enter your CD-ROM serial number into the text box, select Register via Telephone, and click Next.
- Click on Verify via Telephone, and email us your Computer Unique Serial Number and Book Code Unique Serial Number along with your purchase confirmation.
- Upon confirming your purchase, we will reply to you with an Unlock Key. Enter this key into the green text box on your screen, and click Next. Then, follow the remaining prompts to complete your registration.
Why NetSim might not support a particular command or device:
NetSim is specifically designed to help you prepare for the Cisco CCNA/CCNP exam. As such, it does not cover every possible aspect of Cisco networking or use every device that Cisco manufactures. Instead, it focuses on providing you with the tools required to pass the exam.
Where to find updates:
You must have an active Internet connection to check for updates. To check for Boson NetSim updates/upgrades, follow these steps:
- Start the Boson NetSim.
- Click the Tools menu at the top of the screen, and choose the Check for Updates option.
- If an update is available, you will be prompted to download it.
If you can't update your software:
Please make sure that all other Boson software is closed. The only window that should be open has the caption "Boson Updates" in the title bar. Try again with only this window open. If you are behind a proxy or firewall, make sure the correct proxy information is in the Boson Updates utility and your firewall is not preventing you from accessing the Web.
Supported commands for NetSim:
NetSim is designed to help the user prepare for the CCNA/CCNP exam by allowing the user to work within a controlled network environment. Detailed step-by-step instructions in the labs focus on providing the student with a practical understanding of CCNA/CCNP material. Boson NetSim is not intended to support Cisco devices any further than as outlined in the labs. We do not publish a specific list of supported commands.
If nothing happens when you try to start the program:
If you are having problems with the software, you may need to manually install some important run-time files. To do this, you will need to download and install each of these files in order until your problem is solved.
The most common occurrence is MSJET 4.0 not installed correctly. To install, please
download the installer for your operating system. Next, you may need MDAC 2.8, which can be found on
Microsoft's website.
*Make sure that no Microsoft Office applications (including Internet Explorer)
are running prior to installing MDAC 2.8. You may also want to temporarily disable any antivirus software to prevent possible installation errors.
The last important run-time file is Microsoft's SETUPPAD.exe. The install for this file is found on your computer in:
C:\Program Files\Boson Software\Boson NetSim\International. Run SETUPPAD.exe, and complete the installation for this program.
If you are still encountering problems after running these files, please contact us.
How to repair a copy of MDAC 2.8 on Windows XP with Service Pack 2 installed:
Windows XP with Service Pack 2 contains MDAC 2.81, which is not currently available for download from Microsoft. If you try to install MDAC 2.8 the update will be interrupted. Follow the steps below to successfully repair an MDAC 2.81 installation on Windows XP SP2:
- Locate the mdac.inf file in the C:\Windows\inf directory.
Note: Your Windows directory could be named differently, e.g. WinXP.
- Right-click mdac.inf, and click install.
- When prompted for a location, point to C:\Windows\servicepackfiles\i386.
- When prompted for the file handler.reg, either point to C:\Program Files\Common Files\System\msadc or load your Windows XP CD-ROM.
- This will reinstall or repair MDAC 2.81.
What to do if you encounter error 1406 during installation:
This is an InstallShield error and can be related to several system issues. In most cases, clicking the Ignore option will allow the software to successfully complete the installation.
Keep clicking Ignore. It may take over 30 times. It is also recommended that you temporarily disable any antivirus software while performing the installation. For more information on this error please visit
http://consumer.installshield.com/kb.asp?id=Q108504.
Windows Vista/7 Compatibility:NetSim Version 7 is supported on Windows Vista and Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit)
NetSim Version 6 is not supported under Windows Vista or Windows 7. NetSim has been updated to include Windows Vista and Windows 7 support in Version 7.0 However, if you are using NetSim Version 6 and wish to use NetSim Version 6 on Windows Vista or Windows 7, you can try the following steps:
- Right-click on "C:\Program Files\Boson Software". Then click on "Properties" -> "Security", and modify your permissions so that you have full control over this folder.
- In this same folder, locate the following programs: "Boson_NetSim.exe", "updates.exe", and "lab menu.exe". Right-click on them and then click on "Run as Administrator"
- Click on your start menu. Look for the "Boson NetSim" icon. For example, "Boson NetSim for CCNA". Right-click on this icon and click on "Run as Administrator".
*Please note that these steps may not work on some Vista and Windows 7 systems.
Why do I get the error message "Could not find Telnet program" on a Windows Vista or Windows 7 machine.
You are getting the message because Microsoft no longer enables Telnet by default on Windows Vista or Windows 7 operating systems.
To enable Telnet on Windows Vista or Windows 7 operating systems
- Open Control Panel.
- Go to Programs or Programs and Features.
- Click Turn Windows features on or off.
- In the “Windows Features” dialog box, select (tick) the Telnet Client check box.
- Click OK.
What is a Preview product?
A Preview product is a product that is developed
prior to the release of a certification exam. It is based on
the most current information available
from the certification vendor for the covered exam
and is sold during an introductory time period. Preview products are updated as new exam information becomes available from the vendor. Purchasing a Preview product entitles the user to the final version once it is released.
How do I see my special offers?Your special offers are available from your
account page by clicking the
special offers link.
How do I fix error 1609?
If you receive the following message during installation you should perform the steps listed:
"Error 1609. An error occurred while applying security settings. User is not a valid user or group. This could be a problem with the package, or a problem connecting to a domain controller on the network. Check your network connection an click Retry, or Cancel to end the install." You may also receive error 1332. "Unable to locate the user's SID, system error 1332"
Typically the 1609 error only occurs on non-US standard English operating systems.
If you receive error 1609 you should perform the following steps.
Note: If you have Vista, make sure that you have UAC (User Account Control) turned off, then:
- Create a new user called CREATOR OWNER (See below)
- Create a new group called Users (See below)
These first two steps can be accomplished by the following steps:
- Click “Start”, then click “Run”
- Type cmd in the white “Open” box area, then press enter to start the command interpreter interface and type:
- net localgroup Users /add
- net user "CREATOR OWNER" /add
- Click "retry" on the dialog box to allow the installation to continue, or restart the installation if it has been canceled ...............................................................
*Note that the created user and group do not need any permissions applied to them. The installer applies permissions correctly using the SID for the CREATOR OWNER user and Users group; it is only the check for the existence of the groups, which uses the name. Once the installer is completed, the user and group can be removed if desired.
Please note that the localgroup and user should be entered exactly like it shows in the steps (we recommend copying and pasting). If the steps do not work, we recommend making a screenshot or copy the text that shows your entries to make the correct localgroup and user in your reply.