NetSim 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: "Could not authenticate you":This error message means that you have entered incorrect login information. To correct this, make sure that your email address and password match up and are correct.
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. First, make sure that you have the Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 or higher installed. If you choose to manually register this file, you may do so using
Microsoft's Assembly Registration Tool (Regasm.exe). Otherwise, please contact
technical support for further assistance.
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 system requirements for NetSim:The Boson NetSim will run successfully if the following requirements are met:
- Supported platforms: Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP
- Most current version of the .NET framework is required if using NetSim for CCNA and CCNP
- Installation requirements: 40 MB free space, 500 MHz CPU, 64 MB 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.
The difference between single-user and multi-user licensing:
You can think of single-user licensing like a driver's license. The only person who can use that license is the individual to whom that license has been registered. Each individual license is only to be used by the specific person for whom that license has been registered. Multi-user licensing on the other hand is not associated with any one specific user. You can think of it as a "general" license for a group of people. Of course, only one person can use the license at a time.
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 Compatibility:NetSim Version 7 does support Windows Vista.
NetSim Version 6 is not supported under Windows Vista. NetSim has been updated to include Vista support in Version 7.0 However, if you are using NetSim Version 6 and wish to use NetSim Version 6 on Windows Vista, you can try the following steps:
1. 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.
2. 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"
3. 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 systems.
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?- 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 on “Start”, then click “Run”
- Type cmd in the white “Open” box area, then hit enter to start the command interpreter interface and type:
- net localgroup Users /add
- net user "CREATOR OWNER" /add
3. Click "retry" on the dialog box to allow the installation to continue, or restart the installation if it has been canceled
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*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.