Replacement for Network Magic software

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Does anyone know of software that does what Network Magic did?

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B.G.,

If you still have your license number/code you can download the software from Cisco/Linksys. It still works on Win 8.1 Pro as well as 8.0 Pro & 7 HP. HTH :cheers:

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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I do have my license key. However, I had to reinstall Network Magic. Because Cisco/Linksys took down the Network Magic web site, the license key cannot be validated, and therefore will not complete the install. So now I am looking for software that will do what Network Magic did for me before.

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Yes but even with a licence you cannot access the licencing server for it to verify

 

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B.G.,

That’s interesting since I just installed NM on my Win 8.1 Pro box about a month ago and had no problem. :confused:
35687-NetworkMagic
:cheers:

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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Are you using Network Magic Pro v5.5?

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B.G.,

35689-NetworkMagic
Well It appears NOT! I thought I had activated it but alas not!
35690-MRAdvanced
:cheers:

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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Sorry to hear that. I was hoping you had a workaround version of the software. The search goes on.

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Does anyone know of software that does what Network Magic did?

When software is no longer supported by the publisher it’s called abandonware.

I suggest anyone who has network magic and needs to validate it do what I am going to do. Call Cisco and ask how you get it going. When they tell you they no longer support it, tell them you don’t want support, just let you use it. Point out that, when you bought it the only restriction was, 8 computers with NM on your router at one time. No time limit, no limits on how long you could use it, and no restriction on reinstalling. There wasn’t even a restriction on how many computers you could install it on, only a limit of 8 on your router. Get rid of one and replace it, on the same router, and you were within the limits the software set.

If enough of us complain we may just get them to come up with an open registration, just put in a serial number and off you go. Or make it public domain, I don’t care, I just want my network magic to run.

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When software is no longer supported by the publisher it’s called abandonware.

I suggest anyone who has network magic and needs to validate it do what I am going to do. Call Cisco and ask how you get it going. When they tell you they no longer support it, tell them you don’t want support, just let you use it. Point out that, when you bought it the only restriction was, 8 computers with NM on your router at one time. No time limit, no limits on how long you could use it, and no restriction on reinstalling. There wasn’t even a restriction on how many computers you could install it on, only a limit of 8 on your router. Get rid of one and replace it, on the same router, and you were within the limits the software set.

If enough of us complain we may just get them to come up with an open registration, just put in a serial number and off you go. Or make it public domain, I don’t care, I just want my network magic to run.

I was also searching for the download and frustrated to find they’ve discontinued it. Seems wrong that I’m not able to continue using what I paid for. I will definitely file a complaint with Cisco and hope it helps us resolve this. I really don’t want to start over with something else, very inconvenient.

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I was also searching for the download and frustrated to find they’ve discontinued it. Seems wrong that I’m not able to continue using what I paid for. I will definitely file a complaint with Cisco and hope it helps us resolve this. I really don’t want to start over with something else, very inconvenient.

I spent part of this evening with Support of Linksys. i had a fairly rude and thoroughly uncaring agent name Pablo. Long and short is Linksys only wants every one to buy their newest routers. However my current ISP requires that I use their modem/router. So buying Linksys newest router would not help at all. I was told that Network Magic is dead, servers shut down for good. However they would gladly sell me their newest router that would have all the features of Network Magic in it. Like I would now buy another product they offer.
So once again is there a program that will do what Network Magic did, work with any router, and not a brand specific modem or router?

Thanks,
Dean

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I spent part of this evening with Support of Linksys. i had a fairly rude and thoroughly uncaring agent name Pablo. Long and short is Linksys only wants every one to buy their newest routers. However my current ISP requires that I use their modem/router. So buying Linksys newest router would not help at all. I was told that Network Magic is dead, servers shut down for good. However they would gladly sell me their newest router that would have all the features of Network Magic in it. Like I would now buy another product they offer.
So once again is there a program that will do what Network Magic did, work with any router, and not a brand specific modem or router?

Thanks,
Dean

Here it is a year after the start and I just realize that my NetworkMagic is defunct. It still works however with the things which have always been connected to it. I knew that the pure network stuff was in the tank. I took off my linksys 3000E and put on a Buffalo only because one of the Lan ports on the rear of the router was shaky. 3 were great but rather than blow dust out or whatever, i just put in a new router I had in the box for a year. I like the linksys, great wireless, only i prefer wires where ever possible or practical
I took a look at spiceworks but it is a community and has much more to it and wanted to investigate it more , first look was that the download was much more than i am looking for. I have a couple of freeware Advanced network scanner which can scan to see what is happening and connect /wake with other computers, but I liked what the NM did with shares and nice gui.
very easy to see and manage. I just got used to it. One computer is still registered on it and fine one lists as not connected.
so, this is why. I happened across this site by accident
I dont know why NM keeps on working with some devices and not with others. It will block new additions(intruders) and instantly accept previously connected and set up machines.
I quit bothering with any help or customer service 4 or 5yrs ago. nothing was happening with them way back then but the app worked, till recently.
Abandonware, never heard of it before but great term. put it into my spell check i like it so much
thanks
john

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HomeNet Manager 3.0 or 3.05 is available for $39.00 or so. It has been reviewed well and compared to /with NM . http://www.softpedia.com/get/Network-Tools/Network-Tools-Suites/HomeNet-Manager.shtml is a location I just saw it on softpedia and it has some reviews, too. other sites, download.com from c/net if you like them.
It isnt free, but neither was NM. i just saw my confirmation bill i paid $39 for it though it was selling for $49 at the time 09-it went out not long after. cut support from or through linksys or cisco real fast. here is another one from the windows7 download site with one or 2 more network managers. this one is free to try , too, and sells for $29. I saw no reviews for it there. http://www.windows7download.com/win7-network-monitoring-software/hyzngubw.html
John

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I’ve heard this is a good alternative to Network Magic [haven’t tried it yet]:
http://alternativeto.net/software/spiceworks/

Before you wonder "Am I doing things right," ask "Am I doing the right things?"

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Hi John,

Thanks for the reply. In the last 2 years I had misfortune of having my PC’s either die, or had to replace the hard drives. I just had a new PC built with Win7 after the used IMac I got died. I wanted to network the new PC was my laptop I recently installed a new HDD running Vista. For a good while since I was using an Imac and NM would not network it to the PC so I had not install NM.
I too had used Linksys routers for years, however Bell Canada requires you to use their modem/router combo unit, so I packed my Linksys router away. However from the treatment i got from Paulo I will not buy anything from Linksys again.
I have not figured out what is happening with Windows Network the two computers see each other but will not share a blasted thing. I had that is when I went from a laptop running XP to this one with Vista back in 2007. Vista laptop and my XP desktop would see each other and not share. I did the trial of NM and it worked so well I brought it a week later. I used up until 2012 when I replaced the XP desktop that died with the used IMac.
From reading the messages it sounded like NM was working with computers it was already on, but you could download it if had to replace the HDD, reformat the HDD or wanted to add a computer to your net work.
I am willing buy a program that worked like NM but I will not going to buy router to get that ability since I have to use what Bell requires me to use.
Just have not found a replacement program that works like NM did for sale or free download. You would think some company would have something close to NM still in production.

Dean

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Hi John,

Thanks for the reply. In the last 2 years I had misfortune of having my PC’s either die, or had to replace the hard drives. I just had a new PC built with Win7 after the used IMac I got died. I wanted to network the new PC was my laptop I recently installed a new HDD running Vista. For a good while since I was using an Imac and NM would not network it to the PC so I had not install NM.
I too had used Linksys routers for years, however Bell Canada requires you to use their modem/router combo unit, so I packed my Linksys router away. However from the treatment i got from Paulo I will not buy anything from Linksys again.
I have not figured out what is happening with Windows Network the two computers see each other but will not share a blasted thing. I had that is when I went from a laptop running XP to this one with Vista back in 2007. Vista laptop and my XP desktop would see each other and not share. I did the trial of NM and it worked so well I brought it a week later. I used up until 2012 when I replaced the XP desktop that died with the used IMac.
From reading the messages it sounded like NM was working with computers it was already on, but you could download it if had to replace the HDD, reformat the HDD or wanted to add a computer to your net work.
I am willing buy a program that worked like NM but I will not going to buy router to get that ability since I have to use what Bell requires me to use.
Just have not found a replacement program that works like NM did for sale or free download. You would think some company would have something close to NM still in production.

Dean

I have not yet found anything to replace this app. I got is as you did, but in 2009 i think, for my vista laptop could have been a couple of yrs later, but not many. I just noticed that that it failed when it didnt see the computer I was using as part of the network. It does see my other network things, tv , bd player, and the original laptop, toshiba, is still identified even though i just put linux mint into it because it was so slow 2yrs ago , i retired it. tried linux as a last gasp for it. yet, it is still ok on NM as is another computer that had it originally .
I knew long ago that linksys stopped supporting it but the app still worked. or someone stopped supporting it long ago but maybe there was a linksys forum. i forget the sequence.
I can share among my computers, only one way with linux since windows doesnt recognize it but it is fine with windows apps and programs.
It is crazy how it works.. I began with a linksys 1000 and gave it to my mother years ago because i jumped to a 2000, and then the E3000. all are still in the family but i got a computer from my mother after it got too slow and she got a new imac. i took the old dell, 12 or more yrs old, and plugged it in here with linux i put in it ,again , to rejuvenate it, and as soon as i plugged it in, network magic recognized it, this is less than 2months ago, even had the right name of the computer as it was on the past router, the 1000 ended up at my mothers, all configured with that ‘key’ that NM had me make all that time ago and was only good for the 1000 or 1500, forget, i had so many linksys routers, half refurbished, and all working after many yrs .
I will be looking, still for a NM replacement. I thought it was just my switching to the Buffalo router I got for free 2yrs ago and left in the box because I really liked how well the E3000 worked. wireless dual band simultaneous was great got really good connection and throughput with Rosewill and Netgear ‘n’ 2.4 and 5gz bands. the Buffalo is not nearly as good and has no 5gz band at all.
I looked into the spicework or whatever but , as i mentioned, it was a bit more complex than i was looking for, not to say it is bad. there is a community for support . just didnt want to try it. i can use what i have with network magic and transfer among things and use windows where the NM fails. it is less convenient and i am real sorry it is no more.

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Hi John,

I installed Spiceworks today, however it far more complicated to set up then the Network Magic. I will work more on this week and see if I can get it work, but is not as intuitive like the NM was, least for me!

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Hi John,

I installed Spiceworks today, however it far more complicated to set up then the Network Magic. I will work more on this week and see if I can get it work, but is not as intuitive like the NM was, least for me!

Good of you to take the plunge with Spiceworks. I do not think my small set up justifies all that spiceworks seems to offer, or did/do I want to invest all the time. I got the tech preview for win10 and am trying to work out a VM and run it on my main computer. I have run virtual machines on this and have it all set up, only, i am thinking i might rather use one of my older boxes and put the tech preview in them.
This is how i came to find out about the real end of NM. I knew when i got it, years ago, that part of it was no longer up, help or cust serv or something right from 2008 or 2009, latest, things were not working, lots of complaints from google searches.
But , it carried on so well for so much longer, i didnt pay any attention to the pure network site being down. didnt think it was defunct till last week
look forward to your experiences though
odd part is, nm works on parts of my network, not on others. i guess if i had it installed and made no big changes, it just kept running. it did its own last net speed test 8/12/14. after than the error messages.
john

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Good of you to take the plunge with Spiceworks. I do not think my small set up justifies all that spiceworks seems to offer, or did/do I want to invest all the time. I got the tech preview for win10 and am trying to work out a VM and run it on my main computer. I have run virtual machines on this and have it all set up, only, i am thinking i might rather use one of my older boxes and put the tech preview in them.
This is how i came to find out about the real end of NM. I knew when i got it, years ago, that part of it was no longer up, help or cust serv or something right from 2008 or 2009, latest, things were not working, lots of complaints from google searches.
But , it carried on so well for so much longer, i didnt pay any attention to the pure network site being down. didnt think it was defunct till last week
look forward to your experiences though
odd part is, nm works on parts of my network, not on others. i guess if i had it installed and made no big changes, it just kept running. it did its own last net speed test 8/12/14. after than the error messages.
john

I believe someone above suggested “Advanced IP Scanner” freeware from advanced ip-scanner website. It is bare bones compared to the graphic in Network Magic content. but you can get shared folders and scan/check/create a network and has a few more advanced networking features. just not very high on the gui scale.
someone sarcastically mentioned windows, there is that limited capacity windows 7 has and homegroup/network isnt bad, just not compared to NetworkMagic in the looks dept either. Functional , it is though; i use it. Just lacking in Win7Ultimate and Pro x64 i have/use. Advanced IP Scanner isnt much better , just more advanced, as the title might indicate. plus free.Maybe windows10 will offer a better network suite, as NM was, and win10 is supposed to be free -but will probably charge for ‘apps’ or whatever addons will be called. So far, Win10 tech preview has brought back search ,start menu and search is linux inspired. free windows sounds good, not ‘8’ removed though.

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…someone sarcastically mentioned windows, there is that limited capacity windows 7 has and homegroup/network isnt bad, just not compared to NetworkMagic in the looks dept either. Functional , it is though…

Contrary to what you describe as “that limited capacity windows 7 has” regarding networking, I really wonder if you have really given the inbuilt Windows networking capabilities a chance? No, of course not, and you are so quick to describe anyone who tries to help you understand that software like “network magic” or “spiceworks” is unnecessary as being “sarcastic”?

The reality is that Windows is a network operating system – you do not need any 3rd-party software to use Windows’ networking capabilities (that is most likely the reason Cisco discontinued the pointless “Network Magic” program). I am very familiar with “Network Magic”; it was bundled with several Linksys modem/routers I have installed in the past few years and it generally caused networking problems rather than solving them. No wonder Cisco killed it.

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Does anyone know of software that does what Network Magic did?

Yes. It’s called “Windows”.

See XP Computer on a Windows 7 Network, esp. my #8 post.

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one shouldnt need to question that. you seem to answer your own questions anyway. I was just trying to help a guy out, not everyone is a nutjob, some are just normal people who like bells whistles and graphics
I build networks , computers and have done so for many yrs. I know what I like, i do use windows for my network or one of my networks in my house. I liked NM for other reasons. It had capabilities that could be accomplished in a click. windows cant do at all.

I did research that took me about 4mins and found at least 3 other comparably priced, current net work managers.
there are 6plus billions of people in the world, there are lots of ideas on what is ‘good’ for them; and never been any accounting for taste. if everyone were like you, you’d get pretty bored after a while.consultants are generally unemployed people looking to make a buck from anyone with less experience in any field; sometimes they find suckers.

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…consultants are generally unemployed people looking to make a buck from anyone with less experience in any field; sometimes they find suckers…

Wholly offensive.

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Keep it civil guys. I removed derogatory comments from the last two posts.

Note Rule 9 of the Forum Rules:
“Avoid personal insults or flames
This is very rare here, but there have been some misunderstandings. To avoid problems, be sure to read over your post before sending it. If you’re joking, make it clear so that other members do not take it the wrong way. In other words, just try to be courteous.”

Jerry

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Keep it civil guys. I removed derogatory comments from the last two posts.

Note Rule 9 of the Forum Rules:
“Avoid personal insults or flames
This is very rare here, but there have been some misunderstandings. To avoid problems, be sure to read over your post before sending it. If you’re joking, make it clear so that other members do not take it the wrong way. In other words, just try to be courteous.”

Jerry

Well said. But I’ve already “got the message” so will not bother with this thread any further.

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this software is freeware and does most of what network magic did. it is graphical but laid out different than NM. it also does some things that NM does not do…

http://www.adremsoft.com/mynettoolset/

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If you aren’t fussy that it’s not the official Cisco version. (it’s version 4.1) and installs as the free version with the Option of buying premium which won’t work because the url go.purenetworks.com doesn’t exist anymore. Since it’s officially”abandon-ware” and the free version, I don’t see how Cisco can complain. https://web.archive.org/web/20080216234151/http://networkmagic.com/download/thankyou2.php? I just installed it on my windows 8.1 Laptop. I ignored the “Compatiblity Issues” warning message, and it detected all of the devices on my network.

Enjoy.

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If you aren’t fussy that it’s not the official Cisco version. (it’s version 4.1) and installs as the free version with the Option of buying premium which won’t work because the url go.purenetworks.com doesn’t exist anymore. Since it’s officially”abandon-ware” and the free version, I don’t see how Cisco can complain. https://web.archive.org/web/20080216234151/http://networkmagic.com/download/thankyou2.php? I just installed it on my windows 8.1 Laptop. I ignored the “Compatiblity Issues” warning message, and it detected all of the devices on my network.

Enjoy.

Worked great . . . . I was a paid user of NMPro …..Was able to install 4.1 on my windows10 replacement desktop and network with a new Asus router and my old xp laptop wirelessly….couldn’t do it using windows.

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FWIW the new highend Linksys router (WRT1900AC ) has some of that stuff built in.

Just because you don't know where you are going doesn't mean any road will get you there.

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