NetCrunch 5 FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions related to the demo
I have installed the demo and it has expired. How can I evaluate the product longer?
If you need more time to evaluate the product, please e-mail the sales department at sales@adremsoft.com or call (212)319-4114 and ask to speak to sales.
About NetCrunch Features
We need the ability to import MIBs (whether compiled or not doesn't matter, we can compile them if necessary). Does NetCrunch support third party MIBs in the MIB manager?
Yes, it does. NetCrunch includes the MIB Compiler to easily import third party MIBs.
Does NetCrunch work on a workstation that has Windows ME?
No. Windows ME is not supported by AdRem Software. However, NetCrunch can monitor a workstation that has Windows ME.
On how many workstations can I install NetCrunch?
AdRem NetCrunch is licensed per management workstation (e.g. if you want to install NetCrunch on 5 workstations, you need 5 licenses).
I have different systems on my network - Linux, Solaris, HP Unix and some Windows servers. Can I monitor them all with NC?
Yes, NetCrunch is a multi-platform monitoring application and is able to monitor all of these.
What generally can I monitor with your product?
With NetCrunch, the following resources can be monitored:
- Real-time status of hosts and network services and application services (over 60 network and application services are defined; custom services can be freely added)
- Performance of hosts using SNMP and system-specific performance counters (Windows, Linux, and NetWare)
- Syslogs and SNMP traps
- Windows NT Services and Windows NT Event Logs
- Applications (Windows applications like MS SQL, MS Exchange, MS IIS, Active Directory, Novell NLMs, Linux daemons, ect.)
Operation related to the firewall
I don't want to turn off my firewall for security purposes, so how do I use NetCrunch?
Use Web Access because it requires only one dedicated TCP port for secure access and monitoring.
What ports should I open on my firewall or router?
Depending on what network service you want to monitor open that services specific port. For example, FTP is usually on port 21. So to monitor FTP open this port and so on.
Our system is still Firewall protected and our DMZ only allows certain IP addresses. Could this be the reason that NetCrunch is not working and monitoring my Network services?
NetCrunch requires you to add the IP address of the workstation where NC is running to let it go through the router. (Go through the filtering rules)
Scanning and Monitoring Services
I know for a fact that several services are running on my network like http, https, smtp, imap, NCP port, ftp, etc. However, when scanning these services NetCrunch only responds with a ping. What is going on and what do I need to do?
Check if these services use typical ports and try to increase the time out parameters for scanning. If they don't, go to [View > Options > Definitions] to duplicate the existing service and change its port to the proper one.
ITools reports failures for both SMTP and FTP, but it is reported that the ports are open?
Be sure that SMTP and FTP work on typical ports. If they don't, using View/Options/Definitions duplicate the existing service and change its port to the proper one. You can also increase the time out parameters for scanning.
How do I write an LDAP query so that it gets an answer from Active Directory? I would also like to be able to check if LDAP is running?
You don't have to write a query to Active Directory. With NC you can monitor LDAP service as a network service. LDAP should be running on its default port but not always. If its not, determine what port LDAP is running on and notify NetCrunch what port this is, in the Services Definition Window.
I tried to find a counter to monitor CISCO 2501 bandwidth usage but didn't have any success. How can I do that?
Please check in the Cisco documentation to see if any additional MIB files are available to monitor this specific counter. Once you found them, you can use the MIB Compiler to add them to the program.
What kind of data can I enter into the services definition window?
The services definition window requires you to sniff the packets during common communication with the service you want add. Then add the information from the send packet to the edit box entitled "Data to send". Then, the response packet information should be copied to the edit box entitled "Response:" This will allow you to monitor this additional service.
Updating/Installing the product
What certain actions do I need to make sure are completed when uninstalling an old version and installing a new one? Do certain keys, reg. archives or preferences need to be removed?
The current version can be easily upgraded to the latest one. However, if you want to be sure that all the previous data is deleted, uninstall the product with Add/Remove Programs, delete program's directory and remove all program's data from "c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\AdRem\NetCrunch\5.0\data\".
Where can I download the update?
If you would like to update your purchased version of NetCrunch, go to the customer portal at http://www.myadrem.com/.
If you are using a demo and would like to upgrade it please go to downloads.
What changes have been implemented in the latest release? Do I have to update to the latest one?
We recommend you to update because the latest version most likely has all or most issues eradicated or because you may find new features useful. Also, we provide technical support only for users with the latest release installed.
The most current version of NetCrunch and its new features can be seen on whats's new.
Can I install the full version on the expired trial version without losing the configuration data?
The trial version can be easily updated with the full one and all data will be retained.
I moved NetCrunch to another machine, but my maps are gone. Where are they?
The NetCrunch data is located at "c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\AdRem\NetCrunch\5.0\data\"
The best way to move data from one computer to another is to Export an atlas to a file and import the atlas on another machine.
How can I save the Atlas that I've made in the program if I want to reinstall or upgrade the program?
All data will be retained during reinstalling. However, we recommend that you export all atlases to a file for safety.
Where is my data (maps, statistics) stored?
The NetCrunch data is stored in "c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\AdRem\NetCrunch\5.0\data\".
Other
Around noon my network slows down significantly, how can I find out the reasons of this condition?
You can determine the reason for the network slow down by checking the bandwidth counters on your routers and servers. From these counters you will be able to determine which server or router is overloaded.