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Network Magic Pro 5.0
Having trouble connecting your devices together and to the Internet or printing from any computer?
With Network Magic Pro 5.0, you can skip the tech support phone calls, online forums and expensive on-site consultants. Network Magic Pro provides do-it-yourself tools to help you set up, manage and secure your network like an IT professional.
With point-and-click ease, you can:- Connect your devices together in minutes
- Share Internet connections, printers and files
- Protect your network with enhanced WPA security capabilities and status alerts
- Repair your network and Internet connections to stay online and productive
- Control access to the Internet and track online activity with remote desktop screenshots
Take a Tour
Centralized network management interface
New interface and start-up wizards help guide you through getting connected and managing your network
Network Map
See all of your computers and devices in a visual map, plus view device details and status alerts
Status Center
Get alerts and status notifications to help you keep your network safe and healthy
Share files and printers
Select "share" and be able to access music, photos, and other documents from any computer on your network
Protect your network
Protect your important documents and information from intruders
Networking tools
Tools to help you easily fix networking basics
Control Internet access
Control what times each computer on your network is able to access the Internet
Monitor computer and online activity
See what your kids or others on your network are doing online
Key Features
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Frequently Asked Questions
About Cisco Network Magic
- What is Network Magic?
- Does Network Magic work with both PCs and Macs?
- I heard that Cisco acquired Pure Networks, the maker of Network Magic. How will this affect Network Magic?
Downloading and Installing Network Magic
- Where can I download Network Magic?
- How can I upgrade to Network Magic 5.0?
- What happens if I install Network Magic 5.0 over my existing version of Network Magic without paying for the upgrade?
- What if I try Network Magic 5.0 for the seven day trial, and then decide to go back to my previous version and not purchase the upgrade?
- What operating systems does Network Magic work with?
- Where can I purchase Network Magic?
- If I buy Essentials, can I upgrade to Pro?
- How many computers can I run Network Magic on?
- I have already purchased Network Magic, how do I install a current version?
- I have a mixed network where some computers are running Network Magic 4.9, and some are running 5.0. Will the software still work properly?
Printer Sharing
- How does printer sharing work?
- How do I change or set my default printer?
- How do I add a new printer to my network?
File Sharing
- How does file sharing work?
- I get an error when trying to access a shared folder. What's happening?
- I have shared a folder, but it is not appearing in the Network Magic Shared Folders page on other computers in my network.
Wireless Network Protection
Parental Controls and Monitoring
- What is the Network Magic Password?
- What are Desktop Screenshots and how do they work?
- How can I control Internet access on computers in my network?
Firewall Settings and Issues
Connection Issues
Using Network Magic with Macs
- Do I have to activate Network Magic on my Mac?
- Is there a limit to the number of Macs I can use with Network Magic?
- Does the latest Mac version support the Parental Controls and Monitoring features?
Discontinuing Net2Go/Remote File Access
- What is the Net2Go/Remote File Access feature End of Life Notification?
- How long will Net2Go support be available?
Technical Support
- What kind of technical support is available?
- What is the Network Magic Support Services feature?
- What routers does Network Magic support?
- I need help setting up my router. What should I do?
About Network Magic
What is Network Magic?
Network Magic is the award-winning software that makes home and small office networking easy. While the benefits of networking are great, it can be very frustrating and time consuming for the average computer user. Making several PCs, routers, printers and devices such as digital cameras and gaming systems all talk to each other and work smoothly using only Microsoft Windows XP or Vista can take hours of configuration (and reconfiguration). Network Magic eliminates common frustrations and saves time by simplifying and automating set up, management, and repair of home and small office networks, and makes printer and file sharing effortless.
There are three versions of Network Magic:- Network Magic Pro
- Network Magic Essentials
- Network Magic Free
Click here to see a list of features included in the Pro, Essentials, and Free versions of Network Magic.
You can download a Free Pro version of Network Magic and try it for 7 days. Install Network Magic on each computer in your home or office that shares an Internet connection. At any time during the trial you can choose to purchase either Network Magic Essentials or Pro.
If your Free trial expires and you decide you don't want to purchase Essentials or the Pro, you can continue to use the Free features at no charge.
Does Network Magic work with both PCs and Macs?
Yes, Network Magic works with both PCs and Macs on the same network. That means you can easily share files and printers between all of your PCs and Macs, without having to do any special configuration. It detects all computers sharing your router and Internet connection and all printers connected to any of those computers.
I heard that Cisco acquired Pure Networks, the maker of Network Magic. How will this affect Network Magic?
When Cisco Systems acquired Pure Networks in August 08, they chose to keep the software development team and processes intact. As part of Cisco, we now have bigger and better resources at our disposal so that we can continue to make each version of Network Magic better and offer more features that our users want
Downloading and Installing Network Magic
Where can I download Network Magic?
You can download Network Magic here.
There are three versions:
- Network Magic Pro
- Network Magic Essentials
- Network Magic Free
Click here to see a list of features included in the Free, Essentials, and Pro versions of Network Magic.
You can download a Free Pro version of Network Magic and try it for 7 days. Install Network Magic on each computer in your home or office that shares an Internet connection.
How can I upgrade to Network Magic 5.0?
We recommend you upgrade by clicking on the update notification when it displays on your computer. This will take you through the purchase process and then link you to the correct download location. Your Network Magic settings are retained when you upgrade to 5.0.
Alternatively, you can also go to the Tools menu and click Get Updates. Or, purchase the upgrade in our store at www.purenetworks.com.
What happens if I install Network Magic 5.0 over my existing version of Network Magic without paying for the upgrade?
Installing the Network Magic 5.0 Trial over an existing paid version of Network Magic is not recommended. You should purchase the Network Magic 5.0 upgrade before installing it.
What if I try Network Magic 5.0 for the seven day trial, and then decide to go back to my previous version and not purchase the upgrade?
If you install a Trial version of Network Magic 5.0 and decide you'd like to keep your previous version, you can un-install Network Magic 5.0 and re-install Network Magic 4.9.
To un-install Network Magic 5.0- From the Windows Control Panel, select Add or Remove Programs
- In the list of currently installed programs, find and click Network Magic, and then click Remove
- Click Here to download Network Magic 4.9
What operating systems does Network Magic work with?
Network Magic supports all major operating systems including Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Mac OS X v10.4.7 or later.
Full list of System Requirements
Where can I purchase Network Magic?
You can purchase Network Magic at the www.networkmagic.com Web site. If you currently have the Free version installed, you can purchase Network Magic Essentials or Network Magic Pro from within the product itself by clicking Buy Network Magic.
If I buy Essentials, can I upgrade to Pro?
Yes. If you buy Network Magic Essentials and then decide you want to also take advantage of the Pro features, you can easily upgrade. Special upgrade pricing is available to Network Magic Essentials users who want to upgrade to Pro. To upgrade, go to www.networkmagic.com/purchase.php
How many computers can I run Network Magic on?
Depending on which Network Magic license you've purchased, you can run Network Magic on between 3 and 8 PCs in a single household. If you purchase a 3 computer license, you can easily add more computers as you need to. Contact Technical Support if you have more than 8 PCs. If you purchase the Network Magic for Mac add-on, you can install Network Magic on up to eight Macs.
I have already purchased Network Magic, how do I install a current version?
If you've purchased Network Magic Essentials or Pro and currently have a license key, go to www.purenetworks.com/download. Click the Download again link to download the latest version. Do this on each of your computers so that all computers are using the same version.
After you have downloaded and installed the latest version of Network Magic, enter your license key to activate the new version. If you're not sure what your license key is, look at the following places- Your email purchase confirmation
- On the back of the CD sleeve if you purchased Network Magic in a retail store
- If you purchased from NetworkMagic.com, go to https://store.purenetworks.com/storefront/manage-account.ep and look at the order history
I have a mixed network where some computers are running Network Magic 4.9, and some are running 5.0. Will the software still work properly?
Yes. Both versions will work side-by-side. However, the computers running Network Magic 4.9 will not be able to take advantage of the new 5.0 features.
Printer Sharing
How does printer sharing work?
Network Magic automatically detects all printers connected to your network. It then lets you choose which printers to share with the other users in your network, even between Macs and PCs. You don't have to do anything but choose which printer to share. This enables you to print from any of the connected computers. Keep in mind though that if a shared printer is connected to a computer, that computer must be turned on for the printer to be available to others in your network.
How do I change or set my default printer?
From the Network Map, right click on any printer and choose Set As Default Printer.
How do I add a new printer to my network?
Adding a new printer to your network is easy. Connect the printer to the computer (or network device) you want and get it working so you can print a test page. If the printer is connected to a computer running Network Magic, it will be detected and automatically added to the Network Map. From the Network Map, you can select it and click Share Printer if you want other users in your network to be able to access it.
File Sharing
How does file sharing work?
Sharing files with Network Magic is easy. You simply select a folder to share, and all of the files in that folder can be accessed by others in your network. For example, if you share a folder containing family vacation photos on your computer, your children or spouse can see that folder and pictures from their computer, without having to email them back and forth.
I get an error when trying to access a shared folder. What's happening?
Most often, sharing access problems are related to firewall settings. Refer to the Knowledgebase article about firewall settings.
I have shared a folder, but it is not appearing in the Network Magic Shared Folders page on other computers in my network.
There are a few of different reasons why this might happen:- The most common cause of the problem is Network Magic cannot communicate with the Network Magic software installed on the other computer. This can be caused by security software such as a firewall blocking the communication. Click here for our firewall configuration guide.
- The computer the shared folder is located on might be powered off or not connected to the network. Make sure the computer is turned on and connected to the network.
- The shared folder is shared using Microsoft Windows, not Network Magic. Existing Windows shared folders need to be converted to Network Magic shared folders. To do this, on the computer where the folder is shared from, open Network Magic and go to the Shared Folders page. If the folder is shown under the Other Shared Folders heading, it's shared using Windows. Right-click the folder and select Convert. This converts the shared folder to a Network Magic shared folder and will then be accessible to other computers using Network Magic.
- There's a Network Magic version conflict. On each computer, open Network Magic and from the Help menu, click About Network Magic. Make sure all computers are using the same Network Magic software version.
Wireless Network Protection
How does Network Magic protect my wireless network from intruders?
More and more intruders are tapping into unprotected wireless Internet connections. And anti-virus software protects a single computer, but not your entire network. Network Magic helps keep your wireless network and data safe by detecting when an intruder attempts to log on to your network and alerting you. Once detected, you can allow the computer on your network (for example, a visiting friend), or kick it off.
You can use Network Magic to set your wireless router's encryption key. This will make your network more secure, as only people with your key can easily get access. Network Magic supports common network security standards such as WEP and WPA.
Network Magic also protects your shared files when you are using a different wireless network or public Wi-Fi hot spot, for example, at a local coffee shop or an airport. Network Magic automatically locks down your shared files to keep intruders from accessing your shared data.
Parental Controls and Monitoring
What is the Network Magic Password?
If you create a Network Magic password, several Network Magic features will require that you enter the password to use them, such as Wireless Protection settings, Internet Access Control, Network Reports, Network Map tasks, Add a Device, among others. For example, if you set wireless protection settings on your network or restrict Internet access on your child's computer, other users on your network can't access these settings and change them without first entering the password. The password is easy to set up and use and gives you more control over what users can and can't do on your network. Although it is recommended that you create and use a Network Magic password, it is optional.
What are Desktop Screenshots and how do they work?
Desktop Screenshots allow you to take a picture of another computer's desktop in your network and see what the user on that computer is doing "right now." To use this feature, each computer that you want to take a screenshot of must have Network Magic installed and a Network Magic password must be set. Then, you simply select which computer you want to take a screenshot of and you can instantly see what the user on that computer is currently doing and looking at. For example, if your child is using a computer in his room and you're using a computer in the den, you can take a screenshot of your child's desktop and see what he is currently looking at on his computer – Internet sites, documents, games, messaging programs, etc. You can also schedule Desktop Screenshots to be taken at regular intervals and look at the screenshots at a later time as well.
How can I control Internet access on computers in my network?
The Control Internet Access enables you to restrict Internet usage on any computer running Network Magic. You can restrict all access to the Internet, or you can restrict Internet access for specific blocks of time. For example, you can allow Internet access during the day, but restrict it from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. to ensure your child is not up in the middle of the night surfing the Internet. Each computer in your network can have different Internet access settings. To use this feature, a Network Magic password must be set on the computer whose Internet access you want to restrict.
Firewall Settings and Issues
What firewall configuration problems does Network Magic solve?
One of the most frustrating tasks in setting up a network is getting computers with different firewall settings to communicate with each other. Network Magic makes it easy by automatically detecting the different firewalls, like Symantec/Norton, McAfee and Zone Alarm, and walking you through the key settings you need to adjust to allow your computers to communicate with each other.
Connection Issues
What if I have more than one wireless connection manager on my computer?
When you use the Wireless Connection Manager to connect to a wireless network, one of the following messages displays: Other Wireless Networking Software Is Enabled or This software is not compatible with Network Magic's Wireless Connection Manager.
Using Network Magic with Macs
Do I have to activate Network Magic on my Mac?
Yes, if you purchased Network Magic for the Mac version 4.0.8266 or later.
Is there a limit to the number of Macs I can use with Network Magic?
You can use Network Magic on up to eight Macs. Please note that the Network Magic for Mac add-on is designed to solve several issues users have in a mixed PC/Mac environment, for example printer and file sharing. For the best experience, we recommend that Network Magic be installed on a PC as well as Macs.
Does the latest Mac version support the Parental Controls and Monitoring features?
Not at this time. Current plans are to add these features into a future release.
Discontinuing Net2Go/Remote File Access
What is the Net2Go/Remote File Access feature End of Life Notification?
Network Magic 4.9 is the last version to support this feature. Future versions of Network Magic will no longer include this functionality. If you currently use the Net2Go feature with a 4.x version of Network Magic and you upgrade to 5.0, you will lose the Net2Go capability.
How long will Net2Go support be available?
There are no plans at this time to discontinue Net2Go support for 4.x versions of Network Magic. However if this changes, users will receive at least 60 days notice if the service discontinues.
Technical Support
What kind of technical support is available?
We offer free support for all Network Magic users via either a toll-free phone number, email, or our Support Web site. And Network Magic Pro users receive free priority service. Please visit our support page at: http://www.networkmagic.com/support/ If you can't find an answer to your question there, use the Ask Support a Question link to contact our Support team by email, or call our toll-free support number - 888.812.9402.What is the Network Magic Support Services feature?
The Support Services feature is an opt-in feature that provides information about your network to Support personnel. When you call Support, they can instantly see information about the types of devices on your network, including types of computers (PCs or Macs) operating systems, firmware versions, connectivity information and so on. This information is used only by a support representative and only when helping you with a problem. It is not associated with you until you contact a support representative and give them your unique Support Code.
To use this support feature, in Network Magic, click the Help menu and then click Technical Support.
The Information for Technical Support area displays the following:- The version numbers of the Network Magic application and Platform that are installed on your computer.
- Your unique Support Code If you ever call Technical Support, we can use that Support Code to access information sent to our servers by Network Magic to help us diagnose and troubleshoot any problems more quickly and efficiently. Without your Support Code, it is not possible to access any personal information in our database about your network.
- Time and date of last upload The date and time that Network Magic last uploaded your network data.
- Not Yet Uploaded This displays if you've recently installed Network Magic and it has not sent the first data upload.
- Communication Error This displays if your computer was unable to access the Internet, or if you had some firewall or other security software blocking communication between Network Magic and our servers. This error applies to the most recent upload attempt only. So if network data had been sent before, you will still have a Support Code as well as the last successful upload date and time.
What routers does Network Magic support?
Network Magic features work with most routers sold today. There are, however, specific routers that support the Network Lock feature.
Routers that support Network Lock
I need help setting up my router. What should I do?
Router set up varies by manufacturer. When setting up a router, follow the directions that came with it. Also, refer to our Tips and Advice page (www.networkmagic.com/advice/) for helpful information about setting up a router -
System Requirements
- Operating system: Microsoft Windows Vista product line, XP Home Service Pack 1 or 2, XP Pro Service Pack 1 or 2, XP Tablet PC, XP Media Center 2005, XP X64 edition, 2000 Pro SP3 or later
- Processor: PC with 450 megahertz or higher processor clock speed recommended. Intel Pentium/Celeron family, or AMD K6/Athlon/Duron family, or compatible processor recommended
- Memory: 128 megabytes (MB) RAM or greater
- Network adapter: Wired (Ethernet) or wireless network adapter, with Broadband Internet connection
- Disk space: 40 megabytes (MB)
- Web browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or greater
- Windows Installer 2.0 or greater (included in Windows XP or later)
Network Magic supports all routers.
Please Note:
- The Network Lock feature in both Network Magic Essentials and Network Magic Pro works with certain routers - here's the list.
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Compare Products
Network Magic Features Pro Essentials Free $49.99 US $29.99 US N/A Easy to Use Network map 
Guided wizards Centralized dashboard Connect Devices Wireless connection manager Add a device 7 day free trial Share Files and Printers Automatic printer sharing* 7 day free trial File sharing 7 day free trial Network Attached Storage (NAS) device support 7 day free trial Control and Monitor Network Control Internet access on other computers 7 day free trial Take real-time screenshots of other users' activity 7 day free trial Receive daily computer usage reports 7 day free trial View network activity Network Protection Wireless security† 7 day free trial Intruder detection† 7 day free trial Protect shared files while roaming 7 day free trial Maintain and Repair Network Internet connection repair 7 day free trial Internet speed test 7 day free trial Network health and security alerts Licensing and Support Free Tech Support 7 days free Priority Tech Support Line Max number of computers Up to 8 Up to 3 Up to 3 Mac Integration Network Magic for Mac Add-on*
Integrate Macs and PCs in one network. Share printers & files cross platform.
Must be purchased separately
*Currently Network Magic for the Mac only enables printer sharing between Macs and PCs for printers supported by the Macintosh operating system. To view a list of supported printers, go to http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301175. If your printer is not on the list or does not have an "X" under the "Modern Driver" column, it will not work. However, Apple is hard at work to improve printer compatibility. As they continue to build in more printer drivers to their OS, these will automatically be picked up by Network Magic.
† Wireless Protection/Network Lock works with certain routers (Check List) -
Upgrade to Network Magic Pro 5.0
Get innovative NEW tools to help secure and monitor your network:
- Re-designed interface and enhanced in-product wizards streamline networking tasks
- Safety enhancements, including encryption support (WPA/WPA2) and improved Health and Security Alerts, help you protect your network
- Restrict Internet access at specific times for other users on your network
- Take remote Desktop Screenshots to see what your kids are doing online
- Utilize improved Network History and Reports so you can better track your activity and performance
Upgrade costs $24.99 US
If you have already purchased Network Magic 5.0, click here to download it again.
Important Notices:
Windows 98SE and/or Millennium Edition (ME) users: Network Magic 5.0 is no longer supported on Windows 98SE and/or Millennium Edition (ME) operating systems. Do not upgrade if you want to continue to use Network Magic on your 98 or ME machine.
Net2Go End of Life Notification: Net2Go is not included in Network Magic v5.0. If you wish to continue using Net2Go, then you will need to keep your current Network Magic version. Technical support will still be available for Net2Go.
