Question 1

Can I link devices across separate DesignXpert drawings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can link devices between different drawings. Here’s how:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

- Open both drawings in DesignXpert.
- In the first drawing, click on the device you want to link.
- Go to the “Design” ribbon and select “Multiple Links.”
- Switch to the second drawing.
- Click on the target device you want to link to.
This will create a link between the two devices across different drawings.

Question 2

Can I increase the design canvas size in DesignXpert?

Accepted Answer

Yes, here’s how you can enlarge the canvas:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

- Right-click anywhere on the canvas area.
- Select “Page Setup” from the context menu.
- In the Page Setup window, define your desired canvas size using inches as the unit.
- Click OK or Apply to confirm your changes.
You can now work with a significantly larger canvas, perfect for more complex or expansive designs.

Question 3

Problems with Netformx DesignXpert Installation Link?

Accepted Answer

If you're encountering a 404 error when clicking the DesignXpert installation link, you're not alone. Some users have experienced issues accessing the executable file, but there are a few simple workarounds you can try:

Tips to Resolve the Issue:

- Try a different browser. Microsoft Edge and Firefox typically work without any problems.
- Make sure you are using http:// in the link. Typically https:// will not work

Using Chrome?
If a pop-up appears, click “Keep” to proceed with the download.

Question 4

Does DesignXpert work with Microsoft Windows 11? - 30 December 2024

Accepted Answer

Netformx has tested using DesignXpert in the Microsoft Windows 11 environment. It is safe to migrate to this version of Windows and still have all of the DesignXpert functionality.

Question 5

Cisco Login change may affect DesignXpert Users - How to resolve - 28 November 2023

Accepted Answer

Cisco recently changed their login process around CCO ID credentials. This may cause some challenges for DesignXpert users when they are trying to login.

If you experience an issue, here is how to resolve it:

- Close the DesignXpert instance
- Go to this location: C:Program Files (x86)Netformxbindbfilescommon
- Replace the file: CCWURLS.XML  with this file instead: CCWURLS.XML
NOTE: Cisco now requires a valid email address for your Cisco username login. You may need to create a new Cisco.com login with a valid email if you don’t already have one.
- Relaunch DesignXpert

Question 6

Workaround if you are experiencing Updater Issues in DesignXpert

Accepted Answer

Your Updater may show that you are up to date with the KnowledgeBase Library version. However, you may still be having issues getting access to all the features. Here is a workaround to resolve the issue.

1. You should check to see if you have the latest version of DesignXpert installed.
2. In the Updater, right click on DesignXpert and select ‘Reset Library'. (Note: You may see grayed out ‘Check for Update’ and ‘Start Update’, which means you cannot select them.)
3. Resetting the Library forces the updater to realize there is a newer version.
It may take about 10 minutes to update and then you should be able to use all the features again.

Question 7

Best practice for getting help with DesignXpert

Accepted Answer

If you are using DesignXpert and need support, you have two options:

You can submit a case in the application which will automatically attach the log files. Otherwise, you will need to send us your log files which are in two locations. You may want to send them in Zipped folders.
- Go to C:ProgramDataNetformxNewUpdaterLogs and copy the files
- Go to http://%appdata%NetformxDesignXpertlog and copy the files
- Send the folders to support@netformx.com

Question 8

DesignXpert Installation Instructions

Accepted Answer

The DesignXpert Installation Instructions will help you to get started installing DesignXpert. 4K monitor support is in beta and included in your installation: https://www.netformx.com/wp-content/uploads/DesignXpert-Installation-Instructions.pdf

Installation requires a DesignXpert Serial Number. Please refer to your DesignXpert confirmation letter for your serial number.

Instructions are also provided for upgrading your current DesignXpert installation to support a 4K Monitor.

Question 9

DesignXpert Installation issue: KB2999226 is installed but DesignXpert installation UI indicates it is not

Accepted Answer

Sometimes during DesignXpert installation, you may get a message that KB2999226 is not installed. If you download KB2999226 and install it, and get the following message:


And you also check in the Control Panel ->Programs -> Programs and Features -> Installed Updates, it may show KB2999226 is already installed:


This occurs because sometimes the registry entries for some windows updates do not get updated and that is probably why it is not showing the KB2999226 as not installed, during the Netformx DesignXpert installation.  

To fix the problem, please try uninstalling it and install it again, using the following steps:  

1. Go to Control Panel -> Windows Update.
2. Go to Installed Updates /View Install Updates and check if KB2999226 is installed.
If yes, uninstall it.
3. Run the DesignXpert installation package again.
4. When you get the error about KB2999226, click on the download link to the right of the notification to get the KB2999226 installation file.
5. Continue to install it and click on Refresh button on the DesignXpert installation UI to continue with your installation

Question 10

Where can I download DesignXpert?

Accepted Answer

If you already have a subscription and a serial number, you can download the software from: http://download.netformx.com/dist/CD(DesignXpert).exe.

If you need further assistance contact support@netformx.com.

If you still need to purchase a subscription visit: https://www.netformx.com/buy-now/ or contact sales@netformx.com

Question 11

How to change your DesignXpert license?

Accepted Answer

A new serial number requires the registration of a new User Name. Therefore, you will be required to select a new User Name. This must be followed by a library reset.

1. Open DesignXpert
2. Go to the “N” Button > Register Software
3. Insert the new SN in Step 1
4. Register the new SN and create a new username in Step 2
5. Insert the new UN and PWD in Step 3
6. Click OK (a confirmation will be displayed that the updater service has been activated)
7. Close DesignXpert
8. Open the Updater user interface
9. Navigate to the ‘Advanced Tab’
10. Click ‘Reset Library’

Question 12

How do I retrieve my DesignXpert password?

Accepted Answer

1. Navigate to this link https://dds.netformx.com/ddsservices/Login/get_pwd_hint.aspx?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=246
2. Insert your serial number or the email address that was used when your registered
3. Click on the [GO] button

Question 13

How do I change my DesignXpert password?

Accepted Answer

1. Navigate to our web page, https://www.netformx.com/login-2/
2. Log in with your DesignXpert username and password
3. Click the ‘Update your profile’ link
4. Update your password and click ‘Update’ at the bottom of the page

Question 14

Netformx DesignXpert Support on Mac OS

Accepted Answer

Netformx is well aware of the growing popularity of Macs and the desire to run a native version of Netformx DesignXpert on Mac OS. After careful analysis, we have concluded that the amount of investment required to create a native Mac OS version of Netformx DesignXpert is prohibitively high. We have no plans to release a native Mac OS version of Netformx DesignXpert at this time. Here are your options to successfully use Netformx DesignXpert with a Mac:

1. Virtual Machine (VM) such as VMWare Fusion or Parallels Desktop for Mac
Many customers successfully run Netformx DesignXpert using VMs.
Please use a higher performance Mac to ensure you have plenty of resources to run all your applications along with Netformx DesignXpert.
We offer software support for Netformx DesignXpert users deployed on VMWare and Parallels and can provide you with best practices for deployment.

2. Apple’s Boot Camp
Netformx DesignXpert runs very well using Windows 7 installed on Apple’s Boot Camp.
A Boot Camp partition can also be mounted using a VM, providing the flexibility to run Netformx DesignXpert via a VM with other Mac Applications or with the full power of a Mac using Boot Camp.

3. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) such as Citrix XenDesktop , VMWare View , or Cisco VXI.
Many of our customers are turning to VDO to deliver a more flexible platform for their employees including support for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), mobility, and enterprise software management.
Netformx can assist you with best practices to deploy DesignXpert using VDI and will support users for any issues related to Netformx software.
In order to deploy on VDI, please contact your account manager or contact sales@netformx.com to discuss licensing requirements.

Future Direction Our direction for all new products is to leverage Software as a Service (SaaS) and Cloud-based applications which will provide cross-platform support. We continue to deliver a next wave of applications that will work with Netformx DesignXpert and enhance its capabilities while leveraging the flexibility to using any OS and browser commonly used by our customers. We will share more details as they become available.

Question 15

Cisco Smart Advisor Network Assessment Status definitions

Accepted Answer

Here is a list of Definitions for Cisco Smart Advisor Network Status

UPLOADING – Devices are uploaded at the current moment
COMPLETE – Server completed processing of all devices successfully
PARTIAL – Server completed processing of all devices, some successfully, some with errors.
PROCESSING – Transaction is processed by Cisco server.
ERROR – Processing of ALL devices in transaction failed.
WAITING FOR DOWNLOAD – When transaction was in COMPLETE or PARTIAL status user got a message and decided to download the results later
DOWNLOAD COMPLETED – Download completed – after transaction was in COMPLETE or PARTIAL status.
UPLOAD FAILED – Failure during upload.
PARTIALLY DOWNLOADED – after transaction had been in COMPLETE or PARTIAL status, user started download, but cancelled it.

Question 16

Managing drawing attributes for labels

Accepted Answer

1. Go to the ‘N’ button > ‘Project Properties’ > ‘Project Attributes’
2. Click ‘Add Attribute’
3. Enter Attribute Name and click OK
4. Enter the value for Attribute
5. Then Right click in the drawing and select Insert > Project Labels
6. Highlight the General Group > Desired attribute > and select the Right arrow to add.
7. You will then see the label added to the project.

Question 17

Error message when attempting to validate

Accepted Answer

If you receive an error message when attempting to validate of "Incompatible Cisco.com validation server response", please check for updates and try again. To check for updates, please right click on the Netformx Updater (located on the System Tray) and select "Update now".

1. Open DesignXpert
2. Go to the large N button on the top left corner
3. Click “Options”
4. Navigate to “Vendor Specific” (Cisco) tab
5. Change the timeout to 200 seconds
6. Click Apply
7. Then attempt another validation

Question 18

Why won't my project open? I double click on it and nothing happens.

Accepted Answer

At times, an NPZ file may become corrupted. Try these steps before opening a ticket with the Support team.

1. Open windows Start > Run and enter %Temp%NFXPROJ
2. While in that folder run a file search for “npsr” and see if it is in the list.
3. Copy npsr To My Document and Open it fromDX, then Save As as npz.
This method is not guaranteed as this folder is a temp folder which adheres to Windows temp files rules but in many cases, you can recover the npr project file.

Question 19

How do I restore to the default windows layout?

Accepted Answer

To restore your default windows layout you need to: View Tab > Arrange > Reset Windows Locations.

Question 20

Updater system requirements

Accepted Answer

The new Netformx Updater version 16 requires the following:

1. At least 12GB of HDD free space in C drive
2. At least 4GB of RAM Memory installed on the machine
3. RW and Modify permissions for “Netformx” folder under “C:ProgramData” or any other “Working Location” folder that can be set manually.
NOTE: if you don’t have 12GB free space in your C drive you can easily change the Updater “Working Location” folder to any other location on your HDD.

Question 21

Updates downloaded correctly but can't be installed

Accepted Answer

Resolution:

1. Go to %programdata% from the start menu
2. Right click the “Netformx” folder and select “Properties”
3. Click on “Edit” under the “Security” tab
4. Click on “Add” and type your domain username and hit “Check Names” and “OK”
5. Select your user name under the “Group or user names” and V check the “Full Control” and click “OK"
6. Reboot your machine and run the Updater
NOTE: Please make sure you are connected to the domain via VPN or directly before applying the steps above.

Question 22

How do I manage and access my custom reports in DesignXpert?

Accepted Answer

In the Design Explorer:

1. Click on the Reports Panel
3. Select User Report Folder or subfolder under it
3. Click on the Add Excel Template Based Report button
4. Complete the requested information and click on the find file button and select the template name:
5. The report name in the selection will reflect the template file name. Once it’s added, it can be renamed by selecting the report, hitting F2, and then renaming it.

NOTE: If you are creating a custom report using the Custom Excel Report Wizard, 'Create menu item' must be checked upon finishing the wizard for the report to show in the User Reports menu.

Question 23

Runtime Error when trying to launch DesignXpert

Accepted Answer

Instructions on how to delete your DesignXpert temp folders:

1. Open windows RUN from start menu.
2. Type %temp% and click Enter or hit the [OK] button.
3. Delete the NFXPROJ and NFXTEMP folders.
NOTE: Please be sure DesignXpert is not running before performing any actions.

Question 24

Tips for logging into Salesforce.com via DesignXpert

Accepted Answer

When logging into Salesforce.com via DesignXpert there are 2 options to login.

1. Define your computer’s IP as “Trusted” in Salesforce.com which will result in not needing the security token
2. Login without changing Salesforce.com security settings with will results in security token being mandatory
Note: When entering a value into the token field it will be checked, regardless if you have defined your IP as trusted in Salesforce.com or not. Which means that if the token is incorrect you will receive a login error although token is not necessary. To avoid this from happening do not fill the ‘Security Token’ field unless it is required as you don’t have a ‘Trusted IP’.

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