Cisco Connect Frequently Asked Questions.

Hello !

I am posting all the possible FAQs regarding Cisco Connect.

The New series of routers from Linksys or Cisco are just amazing, in regards of both, connectivity and range.

1.       What is Cisco Connect?

Cisco Connect is a software program that allows you to access Valet settings and its unique features. Using Cisco Connect, you can view and change the Valet or Linksys E-Series name and password and set up parental controls where you can restrict Internet access to computer users in your home. You can also update and create an Easy Setup Key and turn on Safe Web Surfing.
NOTE:  Cisco Valet is currently available only in North America. The Linksys E2100L router is only available in the US.
To learn how to open Cisco Connect on your computer, click here.

2.       What computer operating systems does Cisco Connect support?

Cisco Connect supports these operating systems:
- Microsoft Windows XP SP3
- Microsoft Windows Vista SP1 and above
- Microsoft Windows 7
- Mac OS X Tiger 10.4.9
- Mac OS X Tiger 10.4.11
- Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.8
- Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.1

3.       What wireless adapter requirements need to be met when using Cisco Connect?

To work with Cisco Connect, wireless adapters must support WPA and WPA2 encryption.

4.       Why can’t I use Cisco Connect when I’m away from home?

Cisco Connect can only be opened when you are connected to your Valet or Linksys E-Series. When you are at a coffee shop or at school, you are connected to a different network, so Cisco Connect will not work. 
NOTE: Cisco Valet is currently available only in North America. The Linksys E2100L router is only available in the US.

5.       What’s the difference between Safe web surfing and parental controls?

When Safe web surfing is turned ON as you’re surfing the Internet and are about to open a potentially harmful site, an alert displays in your browser telling you that the site may be harmful to your computer or to your personal data. There are certain sites on the Internet that are “flagged” as potentially harmful, meaning they may contain viruses, install malware on your computer, or attempt to access your personal data. You can continue on to the site, or decide not to open it. When Safe web surfing is turned on, it applies to all computers connected to the Valet or Valet Plus.
Parental controls allows you to restrict the Internet on specific computers in your home. You can restrict access to the Internet for specific days and times, or allow Internet access but restrict access to specific Web content.
NOTE:  Cisco Valet is currently available only in North America. The Linksys E2100L router is only available in the US.
Parental controls in Cisco Connect can be set up for up to 10 computers or devices.

6.       Why do I see duplicate names for computers and devices when setting up parental controls?

When setting up parental controls, you decide which computers and devices the Internet restrictions apply to. In the Set up parental controls for dialog box sometimes a computer or device name might be listed more than once. This can happen if:

• A computer has connected to the Valet or Linksys E-Series both wirelessly and with a wired connection.

• You have two of the same kinds of devices, such as phones, and both are listed with the same manufacturer name.

• You’ve given the same name to more than one computer or device. If you want to set parental controls for an item that is listed
   more than once, select all instances of the name in the Set up parental controls for dialog box. This ensures that the Internet
   restrictions you set will apply to that computer or device. 

NOTE:  Cisco Valet is currently available only in North America. The Linksys E2100L router is only available in the US.

Parental controls in Cisco Connect can be set up for up to 10 computers or devices. 

7.       I forgot my parental controls password and the answer to my secret question. What should I do?

In a scenario like this, we suggest that you perform the following steps:

Step 1:
Reset your Valet or Linksys E-Series by holding down the reset button for 10-15 seconds.

Step 2:
Uninstall Cisco Connect.

Step 3:
Insert your updated Easy Setup Key to restore your Valet or Linksys E-Series settings. You will need to reconfigure Parental controls. If you do not have an updated Easy Setup Key, you will need to run your Valet or Linksys E-Series installation again.

NOTE: Cisco Valet is currently available only in North America. The Linksys E2100L router is only available in the US.

8.       What happens if I uninstall Cisco Connect?

When you uninstall Cisco Connect, all Valet or Linksys E-Series settings remain unchanged. These settings include the Valet or Linksys E-Series, password, guest access, and parental controls. For example, if you have parental controls set to block Internet access for school nights, those settings remain in effect after you uninstall Cisco Connect. To remove or change Valet or Linksys E-Series settings after you uninstall Cisco Connect, you need to reset the Valet or Linksys E-Series to its original settings, and then use the Valet or Linksys E-Series Web-based utility. Refer to the Valet or Linksys E-Series User Guide for details about using the Web-based utility.

NOTE: Cisco Valet is currently available only in North America. The Linksys E2100L router is only available in the US.

9.       What is a Valet or Linksys E-Series name and password?

Your Valet or Linksys E-Series provides a private network for the computers and devices (phones, gaming systems, PDAs) in your home. Using the Valet or Linksys E-Series, those computers and devices can share one Internet connection and communicate with each other to share files, photos, printers, etc. The Valet or Linksys E-Series name and password are required for any computer or device you connect to your Valet or Linksys E-Series. This prevents neighbors (or strangers) from accessing your network, and potentially your personal information. You can use the pre-defined name and password that comes with your Valet or Linksys E-Series, or you can change them to something you prefer. To change the name or password, open Cisco Connect and choose Valet settings for Valets or Router settings for Routers. Be sure to update the Easy Setup Key when you do this.

Important: You will need to manually reconnect your computers or devices using the new name and password to your wireless network should you change the Valet or Linksys E-Series name or password. You may also use and insert the updated Easy Setup Key into that computer to automatically reconnect to your wireless network. To know how to update your Easy Setup Key, click here.

NOTE: Cisco Valet is currently available only in North America. The Linksys E2100L router is only available in the US.

10.      I changed my Valet or Linksys E-Series name and password. How can I connect my other computers?

If you used Cisco Connect to change the Valet or Linksys E-Series name or password, you will be prompted to update the Easy Setup Key during that process.
If you updated the key, take that key to the other computers you want to connect to the Valet or Linksys E-Series and insert it into any available USB port. The Cisco Connect software will then update the computer’s settings with the new name and password you have made. This will reconnect the computer to the wireless network.
If the Easy Setup Key was not updated when you changed the name or password, open Cisco Connect, click Valet settings for Valets or Router settings for Routers, and then click Update or create Key to update your Key. Then, insert the updated Key into the computer you’re trying to connect. This will update the name and password settings and connect the computer to the Valet or Linksys E-Series.
NOTE: When changing your Valet or Linksys E-Series Name and Password, we recommend that you always do so using the Change option in Cisco Connect. Changing the Name and Password via the Advanced settings option or Web-based utility will prevent you from using Cisco Connect.

To learn how to change your Valet or Linksys E-Series Name or Password, please click here.

To learn how to find out the Wireless name or the Password, of your Valet or E-Series router please click here.

11.      I want to update my Valet or Linksys E-Series settings on my computer, but I don’t have a free USB port to insert the Easy Setup Key into. What can I do?

If you’re using a USB wireless adapter, you can remove the wireless adapter temporarily and insert your Easy Setup Key to update the settings on your computer. When the Valet or Linksys E-Series settings are updated, remove the Key and re-insert your wireless adapter.

NOTE: Cisco Valet is currently available only in North America. The Linksys E2100L router is only available in the US.

12.     What are the Advanced Settings?

This is a Web-based utility used for setting advanced Valet or Linksys E-Series features, such as wireless encryption, SSID, and others. You should not use this utility unless you have configured routers in the past. It’s best to use Cisco Connect’s Valet settings or Router settings to make any changes. To access the utility, use the Valet password.
Important: If you change the Valet or Linksys E-Series password using the Valet settings or Router settings option in Cisco Connect, the change is also applied to the Web-based utility. To access the utility, you have to use the new password.

NOTE: Cisco Valet is currently available only in North America. The Linksys E2100L router is only available in the US.

13.     My Advanced Settings have been changed and now I can’t use Cisco Connect. What can I do?

If you or someone else used the Advanced Settings to make changes to the Valet or Linksys E-Series settings, those settings were applied directly to the Valet or Linksys E-Series and you can no longer use Cisco Connect. You can either continue to use the Valet or Linksys E-Series Advanced Settings to view and change Valet or Linksys E-Series settings, or you can reset your Valet or Linksys E-Series. If you reset your Valet or Linksys E-Series, the name, password, and other settings return to the default settings – the way they were when you first installed the Valet or Linksys E-Series. You can then use Cisco Connect to manage settings.

The Valet connector works best with the Valet or Valet Plus routers.

To know about Setting the Valet Connector, click here.

Changing Wireless Network Name and Password using Cisco Connect.

In this post we will learn to change the Wireless Network Name and Password using Cisco Connect.

Once you have setup your Valet or Linksys E-Series and installed Cisco Connect, a unique name and password for your wireless network will be generated automatically.

But of course, you can easily change the wireless name and password to something that you like for you to distinguish your own wireless network.  The following steps will explain how.

Step 1:
When you are on the main screen of Cisco Connect, select Valet settings if you're using Valet and select Router settings for E-series.

NOTE: To launch Cisco Connect on a Windows computer, go to Start>All Programs>Cisco Connect. To launch Cisco Connect on a Mac computer, navigate to the Applications folder in Go, and then start Cisco Connect. If you need more help, please click here.

NOTE:  Cisco Valet is currently available only in North America.(As of September 2010)

Step 2:
On the Personalize tab, click Change to modify the Valet's name and password.

NOTE:  When changing your Valet or Linksys E-Series Name and Password, i recommend that you always do so using the Change option in Cisco Connect. Changing the Name and Password via the Advanced settings option or Web-based utility will prevent you from using Cisco Connect (if the computer/laptop is connected wireless).

 

Step 3:
An alert will be prompted to make sure that you are changing your Valet or Linksys E-series name or password. Click Yes if you wish to continue.

 

Step 4:
At this screen, you can enter a name that you like as your Valet or Linksys E-series and wireless network name and a password from 8-63 characters. Click Change when you are done.

 

Step 5:
Now, if you have an Easy Setup Key, insert the key into your USB port and it will be updated. If you do not have a key, or you do not want to update right now, click Cancel. You can always create or update your key later. Click here to read how to create or update an Easy Setup Key.

Step 6:
When you are back to Valet or Linksys E-series settings screen again, you can see that your settings have been changed. Note down your password now in a safe place. Click Finish to go back to the main screen.

 

Finding out Wireless Network Name and Password in Cisco Connect

In this post, we will describe the way to find out the Wireless Name (SSID) and the Password for the wireless network.

It is very simple to find out the wireless network name and password from Cisco Connect, read through the steps to learn how you can find out. 

Step 1:
When you are on the main screen of Cisco Connect, select Valet settings for Valet or Router settings for Linksys E-Series.

NOTE: To launch Cisco Connect on a Windows computer, go to Start > All Programs > Cisco Connect. To launch Cisco Connect on a Mac computer, navigate to the Applications folder in Go, and then start Cisco Connect. If you need more help, please click here.
 

NOTE: In this example, we are using a Valet. Cisco Valet is currently available only in North America. So, if you are using a Linksys E-Series, select Router settings instead.

 Step 2:

On the Personalize tab, you can see your wireless network name and password here. Click Finish to go back to main screen.

NOTE: When changing your Valet or Linksys E-Series Name and Password, we recommend that you always do so using the Change option in Cisco Connect. Changing the Name and Password via the Advanced settings option or Web-based utility will prevent you from using Cisco Connect.

To learn how to change your Valet or Linksys E-Series Name or Password, please click here.

 

Formatting, Creating or Updating an Easy Setup Key

This post describes How to Format, Create or Update an Easy Setup Key.

What is an Easy Setup Key?

The Easy Setup Key is a USB flash drive that stores Valet or Linksys E-Series Routers settings such as name and password. It is not the same as your wireless adapter. Even though they look similar, they are different and perform different functions.

 

You can insert the Easy Setup Key into any computer's USB port to easily connect that computer to the Valet or Linksys E-Series. If you change the Valet or Linksys E-Series name or password settings, you will be prompted to update your Easy Setup Key with those new settings so you can use it to re-connect other computers. You should always update your key whenever you change your Valet or Linksys E-Series settings.

In this article, I will show you how to perform the following tasks:

• Formatting USB Flash Drive
• Creating/Updating an Easy Setup Key
• FAQs for Using the Easy Setup Key

Before creating the Easy Setup Key, i recommend to format your USB flash drive first.

NOTE :  Altering your USB flash drive will erase all the data you have saved on the drive should you proceed to reformat it. To avoid losing the files, please backup the data before formatting.

Formatting USB Flash Drive

Step 1:
Have a USB flash drive available and insert it into your computer's USB port.

Step 2:
Go to Start  and select Computer.

  

Step 3:
In the Computer window under the Devices with Removable StorageFormat... from the menu. section, right-click on your USB flash drive icon, and select

 

Step 4:
On the File system drop-down list, select FAT32.
 

NOTE:  You may also select NTFS for a larger file size support.

 

Step 5:
Click OK to complete the formatting process.

NOTE:  Formatting your USB flash drive will erase all the data you have saved on it. To avoid losing the files, please backup the data before formatting.

 

Creating/Updating an Easy Setup Key

If you lost your Easy Setup Key, you can easily create one using a regular USB flash drive. Here is a simple guide to create an Easy Setup Key. If you already have an Easy Setup Key and have made changes on the settings in Cisco Connect, follow the steps below to update your Easy Setup Key.

NOTE:  To avoid losing the files, please backup the data in your USB flash drive before creating/updating an Easy Setup Key.

Step 1:
Have a USB flash drive available.

Step 2:
Open Cisco Connect and select Valet settings if you're using a Valet, or Router settings if you're using a Linksys E-Series.

NOTE:  To launch Cisco Connect on a Windows computer, go to Start > All Programs > Cisco Connect. To launch Cisco Connect on a Mac computer, navigate to the Applications folder in Go, and then start Cisco Connect. If you need more help, please click here. 

 

NOTE: The example used here is from a Cisco Valet which is currently available only in North America. If you are using a Linksys E-Series router, select Router settings instead.

Step 3:
On the Valet settings or Router settings page, click Update or create key.

 

Step 4:
Insert your USB flash drive into your USB port. Wait while the wireless settings are being copied to your USB flash drive.

 

Step 5:
When you see this screen, it means that your Easy Setup Key has been created/updated. Remove the Easy Setup Key from your computer and keep it in a safe place.

 

Now, if you wish to add a second computer to your wireless network, simply insert this Easy Setup Key into the computer. To learn more about adding a second computer, click here.

How to open Cisco Connect on your PC or Mac Computer

This post describes the procedure to launch or open Cisco Connect on your PC (Windows) or a Mac Computer.

Cisco Connect is automatically installed each time you run the supplied Setup CD or Easy Setup Key on a computer. Once Cisco Connect is installed, you can then use its features to easily manage and share your network resources.

NOTE:  The Linksys E2100L router is only available in the U.S.

Please select below, for operating system specific instructions:
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Mac OS

QUICKTIP:  Create a Desktop shortcut to make launching Cisco Connect easier.  The following steps also work on Windows Vista and Windows 7 based computers.

Step 1:Click on the  button, then click on All programs.

Step 2:From the All programs sub-menu, right-click on Cisco Connect, then select Send to>Desktop (create shortcut).

Step 3:
You should now have a shortcut to Cisco Connect placed on your desktop.  Simply double-click on this shortcut, the next time you would like to launch Cisco Connect.

Launching Cisco Connect on a Windows XP based computerPlease refer to the following steps for instructions on how to launch Cisco Connect on a Windows XP based computer:

Step 1:
Click on the  button and select All programs from the menu.

Step 2:
Inside the All Programs sub-menu, locate and select Cisco Connect.  This should launch Cisco Connect and take you to its main screen.

NOTE:  If you are unable to locate Cisco Connect, it may not be installed yet, or may have been accidentally uninstalled from your computer.  Simply insert your updatedEasy Setup Key to reinstall Cisco Connect.  If you need help on this, please click here.

Launching Cisco Connect on a Windows Vista based computerPlease refer to the following steps for instructions on how to launch Cisco Connect on a Windows Vista based computer:

Step 1:
Click on the Start  button, and select All Programs from the menu.

Step 2:
Inside the All Programs sub-menu, locate and select Cisco Connect.  This will launch Cisco Connect and take you to its main screen.

Launching Cisco Connect on a Windows 7 based computerPlease refer to the following steps for instructions on how to launch Cisco Connect on a Windows 7 based computer:

Step 1:Click on the Start  button and select All Programs from the menu.

Step 2:
Inside the All Programs sub-menu, locate and select Cisco Connect.  This will launch Cisco Connect and take you to its main screen.

Launching Cisco Connect on a Mac OS based computer
Please refer to the following steps for instructions on how to launch Cisco Connect on a Mac OS based computer:

Step 1:
On your desktop, locate and double-click on the Macintosh HD icon.

Step 2:A window will then appear on your screen.  Select Applications from the left panel on this window.  This will display all contents under the Applications category.

Step 3:From the list of Applications, locate and double-click on the Cisco Connect icon.  This will launch Cisco Connect and take you to its main screen.

Setting up your Valet or Valet Plus for the first time

Setting up your Valet or Valet Plus for the first time.
This article describes how to setup up your Valet or Valet Plus for the very first time. You can also refer to this article if you are setting the Valet/Valet Plus on a new computer or after a reset on the Valet/Valet Plus.


For experienced users' there is another way to setup the router. Simply open the Setup Page by typing 192.168.1.1 in the address bar of your favorite browser. The Default Password for Valet or Valet Plus is admin.




Follow the instructions to setup :

Your Valet or Valet Plus comes with an Easy Setup Key which makes the setup process quick and very simple. You'll have your Valet or Valet Plus up and running in no time.

Basic requirements before you begin:
i. An active Internet connection
ii. A computer with either a wireless or wired Ethernet adapter, running one of the operating systems below.

• Windows XP with Service Pack 3
• Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 or better
• Windows 7
• Mac OS X Tiger 10.4.9
• Mac OS X Tiger 10.4.11
• Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.8
• Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.1

Step 1:
Your Valet/Valet Plus allows you the freedom to run setup from either a wired or wireless computer.  Therefore, depending on your preference, please perform the instructions following the scenario that best describes your computer below:

Scenario A:
You are using a computer with no wireless connectivity that is normally connected with an Ethernet cable to your DSL/Cable modem.

Instructions A: Connect one end of the supplied Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on your computer, and connect the other end into one of the numbered Ethernet ports at the back of your Valet/Valet Plus. 

Scenario B:You are using a laptop with a built-in wireless adapter.

Instructions B:If you're using a laptop, ensure that its wireless feature is switched ON, and that it's positioned close to the Valet/Valet Plus.

NOTE: Most laptops have a switch that turns its wireless feature ON and OFF. Refer to your laptop's documentation or online help if you're unsure where this switch is located. This doesn't apply for external wireless adapters.

Step 2:Insert the supplied Easy Setup Key into any available USB port.

Step 3:A new window will appear on your screen.  Select Connect to your Cisco Valet, then click OK.  This will start the installation program.

Step 4:Read the Software End User License Agreement screen, then click Next to continue.

Step 5:On the next window, please follow the on-screen instructions on how to connect your Valet:

Plug one end of the power cable into your Valet and the other end into an electrical outlet.

         Plug the Internet cable into the yellow port at the back of your Valet labeled "Internet".  Plug the other end into the modem.

QUICK TIP:  Click Show me how for an illustrated guide on how to complete the above instructions.
Step 6:
Click Next to continue.

Step 7:Setup will now perform a series of tests to determine the optimum configuration for your network. 
NOTE:  You may notice your computer connecting and disconnecting to a wireless network several times.  This is normal because your wireless network is being configured.

NOTE:  The setup process automatically generates a unique and secure Wireless Network Name (SSID) for your convenience.


Step 8:The next part of the setup automatically detects your Internet connection type.  If you're using a DSL connection, you may be requested to enter your account details.  If this is the case, simply enter your Account name and Password in the allocated fields.  Otherwise, you may skip ahead to the Step 9.


NOTE: If you don't know your Account name and Password, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP).


QUICK TIP:  Click Examples to see what your Account name should look like.

NOTE:  Cable Internet users will not see the above screen.


Step 9:
The setup will then finalize your Valet or Valet Plus settings and re-establish your Internet connection. This process usually takes up to 5 minutes.

Step 10:Once your Internet connection is up and running, a confirmation window will appear on your screen. Your Valet or Valet Plus is now secure and connected to the Internet. Safely remove the Easy Setup Key from the USB port on your computer, then click OK to continue.

NOTE:  Remember to keep your Easy Setup Key in a safe place.  You will need it when connecting other computers to your Valet/Valet Plus.


Step 11:The Valet or Valet Plus setup ends by taking you to the main Cisco Connect screen which allows you to further personalize your Valet or Valet Plus settings. 



NOTE:  To launch Cisco Connect again at a later time, on a Windows computer, go to Start > All Programs > Cisco Connect.