Can't open Socket Magix? 3

[papagigo1]

Over a Government "INTRANET" I remotely administer 16 Merlin Magix systems using (Interactive Northwest INC) Socket Magix units installed at each location. As an additional security measure the agency I work for removed the "Administrative Rights" on my computers. Now the WinSPM won’t open. I worked with Interactive Northwest but it was'nt helpful. They were, however, willing to work on the problem under a Time&Material ticket for $300 p/hour.

Has anyone using the Socket Magix product run into this?

Thanks in advance,

Mike

 

[telecomtekperson]

If SPM wont open, It's not a problem with Socketmagix. I would get a hold of the admin, and try re-installing spm under the admin account, or have them give permissions for SPM to run.

 

[merlinman]

You may also try adjusting the "PROPERTIES" for WINSPM and perhaps set it's "COMPATIBILITY" to "RUN AS" Windows 98.

 

[papagigo1]

What I just found out is the "regestry entries" that support the Socket and SPM have to be marked by the administrator in my computer to allow me to use that program in the non-administration mode. I hate this security stuff!

Thanks for all the replies,

Mike

 

[merlinman]

I trust the IT Gurus will fix that for you.

 

[papagigo1]

They haven't been able to so far.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[telecomtekperson]

Call Best buy. You rent a nerd. Remind your overpaid IT guy of that.

 

[dagwoodsystems]

The technique that merlinman suggested is one I've had to use a number of times with Vista. However, it sounds like security is at the core here, not compatibility.

There's a plainly written and easy-to-understand description of Vista security at

http://www.jimmah.com/vista/vistanew.aspx.

It's worth a quick read.

WinSPM was written like most software in it's time: It automatically assumed the Administrator privileges. Vista's new UAC (User Account Control) prevents that from happening.

Microsoft is well aware that UAC flies in the face of older programming practices. As such, they wrote Vista so that it would automatically detect "most" of this software and trick it into believing that it has Admin rights. This is their claim anyway, but apparently this is an ongoing problem. They've already released a patch to increase the compatibility reach (

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929427).

This newest patch addresses issues with obscure programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Money (their own software), Flight Simulator (also their software) and Real Player. Read the list on the Microsoft patch link if you think I'm kidding. This is a serious issue; my "obscure" remark was an attempt at humor.

You didn't hear it from me, but there's a cool utility that kills the UAC control all together. Check out

http://www.tweak-uac.com/what-is-tweak-uac/.

I doubt your IT guy will approve. I love it. The IT person may be overpaid--as someone suggested--but they have to re-learn Windows and it's a pain. Someone has to pay for that.

Tim Alberstein

http://www.dagwoodsystems.com

 

[phonesrus]

Another thing that you might look at is what IP "port" you are using to connect to the remote system(s). In the security process they may have blocked the "port" in the Windows Firewall, which will block SPM-IP communication to the remote sites. Just for grins, if you have the ability, try to "ping" the remote sites. This process uses a different "port" range, but it will tell you whether you can actually "see" the sites from your PC.

 

[comdata]

Papagigo1, I don't have an answer for the Socket Magix problem. Multi-tech makes an IP serial adapter called MTS2EA that was promoted as a solution to adminstering the Partner ACS remotely. In the Q&A the question was asked if that same adapter would work to administer Legend/Magix remotely; the answer from their engineer was affirmative. I believe the unit sells for about $300 per unit. You would need one at your site and one for each customer you administer using IP routing.

Tim, thanks for your tip on Vista's UAC problem; a star to you.

Alex

 

[comdata]

The price per unit is about $150 USD.

 

[comdata]

Guess I need some caffeine this morning. Here is the link.

http://www.multitech.com/PRODUCTS/Families/MultiConnectSE/

 

[merlinman]

Actually, I am certain that SOCKET MAGIX SOFTWARE will NOT let you connect to a site without a SOCKET MAGIX ADAPTER due to a proprietary handshake/security thing that Interactive NW built into it.

I have tried a different IP to Serial adapter, and couldn't get past that hurtle.

http://home.comcast.net/~merlinman/index.htm

 

[papagigo1]

Thank you all for responding, your suggestions and thoughts are welcomed.
I have been using the Socket for a long time and find them easy and secure to install. They are pricy at $800+ each and as long as proper bonding and grounding techniques are deployed, lightning has not been a factor. In fact I haven’t had to replace a single unit.
I tried adjusting the properties, as Merlinman suggested, and made sure the 10001 port was open to me. If the IT people log themselves in on my computer the Socket works just fine! The only difference is they have administration rights and now I don’t, so I’m convinced it’s an IP issue and I’m not confident a work around is possible.

Looks like I’m about to do a lot of traveling.

Thanks again,
Mike