WD Essential™ NetCenter
Network Hard Drive
User Manual
Information furnished by WD is believed to be accurate and reliable; however, no responsibility is assumed by WD for its use nor for any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties which may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of WD. WD reserves the right to change specifications at any time without notice.
Western Digital and WD are registered trademarks; and the WD logo, WD Essential, NetCenter, and EasyLink are trademarks of Western Digital Technologies, Inc. Other marks may be mentioned herein that belong to other companies.
© 2006 Western Digital Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
2779-001018-A05 Aug 2006
Table of Contents |
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1 |
Introduction |
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NetCenter in Your Network—The Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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2 |
Getting Started |
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Kit Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Updating Your Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Recording Your WD Product Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Registering Your WD Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Handling Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Setting Up the NetCenter |
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NetCenter Front and Rear View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Installing the Stands for Vertical Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Removing the Stands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Connecting the NetCenter |
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Powering up the Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Resetting the NetCenter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Connecting a USB Printer to the NetCenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Connecting a USB External Drive to the NetCenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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NetCenter Initial Setup |
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Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Macintosh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Using EasyLink |
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Connecting to a NetCenter Shared Folder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Configuring NetCenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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EasyLink System Tray Icon (Windows) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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NetCenter Manager |
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System Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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General Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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File Sharing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS – i
Printer Sharing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Drive Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Regulatory Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
GNU General Public License (“GPL”) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
WD Service and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
TABLE OF CONTENTS – ii
NETCENTER
USER MANUAL
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Introduction |
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NetCenter in Your Network—The Basics |
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Congratulations on purchasing the WD Essential™ NetCenter™ network hard drive. Now you |
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can share pictures, video, music, files, and even printers in your small office or home on PCs |
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and Macs. It’s Easy! |
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Follow the steps in this manual to set up centralized storage and make it available to all |
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computers. |
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Connect NetCenter to your |
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Locate NetCenter on your |
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Act as administrator to set |
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hub or router. |
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computer using EasyLink. |
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up, create, and manage |
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shared folders and assign |
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security settings. |
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INTRODUCTION – 1
NETCENTER
USER MANUAL
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Getting Started |
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This user manual provides step-by-step installation instructions and other important |
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information regarding your NetCenter. For the latest WD product information and news, |
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visit our Web site at www.westerndigital.com. |
NetCenter network hard drive
5 ft. (1.5m) Ethernet cable
Installation CD with EasyLink™ setup utility and additional product documentation
AC adapter with power cord
Quick Install Guide
Vertical drive stands
NetCenter
Power cable |
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Quick Install Guide |
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AC adapter cord |
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Stands |
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AC adapter |
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Installation |
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CD |
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Ethernet |
cable |
GETTING STARTED – 2
NETCENTER USER MANUAL
Available 10/100Base-T Ethernet connection (network adapter, router, switch, or hub port)
10 MB of available disk space
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
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Macintosh® |
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Pentium® III, 500 MHz or newer |
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Mac® OS X 10.1.5 or later |
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Windows 98SE/Me/2000 Pro/Server |
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Web browser (Apple Safari™ 1.0.3 or later, |
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2000/Server 2003 or Windows XP Home/ |
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Mozilla Firefox 1.0.3 or later) |
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Pro/Media Center Edition |
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Web browser (Netscape® 7.2, Mozilla™ Firefox™ 1.0.3, Internet Explorer 6.0)
Print server compatible USB printer. Visit the WD knowledge base at support.wdc.com and search for answer ID # 1357 to obtain the latest list of supported printers.
Important: For highest performance and reliability, WD recommends that you install the latest Windows service pack (SP) and updates or software updates for Mac. See "Updating Your Operating System" on page 3 for links. Use of Firefox as the default browser for Mac is also recommended for optimum compatibility.
1.Go to www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/ and download the Apple version of the browser.
2.Install the browser in Applications.
3.Open Browser Preferences and click Internet under Internet and Network preferences (or click Default Browser, then select Firefox for OS X v10.2.8, v10.3.9, or v10.4).
Note: Mac OS X v10.1.5 requires the Mozilla Firefox browser.
4.Click the Web tab and click the Firefox browser in the default web browser list.
5.Quit System Preferences to complete the process.
Windows
The recommended method of updating your system is via Windows Update (Start >
Windows Update) or go to windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
Macintosh
Go to the Apple menu and select Software Update. For more information regarding updating your system, visit http://www.apple.com/macosx.
GETTING STARTED – 3
NETCENTER USER MANUAL
CAUTION: Do not remove, tear, or damage the tape seal or any labels on the drive; these actions will void the warranty.
In the following table, write the serial number and model number of your new WD product found on the large label on the back panel. Also, write the purchase date and other notes such as your operating system and version. This information is necessary for setup and technical support.
WD Product Serial Number:
WD Product Model Number:
WD Product Purchase Date:
NetCenter User Name:
NetCenter Password:
System and Software Notes:
Your WD product includes 30 days of free technical support during the applicable warranty period for your product. The 30-day period commences on the date of your first telephone contact with WD technical support.
Register online now at register.wdc.com.
CAUTION: This product contains no user-serviceable parts. Refer servicing only to authorized WD personnel or a WD-approved service center.
WD products are precision instruments and must be handled with care during unpacking and installation. Drives may be damaged by rough handling, shock, or vibration. Be aware of the following precautions when unpacking and installing your NetCenter:
Do not unpack the NetCenter until you are ready to install it.
Do not drop or jolt the NetCenter.
Do not move the NetCenter when it is powered up.
Do not use the NetCenter as a portable device.
Do not attempt to open the NetCenter and service it yourself. Removing the cover may expose you to harmful electrical voltages and will void the warranty.
To allow proper ventilation, do not block air slots on either side, top, or rear of the enclosure. Do not stack any objects on top of the drive that may block ventilation.
GETTING STARTED – 4
NETCENTER
USER MANUAL
This section contains instructions for positioning, connecting, and powering up the NetCenter drive.
CAUTION: Do not drop or jolt the NetCenter!
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Front view |
Rear view |
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Power button |
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Power button light |
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USB 2.0 ports
Ethernet port
DC power supply socket
Reset button
Kensington security slot
Power button—Turns the NetCenter on or off
Power button light—Indicates drive activity. The drive is ready for use when the light glows blue steadily.
USB 2.0 ports—Connect to up to two USB devices such as printers or external hard drives.
Ethernet port—Connects to an open router or network switch port using an Ethernet cable.
Power supply socket—Connects to the supplied power adapter and cable.
Reset button—Resets the NetCenter’s network configuration, device name, and password without erasing shared folders or volumes. See “Resetting the NetCenter” on page 8 for more information on using the reset button.
Kensington® security slot—Connects to security cable and lock.
1.With the NetCenter powered off, disconnect all cables.
2.Place the drive upside down on a clean and steady surface.
3.Press a stand onto the bottom panel of the unit until it snaps into place.
4.Repeat this process for the other stand.
SETTING UP THE NETCENTER – 5
NETCENTER USER MANUAL
1.With the NetCenter powered off, disconnect all cables.
2.Place the drive upside down on a clean and steady surface.
3.With both hands, gently pull the ends of a stand and bend them towards each other until the stand snaps off of the drive.
4.Repeat this process for the other stand.
SETTING UP THE NETCENTER – 6
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NETCENTER |
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USER MANUAL |
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Connecting the NetCenter |
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1. |
Plug the AC adapter into an electrical outlet. |
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Connect the other end of the adapter into the DC power supply socket located on the |
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back of the unit. |
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Connect one end of an Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port located on the back of the |
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unit. |
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Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable directly into a router or network switch port. |
NetCenter Ethernet port
Router port
AC adapter
Ethernet cable
Power supply socket
Note: Connection to power source (electrical outlet) is not immediately detected by the power adapter. You must wait 5 seconds after the power cord is connected before pressing the power button.
Press the power button to turn on the unit. The light encircling the power button will illuminate and flash amber for up to two minutes (or longer if USB devices are attached) before illuminating blue. Once the drive illuminates a steady blue, it is ready for use. Proceed to follow the steps under “NetCenter Initial Setup” on page 10.
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Amber (steady) |
Wait. NetCenter boots up. |
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Amber (flashing) |
NetCenter problem detected. See “Troubleshooting” on page 50 or contact Technical Support at |
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support.wdc.com. |
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Blue (flashing) |
Drive Activity. NetCenter is being accessed. |
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Blue (steady) |
NetCenter is ready for setup or use. |
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Important: Do not use the NetCenter after power-up until after the light encircling the power button glows a steady blue.
CONNECTING THE NETCENTER – 7
NETCENTER USER MANUAL
The reset button is recessed and requires the use of a fine-tipped stylus or the tip of a paper clip to press. Two types of reset modes are available: long reset or short reset.
Press the reset button momentarily (no more than one second). The NetCenter shuts down. Wait five seconds and press the power button. All settings remain intact.
Note: Long reset should be used under special circumstances only.
Press the reset button and hold down for 10 seconds. After 40 seconds, the NetCenter will reboot.
Note: The NetCenter will need to be set up again after a long reset. Long reset sets the network settings to DHCP client, clears the password, and resets the device name to “WD-NetCenter.”
1.Plug in and power on the USB printer.
2.Connect one end of the USB cable to the printer.
3.Connect the other end of the USB cable to an available USB port on the NetCenter. After initial setup is complete, the NetCenter will recognize the printer (see “Printer Sharing” on page 37).
CONNECTING THE NETCENTER – 8
NETCENTER USER MANUAL
1.Connect and power on the USB external drive.
2.Connect one end of the USB cable to the external drive.
3.Connect the other end of the USB cable to an available USB port on the NetCenter.
4.Initial setup is complete. The next step will depend on the format of your external drive:
-FAT32 – the drive is automatically recognized as a shared folder. Proceed to the next section, “NetCenter Initial Setup” on page 10.
-NTFS – allows read-only access. If you require read/write capability, reformat to FAT32 or claim the external drive as a permanent member of the NetCenter.
-Unformatted – format to FAT32 or claim the external drive as a permanent member of the NetCenter.
To format a WD external drive to FAT32, visit the WD knowledge base at support.wdc.com. To claim a drive, see “Claim a Drive” on page 48.
CAUTION: You must use the Safely Remove Disk function described in “Claim a Drive” on page 48 to properly disconnect a USB external drive. Disconnecting an external USB drive without using the Safely Remove Disk function may cause unstable NetCenter behavior.
CONNECTING THE NETCENTER – 9
NETCENTER
USER MANUAL
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NetCenter Initial Setup |
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This section contains instructions to get your NetCenter quickly set up and running on either |
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Windows or Macintosh computers. |
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Windows |
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1. Insert the installation CD into your CD-ROM drive. The program autoruns and displays |
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the NetCenter menu. Click Install NetCenter Easylink. |
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2. Click Next.
NETCENTER INITIAL SETUP – 10
NETCENTER
USER MANUAL
3.Read the license agreement and if you accept the terms, click I accept the terms of the license agreement, then Next.
4. Click Next to choose program destination location.
5. Click Install to begin installation.
NETCENTER INITIAL SETUP – 11
NETCENTER
USER MANUAL
6.Click Finish to continue with initial setup (if you wish, click Create a shortcut on my Desktop).
7.EasyLink scans the local network for a NetCenter connected to your network. When EasyLink locates your NetCenter(s), click on the NetCenter you wish to set up then click
Next.
Important: If you have multiple NetCenters connected to your network or plan to configure more NetCenters in the future, rename each NetCenter by number. See “Rename a Drive” on page 49.
NETCENTER INITIAL SETUP – 12
NETCENTER
USER MANUAL
8.Click the NetCenter check box to automatically assign a drive letter to the Shared Folders shared folder. Click Next.
9.Click Yes to create a desktop shortcut.
10.Congratulations! NetCenter installation is now complete. Click Close to begin using the NetCenter immediately or Settings to set advanced options for your NetCenter. If this is the first time you are setting up or you have just reset the NetCenter, you must proceed to the NetCenter Manager and set the username and password. See “Settings - Initial Setup” on page 14 for more information.
Important: Be sure to create a NetCenter user name and password. Not changing your password from default could compromise the security of your files. See “Settings - Initial Setup” on page 14.
11.Double-click on the Shared Folders network drive icon on the desktop or in My Computer. Now, simply drag and drop files from your local network computer into Shared Folders.
12.To share the NetCenter between computers, repeat the steps above on each computer in your network (see "Macintosh" on page 16 for Mac setup instructions).
NETCENTER INITIAL SETUP – 13
NETCENTER
USER MANUAL
1. Initial Setup - Welcome. Click Next.
2.Step 1 - End User License Agreement. Read the terms of the license agreement and if you accept the terms, click Accept, then click Continue.
3.Step 2 - Set Password. Click in the User Name and Password fields to type in a new user name and password. Retype the password in the Confirm Password field, then click Next when finished. WD recommends recording your user name and password in “Recording Your WD Product Information” on page 4.
Important: WD recommends setting the user name and password fields to protect unauthorized access to the NetCenter Manager. Once set, record them in “Recording Your WD Product Information” on page 4.
NETCENTER INITIAL SETUP – 14
NETCENTER
USER MANUAL
4.Step 3 - Set Date and Time. Change the current date and time as well as the time zone region, country, and city using the drop-down lists in each field if necessary. Click Next when complete.
5. Enter your user name and password set in step 2 above. Click OK.
6.Initial Setup-Finished! The NetCenter is now configured and ready for use. Close your browser or click Advanced Setup and follow the steps under refer to “NetCenter Manager” on page 24 for details on how to use the interface and set all the advanced options and configurations for your NetCenter.
NETCENTER INITIAL SETUP – 15