Car Alarms: Key-less remoter sets off alarm, flip switch, alarm button

Question
I have a 2005 Astro cargo van, 2wd. I've recently purchased it and it has no paperwork on the door alarm. There is a momentary spring loaded switch with a small red light next to it in the dash, both look like they've been added aftermarket. The only other part of the alarm in view is the siren under the hood and it has no label telling the manufacturer or model.
The red light in the dash has always glowed solid. I've read about alarms and it seems if it is set it would blink, so I held it down and it started blinking so I figured it was set. Upon returning to the car, I used the remote key transmitter to unlock the doors, which it did, but the alarm went off. I stopped the alarm by putting the key in the ignition and turning it to start. I may have been holding the alarm button down also, I don't remember and am reluctant to try it again for fear I can't figure out just what I did last time and it just keeps wailing.
So, my question is twofold, is the alarm set when the light on the dash is on but not flashing (how would I know unless I try to break in?) and if I set it so it is blinking, shouldn't I be able to use the key-less remote?
One more thing, there is a button as part of the light controls. Pushing it down will turn off or on the entry dome light and it will control the day headlights. This button is not working. Is there any chance the alarm is connected with this button in any way?
Thanks for any thoughts, Bud

Answer
Hmmmm,
Make sure you do the procedure correctly.
Might have missed a step:

PUT IGNITION KEY IN IGNITION,
KEY ON TO JUST BEFORE CRANKING THE ENGINE.
PRESS IN AND HOLD VALET SWITCH
UNTIL YOU GET A RESPONCE
FROM THE ALARM.

KEY OFF.

This should toggle the alarm in and out of
valet/override.

If toggle type switch.
KEY ON, FLIP SWITCH, KEY OFF,
START THE CAR.

I hope this solved it for you.

ALARMTEK