SEARCH PENN STATE Search Penn State

Installing the VPN Client v5.x for Windows XP


 

"VPN Client" is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) software for use by Penn State faculty, staff and students when connecting to a Penn State network from any other ISP (internet service provider).

 

Please visit the following Web sites for general information and common questions about Virtual Private Network (VPN) at Penn State.
     http://aset.its.psu.edu/vpn/
     http://clc.its.psu.edu/DiskSpace/UDrive/Home/vpn.aspx

 

General VPN Tips
1. You can not stay connected 24 hours a day, the server will disconnect you after some time period of inactivity.
2. Disconnect the VPN session BEFORE logging off or shutting down.
3. You can not be running a personal firewall, like ZoneAlarm, and use the VPN client.

 

NOTE: These steps are written for College of Ag Sciences Enterprise (EN) computers with Windows XP SP2 or SP3.

Step 1 - Download the VPN Client for Windows
Step 2 - Remove the Previous VPN Client
Step 3 - Install the VPN Client
Step 4 - Configure the VPN Client for Windows Domains

Step 1 - Obtain the VPN Client

  1. Open your Internet browser.
  2. Click on this link:

    VPN - Virtual Private Network

  3. In the Penn State WebAccess Account dialog box prompt, type in your Penn State User name (ex: ntv1) and password, then click Login.
  4. Click the link to the VPN Version.
  5. At the File Download - Security Warning window that appears, click Save. 

    Note: The Version number in Step 6 may change over time.  The xx'x listed below will show the current number.  Example: vpnclient-win-5.0.02.0090.exe

  6. Save the file vpnclient-win--msi-5.0.xx.xxxx.exe to a convenient location, such as the desktop. Click Save again. If asked, click Close.
  7. Close the Internet browser.

Top of Page

Step 2 - Remove the Previous VPN Client

 

NOTE: You must remove any previous versions of the VPN client before installing version 5.x. If you don't, you will see this error message when you attempt to install version 5.x.  

"Error 28000: Before installing the Cisco Systems VPN Client 5.0.xx.xxxx. you must unistall the previous version of Cisco Systems VPN Client, using the Add/Remove Program Files option in the Control Panel. Then restart your system." You must click OK. The setup will then fails.

  1. Close all open programs. This will require a restart of the machine.
  2. Click on Start and then Control Panel.
  3. In the control panel, double-click on Add or Remove Programs.
  4. Look through the list of installed programs for any item that says VPN Client.
  5. Highlight the "VPN Client" listing and click Change/Remove.
  6. When asked if you want to completely remove the Cisco Systems VPN Client, click Yes.
  7. When asked to delete your existing connection profiles, click Yes (recommended).
  8. When asked to delete your existing Cisco certificates, click Yes.
  9. Click Finish to restart the machine.

 

Top of Page

Step 3 - Install the VPN Client

 

  1. Feb 2008 - KEY EXTRA step for installing VPN version 5.0.02.0090, unplug the network cable from the machine. If the computer is connected to the network the installer will not complete! This may be difficult for desktops but it is required.

  2. Close all applications and disconnect from VPN if connected.
  3. Delete any shortcuts to the VPN dialer that you may have on your Desktop.
  4. Double click on the vpnclient-win-5.0.xx.xxxx.exe file you just downloaded. If asked, click Run.
  5. Click Setup.
  6. Wait for the installer to start.
  7. Click Next at the Welcome screen.
  8. At the License Agreement, choose "I accept..." and then click Next.
  9. Click Next to accept the default Destination Folder of c:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\VPN Client

    NOTE: Be sure that the network cable is disconnected if you are in a County Extension office.

  10. Click Next to begin the install.
  11. Setup will run for a few minutes.

    NOTE: One of the items installed is a "Cisco System Network Adaptor". This is a "virtual" adaptor that will appear in your Network Connections window. It will only be connected when you are connected with VPN.

  12. When the installer is done, click Finish.
  13. You are prompted to restart, click Yes.
  14. The computer will restart.
  15. At this point, re-connect the network cable.
  16. Enter your username and password as before.

Top of Page

Step 4- Configure the VPN Client

 

NOTE: You will place a shortcut to the Cisco VPN Client on the desktop.

  1. From the Start menu choose All Programs then click Cisco Systems VPN Client. From the list that appears, Right Click on VPN Client and select Copy. Go to the Desktop and Right Click. Select Paste.
  2. Double Click on the VPN Client shortcut to open the connection dialog box.
  3. ISP to PSU should be selected as the default Connection Entry. If it isn't, Right Click on ISP to PSU and select Set as Default Connection Entry.

    NOTE: If you will never be connecting via Wireless means at the other Penn State locations, you may Right Click and delete these entries. You can also delete the "COE" and "EMS" entries.

  4. Click the Modify button at the top of the window.
  5. Click the Transport tab.

    NOTE    : IT recommends that County Extension office staff use IPSec over TCP. This option appears to allow you to stay connected longer than the IPSec over UDP (NAT/PAT) choice. But, if you experience frequent disconnects with one choice, please feel free to try the other. You may switch this choice at any future time.

  6. Click either the IPSec over UDP (NAT/PAT) or the IPSec over TCP radio button (10000 should be in the TCP Port box).
  7. Click Save.

    NOTE: You will now test the VPN connection.

  8. Close the VPN Client. Use the Desktop shortcut to open VPN. It should open and take you to the Enter Username and Password prompt.
  9. Enter your PSU username and password when prompted. Click OK.

    NOTE: If the process succeeds, the VPN Client window will disappear and a small yellow lock will appear in the notification area of the task bar.

  10. Right Click on small lock in Notification Area in the lower right of the Task Bar, choose Disconnect.

    NOTE: You have successfully tested the VPN dialer. You can now use it as needed to create a secure connection to the Penn State network.


    NOTE: If you need VPN to appear during Windows logon (contact Computer Support to see if you need to), you can do these steps.
    a) Open the VPN Client.
    b) Click the Options menu and select Windows Logon Properties....
    c) Check Enable start before logon. Click OK.

 

FINAL NOTES:

 

NOTE: You should delete the vpnclient-win.xxx installer file from the desktop. It is no longer needed

 

NOTE: Any users without a Penn State Access account (Ex: Master Gardeners, Volunteers) that have been using Penn State computer with "local" or "AG" user names, may not enter this username/password to connect to VPN. They will need to use a PSU User ID and password to connect via VPN.

 

NOTE: For security reasons, you are prevented you from saving your password in the VPN client.

 

Top of Page

 

Penn State University College of Agricultural Sciences