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Virtual Private Network

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ITSS Home : Virus and Security Info : VPN : Windows

Virtual Private Network

Installing Cisco VPN for Windows

The VPN client is available for Windows 98, ME, 2000/NT, and XP. (At this time, there is no final VPN client for Windows Vista.) Follow the instructions below to download and install the client.

Uninstall previous versions

You will need to uninstall any previous versions of the Cisco VPN software you have on your computer.

NOTE: If you are prompted to "Delete existing profile" or "Delete existing Cisco client," select "No."

When prompted, restart your computer.

Download and install the client

  1. Download the appropriate Windows VPN client installer:

    Windows 98, 2000 or XP | Windows Vista

    You will be prompted to authenticate with your Internet/email account and password before downloading the client.
  2. Find the file you saved to your computer (search for "UMDvpn-win4.8.01.exe" if necessary) and double-click it to begin the install process. The Cisco Systems VPN Client install screen will be displayed.

    Cisco Client installer
  3. Select the "Next" and "Yes" buttons, as appropriate, to advance through the installation process.

    Windows 2000/XP Notes:

    • If you get a message about turning off driver signing, you should turn it off following the directions given.
    • If you get a message about Internet Computer Sharing, you will need to disable it to install and run VPN.
    • If you get a warning about IPSec Policy Agent, choose "Yes" to disable the agent and proceed with the installation.
  4. After the installation is complete, you will be prompted to restart your computer. Select "Yes" to restart it.

Import Profiles

  1. Establish your Internet connection (dial-in with your modem if necessary).
  2. Select Start - Programs - Cisco Systems VPN Client - VPN Dialer.

    Cisco VPN dialer

    Under "Connection Entries" you should see both UMD and UofMvpn.

    • If "UMD" and "UofMvpn" are listed, continue to Connect to the UMD VPN server.
    • If "UMD" and "UofMvpn" are not listed, you will need to download and import the UMD and/or UofM profiles as follows:
      1. Download (save to disk) the UMD profile: UMD.pcf
      2. If you need to connect to the Twin Cities VPN server, download the UofM profile: UofMvpn.pcf
      3. Select the "Import" button from the VPN window.
      4. Browse to the folder that contains the profile (*.pcf) files you just downloaded.
      5. Select "UMD.pcf" and then "Open."
      6. Repeat this process for the "UofMvpn.pcf" file if needed.

Connect to the UMD VPN server

  1. Establish your Internet connection (dial-in with your modem if necessary).
  2. Select Start - Programs - Cisco Systems VPN Client - VPN Dialer.
  3. Select the UMD connection entry and click the Connect button. When prompted, enter your Internet (email) username and password to authenticate.

    Cisco VPN authentication
  4. When you are connected to the VPN server, a small VPN Dialer icon (yellow padlock) will be displayed in the Windows Toolbar, next to the clock. RIGHT-click on the icon and select "Status" from the pop-up menu to verify your connection.
    VPN dialer status

Disconnect

To disconnect, RIGHT-click on the VPN icon in the toolbar, and select "Disconnect" from the pop-up menu.

Cisco Client disconnect

Rev: 03.07

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