VPN Windows Vista
Virtual Private Network (VPN) Software – Windows Vista 32 bit Installation and Configuration Instructions
For Windows Vista on a Home/Personal Computer
Please Note: CSUN Information Technology does not recommend installing and using Windows Vista. If you purchased a personal computer that came with Vista and you want to connect to CSUN from off–campus to work remotely, please follow these instructions to install and use the VPN software.
Per Cisco, the VPN 5.0 software has the following limitations:
- Computers upgraded with Vista from Windows XP or an earlier version of the Windows operating system will be unable to use the VPN 5.0 software (newly purchased computers loaded with Vista will not be affected by this).
- The “Start Before Logon” option
- 64–bit support
Testing conducted by Information Technology indicates that despite these limitations the VPN 5.0 software is stable and provides the same fundamental functionality as the Windows XP version.
For information regarding CSUN’s Vista evaluation project, please visit http://www.csun.edu/it/projects/vista.html.
The following instructions are intended to provide students, faculty and staff members with instructions for downloading VPN Client to their home and campus laptop or desktop computers.
Download VPN Software:
Go into IT´s software download website: https://www.csun.edu/itr/downloads/index.cgi.
Log in with your CSUN User ID and password. (The user ID and password are the same credentials you use for "myNorthridge/Portal")
From the software downloads page, select the "Cisco Systems Virtual Private Network (VPN) Client" under Windows. (There are 2 different versions of the "Cisco Systems Virtual Private Network Client", one for Windows XP and one for Windows Vista. Make sure you choose the Windows Vista version as the XP version is not compatible with Vista.)
- Click the Download button.
- With default settings using Internet Explorer, it will give you a warning in the status bar. Click on the bar and then click "Download File".
- A Security Warning screen will appear asking, "Do you want to run or save this file?" Click "Save."
- A "Save As" screen will open. Select a location on your computer where you can easily find the VPN install file, such as your Desktop or My Documents. Click "Save".
- On some systems you may get the message: "Download is complete" after the software downloads. You will then have the option to: "Run, Open Folder or Close." Click "Run."
- If you do not see the "Download Complete" window you may run the install file located on your desktop as pictured above.
- The program files are in the form of a zip file, simply click on the Unzip button. Another window will appear saying the files were "unzipped successfully", click "OK".
- The Cisco Systems VPN Client install dialog window will appear. Click on the Next button.
- Click on the I accept the license agreement radio button, and click the Next button again.
- Click the Next button to save to the default program Destination Folder.
- Once again click the Next button to initiate the install of the program.
- The window will change and display "Successfully Installed" and prompt you to click the Finish button.
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- After the Finish button is clicked a new window will appear prompting you to click the Yes button to restart your computer now, or the No button to restart the computer manually allowing you to close any programs, windows or documents.
- *USE CAUTION WHEN CHOOSING A RESTART METHOD*. Should you choose the Yes button the computer will go into an automated restart and you will not have an opportunity to save any files you were working with at the time. Choosing the No button will require you to manually restart the computer before the program will available to use.
- When your computer restarts open the Cisco VPN program by clicking on the "Windows Icon", "All Programs", folder labeled "Cisco Systems VPN Client", and clicking on the "VPN Client" icon to open the program.
- When the VPN program opens you will need to click the "New" icon to add a new Connection Entry.
Fill in the following information:
- Enter a unique name. For example: CSUN. Your name can contain spaces and is not case–sensitive.
- Enter a description (optional). For example, "Connection to CSUN server."
- Host name or IP address of the server: vpn.csun.edu
- Authentication: Select Group Authentication.
- Name: csun–vpn
- Password: csun–vpn (you will see asterisks)
- Confirm Password: csun–vpn
- Click Save button.
Connect to CSUN
By activating your VPN connection, all your email transmissions are now going through the secure server. Your computer is now part of the CSUN computer network and you can access any services provided in the CSUN network. This includes: uDrive, MeetingMaker (calendaring software for faculty/staff), the Library´s online resources, and PeopleFinder (student directory). It also provides secure transmissions for wireless computers both on and off campus (anywhere there is an Internet connection).
- Go to your Start menu. Select: Programs, Cisco Systems VPN Client, and VPN Client. Click on VPN Client.
- A toolbar will display options. Click "Connect."
- The VPN will start tunnel negotiation and display the Connection History dialog box.
- Type in your User Name and your Password.
- Click the Continue button to connect to the CSUN VPN Secure Network.
- When you see a yellow lock next to the CSUN Connection Entry you are finished and now on a Secure connection with CSUN.
To Disconnect from the VPN :
To disconnect from the CSUN VPN Network simply right click on the "VPN Lock Icon" in the taskbar at the bottom right hand side of your desktop, click "Disconnect" and you are now no longer connected to the CSUN VPN Secure Network.
For additional information on VPN, consult the VPN online Help option or call the IT Help Center at (818) 677–1400, or send an email to helpcenter@csun.edu.