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VPN Windows XP – Downloading Instructions

Virtual Private Network (VPN) Software– Windows XP Installation and Configuration Instructions

These 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.

Note: Faculty and staff who require additional assistance in configuring VPN for their campus computer should contact their local technical support staff.

Download VPN Software:

  1. Go to IT´s software download website: https://www.csun.edu/itr/downloads/index.cgi.
  2. login page
  3. Log in with your CSUN User ID and Password.
  4. From the software downloads page, select the “Cisco Systems Virtual Private Network (VPN) Client” under Windows.
  5. software availability and installation guides
  6. Click the “Download” button.
  7. A Security Warning screen will appear asking, “Do you want to run or save this file?” Select ”Save.“
  8. security warning options box
  9. A ”Save As“ screen will open. Select a location on your computer where you can easily find VPN, such as your Desktop or My Documents.
  10. save as box
  11. 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.“
  12. (If this message does not appear, just double-click the VPN icon at the location where you saved it – Desktop in the above example). VPN will then start the installation process.

Installation of VPN:

  1. A security warning will ask, ”Are you sure you want to run this software?“ Or ”Cancel.“ Click ”Run.“
  2. security warning options for run or cancel
  3. The WinZip Self-Extractor window will open. It will ask whether you want to ”Unzip“ this file. Click ”Unzip.“ (Write down the path listed in the unzip folder box).
  4. winzip extractor box options
  5. A screen will appear that says, ”Welcome to Installshield Wizard for VPN Client.“ Click ”Next“ or ”OK.“
  6. The Software License agreement will appear. Read it - then click ”Next.“ The next two screens will ask you to verify the location where the software is being installed. Click ”Next“ and ”Next“ again.
  7. The install process will begin. When it is complete, a screen will pop up with two buttons asking whether you want to restart your computer now or restart it later. Make sure the button ”restart now“ is checked. Click ”Finish.“
  8. Your computer will shut down and then restart. When it comes back up, VPN is ready to be used.

Set Up a New Connection on VPN (part of the activation process):

To use the VPN Client, you must create at least one connection entry:

  1. Locate the VPN software on your computer under Programs and Cisco Systems VPN Client. From the drop down list, click on ”VPN Client.“
  2. vpn software icon
  3. Select ”New“ from the toolbar or the Connection Entries menu.
  4. vpn connections menu options
  5. The VPN Client displays a form.
  6. vpn connection settings options box
  7. Fill in the following information:
  • Enter a unique name. For example: Engineering. 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
  1. 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: U-Drive, 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).

  1. Go to your Start menu. Select: Programs, Cisco Systems VPN Client, and VPN Client. Click on VPN Client.
  2. A toolbar will display options. Click ”Connect.“
  3. connection icon
  4. The VPN will start tunnel negotiation and display the Connection History dialog box. Type in your CSUN User ID (from your CSUN email account) and Password. Click ”OK.“
  5. authentication for CSUN login username and password box
  6. The dialog box shown below welcomes you to the CSUN VPN Server.
  7. vpn policy info box
  8. Click Continue.

Disconnect from VPN Client

When you have finished working with VPN and you no longer need the campus resources provided through VPN, you need to disconnect the connection. (Shutting down your computer will also disconnect you from VPN).

  1. To disconnect, right click on the VPN Client tray icon (at the bottom of your screen), then select ”Disconnect“from the list of options.
  2. vpn client tray icon
  3. Another way to disconnect is to go to the Start menu, select Programs, Cisco Systems VPN Client, and VPN Client, then disconnect.
  4. windows start menu options to disconnect

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.