Windows VPN Connection Guide

Cisco's VPN software must be installed before it can be used. If you haven't installed the software, you must do that first.

Upgrading from Old Versions

Previous versions of the VPN client used a complicated process that required you to generate and use an individualized certificate. Since July of 2005, this process is no longer necessary. The new version of the Cisco VPN client is preconfigured by NSIT to automatically work with the University's VPN servers.

To use the new version, go to the NSIT Site Licensing website and follow our instructions for installing the software. Once you've done this (or if you have gotten your version of the VPN client from us after July 2005), read "Making a Connection" below.

Making a Connection

Use the following instructions to connect to the University's VPN; you need to follow these steps each time you want to connect.

  1. Open the VPN Client by going to Start → Program → Cisco Systems VPN Client → VPN Client.
  2. Once the client is up, go to Connection Entries and double-click University of Chicago VPN.
  3. The system will then prompt you for your Username and Password: enter your CNetID and CNet password and click OK.
  4. When prompted for the terms of usage, click Continue to agree and you will be connected to the VPN!
  5. The VPN Client automatically minimizes once it has made a connection; when you are ready to disconnect, load the program again from the Program menu and go to Connection Entries → Disconnect.

Once you've connected, just use your network connection as you normally would – except that you should now be able to access University network resources as if you were on campus.

Last updated: 10/03/06