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Home > Documentation > Network Documentation and Troubleshooting > VPN Client Configuration > Windows VPN Connection Guide

Documentation - Network - VPN

Windows VPN Connection Guide

The first time you use the VPN, you must be logged into an admin account.  If you do not have administrative rights on your computer you will not be able to download the software.  Also, we recommend that you have the latest version of Java on your computer before installing the VPN.  You can find out if you have the latest version and download a new version at www.java.com.

Before using the VPN for the first time

If you have an old version of the campus VPN Client already installed on your machine, you can manually uninstall the old version with admin privileges. To do this, go to Start → Control Panel → Add/Remove Programs and Remove the "Cisco VPN Client". After removing the old version, you'll be prompted to reboot your machine; after rebooting, you can run the new installer.

Some older installations of the VPN Client may refuse to uninstall. If you run into one of these, this Uninstall utility should provide the kickstart you need

Using the VPN for the first time

1. Point your browser to http://cvpn.uchicago.edu.  We highly recommend using Firefox rather than Explorer as your browser.
2. Log in with your CNetID and Password.
3. The Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client should install on your computer.  This may take a few moments. NOTE: For Windows Vista and Windows 7 users, you may be asked to verify that you want to install the program from an “unknown publisher”.  Select Yes or Ok.
4. When the install is complete, you will see the Cisco AnyConnect icon in your system tray  (bottom right of your screen, by the clock).
5. To see details of the VPN connection, right click the Cisco AnyConnect icon and select Open AnyConnect.
6. To disconnect from the VPN, right click the Cisco AnyConnect icon and select Disconnect.

Subsequent times that you use the VPN:

1. Point your browser to cvpn.uchicago.edu. Again, we recommend Firefox, not Explorer.
2. Login with your CNetID and Password.
3. The Cisco AnyConnect Icon will display in the system tray.

Occasionally, Cisco AnyConnect VPN software will need to be updated. NSIT will push these updates to your computer when you log into the VPN at cvpn.uchicago.edu.  These updates will require admin privileges to install.

Back to VPN Documentation Home.