VPN (Virtual Private Network) Instructions for Windows Computers-The Library-University of California, Berkeley

Photograph: Student reading, South/Southeast Asia Library

VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Instructions for Windows computers

New software
Use these instructions to install the new AnyConnect VPN Client software. This is required if you have not upgraded since July 13, 2009.

VPN service is available to current UC Berkeley students, faculty, and staff. The client software runs on your off-campus computer. VPN allows you to access all our licensed resources as if you were using a campus computer. Some programs require VPN for off-campus use: ARTstor (Macintosh only), Luna Insight, MDL Crossfire Beilstein and Gmelin, SciFinder Scholar (client version only), the java client in UC Image Service, and the Connect function in EndNote. VPN will work with all web browsers and most types of Internet connection, except AOL.

Summary instructions

If you use the current UCB VPN client software, uninstall it (optional but recommended).

Go to the campus Cisco VPN website.

Download the AnyConnect VPN client for your version of Windows.

Install it on your computer (refer to this page for details).

Run VPN before using article databases, electronic journals, etc.
Always choose the "Library VPN" option.

Disconnect VPN when your session is finished.

Detailed instructions for Windows

These instructions have been tested on Windows Vista Home Premium. They may also work with other versions, though appearance and commands may vary. Instructions for Macintosh computers are also available.

NOTE: There may be special issues if your computer is behind a firewall, or if you use an older version of the Symantec Client Security (SCS) software. For more information see this UC Berkeley IST Knowledge Base article.

Uninstalling your current VPN software

This step is optional but recommended for those who are using the current UCB Cisco VPN client software.

Click the Start button.
Click on Control Panel.
Click on Uninstall a program.
From the list of programs, select Cisco Systems VPN Client.
Click on Uninstall.

Downloading the AnyConnect software

Have your CalNet ID and passphrase ready.
To download the software now, go to the campus Cisco VPN website.
If your version of Windows is listed, click on Download.
Click on the download icon for MSI Client Installer for Windows.

Screen image of 'You have chosen to open' window

Save File

When the download process is complete, locate the Installer file on your PC (appearance may vary depending on your Windows settings):
Exit all other Windows programs, and disable any antivirus software.
Double-click the icon shown above to run the VPN installer program.
Depending on your security software, you may see a window like this:

If so, click Run.

Installing the software

The installer displays this window:
Click Next to start the installation, then follow the instructions on the screen. The VPN Client will be installed in the default location C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\VPN Client.
When the installation has completed, the installer displays a confirmation.
Click Finish.
The installer prompts you to reboot your computer.
Click Yes.
You should not have to repeat this process.

Using VPN

NOTE: You will need to run VPN each time you want to use article databases, electronic journals, or other licensed library resources on your off-campus computer.

Click the Windows Start button.
In the search box that appears above this button, enter: vpn
In your search results, right-click on Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client.
In the right-click menu that appears, select Send to, then Desktop (create shortcut).
That will place this icon on your computer desktop
(in the future, you will not have to search for it):
Double-click on the icon.
You will see this window:
In the Connect to box, enter: ucbvpn.berkeley.edu
Then click on Select.
After a moment, the window will change.
Pull down the Group menu and select 3-Library_VPN
In the Username box, enter your CalNet ID.
In the Password box, enter your passphrase.

NOTE: In the future when you run the VPN client, steps 6-8 will be done automatically.

Click on Connect.
After a moment, a new icon will appear in your System Tray
(bottom right corner of your screen, shown here with red arrow):

You are now connected through VPN and can access any licensed library resources.

NOTE: If your printer is connected via a wireless or other Local Area Network, and you wish to print while using VPN, click the small icon to the right of the Connect to box (see illustrations above). In the window that appears, check the box for Enable local LAN access (if configured), then click OK.

Disconnecting VPN

NOTE: While the VPN software is running on your computer, all your Internet traffic is routed through the UC Berkeley campus network. To reduce the load on the network, disconnect VPN when your session is finished. This will not break your Internet connection.

In the lower right corner of your screen, right-click on the small VPN icon. A popup menu will appear.
Click on Disconnect.
VPN is now disconnected and you can resume normal Internet use.

NOTE:If your connection is idle for 30 minutes, VPN will "time out" automatically.

Getting help: VPN software download and configuration problems

Students: visit the Student Computer Consulting Service; you can make an appointment online.
Faculty and Staff: contact the IST Service Desk (connecting@berkeley.edu; 510-642-8500; Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

Getting help: Electronic resource access and availability questions

Please contact the Library via the Library Web Comment Form.

For more information

VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Instructions for Windows computers

Summary instructions