OpenVPN on Windows 7, Vista and XP

INTRODUCTION

This is a manual for OpenVPN, an alternative to a VPN connection via Windows. The advantage of OpenVPN is that you do not need to configure as much yourself, because the software has already been correctly configured.

Virtual Private Networking (VPN) is used to set up a virtual network connection across another physical network connection. In this case, that involves setting up a VPN connection to the University of Twente, so that you will acquire an IP address starting with 130.89, even if your Internet Service Provider is not the same as that of the University of Twente.

There are two possible ways to use VPN:

In library use, all of your Internet traffic will go via the UTnet, which means you can search scientific databases with the UT’s licences. This will mean that your Internet connection is somewhat slower. On the Internet, your computer will act the same as a UT computer, because of this, it might be the case that services from your Internet provider (e.g. Live TV) will not work while you are connected via VPN.

·	In UTnet use you connect with the UTnet for all other things. This means that you will retain the speed of your Internet connection. Furthermore, this connection will put less of a load on the VPN server.

BEFORE YOU START

·	This manual is written for Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. All 32 bit. For 64 bit, the instructions are given separately, denoted by ^^. If you don’t know which bit version your Windows is, you can assume that you have a 32 bit system, since this is the standard.

·	When making your way through the manual, you will often be required to perform actions. For these actions, a consistent style of writing has been used: references to text and buttons on screens are printed in italics, information that you have to enter yourself is printed in bold.

·	Before you use VPN for the first time, you will need to synchronise your password here. If your password does not contain a minimum of 8 letters, you have to change your password here.

You require the following things:

·	An active Internet connection.

·	An ICT account. This is your student or employee number with corresponding password.

·	Local Administrator rights.

INSTALLATION OF OPENVPN

Step 1: Download the OpenVPN software ^^

·	Download the OpenVPN installer (32 bit) at the bottom of the page.

·	Open the installer.

64-bit Windows users:

·	Download OpenVPN with the installer that is compatible with 64 bit systems at the bottom of the page.

·	Open the installer.

Step 2: Licence Agreement

·	Click Next in the welcome screen.

·	Click I Agree if you agree with the Licence Agreement.

Licence Agreement

Step 3: Components ^^

The components that have to be installed are correctly selected as standard (in the 64-bit version, all boxes are selected).

·	Click Next.

components

Components (64 bits)

Step 4: User information ^^

·	Under User name enter your student or employee number.

·	Under Password enter your password (of your ICT account).

·	Click Next.

64-bit Windows users:

·	This window is not shown in the installer. You will enter this later on.

Gebruikersgegevens

Step 5: Install

·	Click Install.

·	When you receive the notification about control program or hardware click Still install this control program/Continue anyway.

Installeren

Hardware installation

Step 6: Finish

·	Click Next.

·	Click Finish.

Install

Step 7: Only for Windows Vista (XP: proceed to make a connection)

To ensure that OpenVPN works as it should, Windows Vista and 7 users have to go through one additional step. This is because the OpenVPN program has to run as Administrator.

·	Go to Start > All programs.

·	With the right mouse button, click OpenVPN GUI and then Properties.

·	Go to the Compatibility tab.

·	Select the option Run this program as an Administrator.

Properties

MAKE A CONNECTION

·	With the right mouse button click the icon from the system field (bottom right of your screen).

·	Select the connection that you wish to make and click Connect.

·	You might be asked again for your user name and password (i.e. your student or employee number with the password of your ICT account).

Connect

DOWNLOADS

▪ Download OpenVPN