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

VPN Client software is available for current UC Berkeley students, faculty, and staff. The 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, 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

Download the software via the campus Cisco VPN website.

Refer to this page for detailed installation directions.

Install the software on your computer, choosing the General Campus/Library Profiles option.

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 2000, Windows XP
and may also work with other versions.
For more information, see the User Guide.
Instructions for Macintosh computers are also available.

Downloading the software

Have your CalNet ID and passphrase ready.
To download the software now, go to the campus Cisco VPN website.
Click on the Cisco VPN link for your computer platform.
The download process will end with this window:
Exit all other Windows programs, and disable any antivirus software.
Click Open to run the VPN installer program.

Installing the software

The installer displays this window:

Do not change the checked options of "General Campus/Library Profiles" and "Add desktop icon".

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. If you want it placed in a different folder, enter the alternative location when prompted to do so.
When the installation has completed, the installer displays a confirmation.
Click Finish.
The installer prompts you to restart 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.

On your computer desktop, locate the Cisco VPN Client icon.
Double-click on the icon.
You will see this window:
Select the connection entry Library VPN
NOTE: To make this your default, right-click on "Library VPN"
and select "Set as Default Connection Entry".
Click on Connect.
You will see the "authentication" window:
In the Username box, enter your CalNet ID.
In the Password box, enter your passphrase.
Click OK.
When the process is finished, you will see a "VPN Client | Banner" window.
Click Continue.
You can now access any licensed library resources.

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 icon in the shape of a lock. A popup menu will appear.
Click on the Disconnect option.
If your connection is idle for 3 hours, VPN will "time out" automatically.

Getting help: VPN software download and configuration problems

Students: Help with this product is available at the Student Computer Consulting Service.
Faculty and Staff: contact C@B Faculty and Staff Consulting (consult@cab.berkeley.edu; 510-642-8899; M-F 10am-3pm).

Getting help: Electronic resource access and availability questions

Please contact the Library via the Library Web Comment Form.

Getting help: VPN Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)