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VPN does not work with Windows XP SP2

Instructions Instructions


Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6
The Problem Unblock Firewall Add VPN by Program Or Add VPN by Port Restart Other firewall software

Step 1  The Problem  

VPN does not work with Windows XP SP2
If you install the VPN client and attempt to connect with the Windows XP SP2 firewall enabled (the default setting) the VPN client cannot connect to the VPN server. You will get an error message similar to the one below:


You must add VPN Client to the Exceptions list.



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Step 2  Unblock Firewall  

NOTE:  By default Windows Firewall will ask you if you want to add a program to the exception list the first time you use the program. You will see a message with three choices: Keep Blocking, Unblock, or Ask Me Later.

Keep Blocking: Adds the application to the Exceptions list but in a Disabled state so that the ports are not opened. By adding the application to the Exceptions list, Windows Firewall does not prompt you every time it is run.

Unblock: Adds the application to the Exceptions list in an Enabled state so that the ports are opened.

Ask Me Later: Blocks unsolicited incoming traffic and does not add it to the Exceptions list. You will be prompted again the next time the application is run.

Select Unblock from the above choices.

To Add VPN Client to the Exceptions List - Do one of the following:



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Step 3  Add VPN by Program  

By Program:
These are the general steps to add a program to the Windows XP SP2 Firewall Exceptions list. You should only do this for known, "safe" applications.

  • Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
  • Double-click Windows Firewall (or click Security Center and then Windows Firewall).
  • In the Windows Firewall control panel, click the Exceptions tab.
  • Click Add Program.
  • NOTE: You will see a list of installed programs.
  • Select the UAlbany VPN Client program and click OK to add the program (see below if the program is not listed).
  • Click OK to close the Windows Firewall control panel.
  • Restart the computer to enable these choices.
    NOTE: If you didn't see the name of a program you were attempting to add above, click the Browse button. Then click My Computer. Double Click on Local Disk (C:). Navigate to C:\Program Files\University At Albany\VPN Client\ and select cpvnd.exe

OR



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Step 4  Or Add VPN by Port  

Or By Port:
These are the general steps to add a port to the Windows XP SP2 Firewall Exceptions list. You should only do this for known, "safe" ports.

  • Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
  • Double-click Windows Firewall (or click Security Center and then Windows Firewall).
  • In the Windows Firewall control panel, click the Exceptions tab.
  • Click Add Port.
  • Enter the Name as VPN and the Port should be 62515. Select the UDP option and click OK to add the port.
  • Click OK to close the Windows Firewall control panel. 


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Step 5  Restart  
Restart the computer to enable these choices.

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Step 6  Other firewall software  
If you have any other firewall enabled (including Windows XP prior to SP2), please see your software's instructions for adding the port to the exceptions list.


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