VPN Client Installation

UH Virtual Private Network (UHVPN) is a utility which provides a secured connection for your computer. The VPN prevents your data from being intercepted while it is in route to the destination computer. The VPN client has the same functions as a firewall, therefore while the VPN client is running, you must turn off your firewall, or allow IPSec through on your firewall. On UH's wireless network, in order to get to any resources on the internet (outside of UH's network), you must have the VPN client running. Additionally, if you are trying to access network resources (your H: drive, e-mail via Outlook client) while you are off campus, you must have the VPN client running.

VPN Installation for Windows at the University of Houston

This software is available to UH students, faculty, and staff.

1. To download the latest version of the VPN Client software:
   • VPN Client for XP
   • VPN Client for Vista
   • VPN Client for MAC
2. From the software download page, do the following:
   • Click the Download link for the VPN Client.
   • Select Save and specify a destination you will remember, such as the Desktop.
   • NOTE: If you already have a version of the Cisco VPN client software installed on the computer, you will need to uninstall it first, using the Add/Remove Programs control panel.
3. After the download is complete, go to the location where you saved the file and double-click on the downloaded file, named something like "uhvpn_client_win.exe."
4. If asked to confirm opening the file, click the Run button.
5. When prompted by the WinZip Self-Extractor for an action, click the Unzip button. This will create a folder called "UHVPN47" on your computer's C: drive. After the files have been extracted, click the OK and Close buttons for WinZip.
6. Open My Computer, go to the C: drive, and double-click on the UHVPN47 folder.
7. Double-click on the "vpnclient_setup.exe" icon.
8. Once you have double-clicked the set-up icon, the Installation Wizard set-up window will appear.
9. Click the Next button, and the License Agreement window will appear.
10. Select "I accept the license agreement" and click the Next button. Two more windows will appear. Select Next for those, as well. The installation will begin and show the status window. NOTE: The amount of time remaining is an estimate. It may take longer than the amount of time shown.
11. The installation may appear to stall with the status window open. Look at the bottom of the screen at the Task Bar for an item waiting for you to respond. Click the Task Bar item.
12. Click the OK or Yes button. Similar windows may appear as many as four times. Click the OK or Yes buttons for each.
13. When the installation is complete, a window will appear saying the VPN client has been successful installed. Click the Finish button.
14. You will be asked to restart the computer. Save any work you have open and restart the computer.

Connecting via VPN

1. Once the computer has restarted, go to the Start menu and select All Programs, Cisco Systems VPN Client, and VPN Client. The main VPN Client window will appear.
2. Click the Connect icon, and the login window will appear.
3. To log in using VPN, enter your CougarNet username in the Username field, enter your CougarNet password in the Password field, and click the OK button.
4. Once you are connected, the VPN window will minimize to a closed gold lock icon on the taskbar near the clock.

To connect to the Law Library Databases you will need to use the Law Libary VPN.

Wireless and Remote Access

Law students, faculty, and staff can access the law library's electronic resources on the wireless network locally and remotely by using the law library VPN connection entry.  The current instructions and configuration file are posted below. If you have followed these instructions, but are still having problems with the VPN, contact Legal Information Technology for assistance.

The law library's configuration is set up to allow 200 concurrent users.  The Law Library asks that the law library's configuration file only be used to visit the law center's web pages, the library catalog, and the electronic resources listed on the Law Library's Indexes and Databases page.

The UHVPN connection entry must be used to access Anderson Library's electronic resources and electronic resources linked from the library catalog.

Using the VPN to Access the Law Library's Electronic Resources

The VPN (Virtual Private Network) can be used to access the Law Library's electronic resources remotely or on the wireless network.  Below are instructions for individuals on the Cougarnet domain to configure the VPN client.  Note that access to the LawLibrary VPN configuration file is restricted to users within the UHLC community on the Cougarnet domain. You must make sure to install the most current version of both the client and the law library configuation.

1. Install the VPN Client.

2. Download the LawLibrary configuration file.

Download the LawLibrary configuration file. After downloading the file, you need to "unzip" the file onto your desk top.

Your computer may be able to unzip the file. To determine if your computer can unzip the file, "right click" on the file and see if the unzip or open option is available.

If the unzip or open option isn't available, you need to download software onto your computer that can unzip the file. The Tucows web site provides a list of freeware and shareware software programs that can unzip the file.

3.  Import the LawLibrary configuration file into your VPN Client.

I.  Start the VPN client

II. Click on Import

III.               Browse to the file LawLibrary.pcf file you unzipped, highlight it and click "open"

4.  Change the connection to LawLibrary.

On the VPN client, you will now see two entries, UHVPN, and LawLibrary. Select LawLibrary from the list and click on connect.