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Connect from Off Campus (VPN)

How to use the Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access licensed library resources off campus.

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Getting started

These instructions are for the Software VPN, which is the preferred method for accessing library resources from off campus. 

The initial set up of the VPN may take you about 10 minutes. This is because you need to download and install software to your device, and configure the VPN settings.

Don't worry though — you only have to do this once! After this, using the VPN will be as simple as logging in.

Download and install the VPN

  1. Download the Cisco Secure Client for Windows. (If you have the Windows Surface Pro X tablet with an ARM-based processor, you should download the Cisco Secure Client for ARM64.)  
     
  2. Open the downloaded file from your browser or using File Explorer.
    Browser download menu.   Downloads folder in Windows File Explorer showing downloaded file.
    (If you're using some versions of Microsoft Edge, the program could download as a "sys_attachment.do" file. You will need to rename the file to "sys_attachment.msi".)
     
  3. Select Next on the Cisco Secure Client - AnyConnect VPN Setup dialog box.
    Cisco Secure Client Setup Wizard window, select Next.
     
  4. Review and Accept the terms in the License Agreement and select Next.
    Cisco Secure Client Setup Wizard window, accept License Agreement.
     
  5. Select Install.
    Cisco Secure Client Setup Wizard window, select Install.
     
  6. If prompted with a pop-up window asking: Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device? Select Yes.
    User Account Control pop-up window, select Yes.
     
  7. Select Finish.
    Cisco Secure Client Setup Wizard window, select Finish.

Configure the VPN

  1. From the Start menu, expand the Cisco folder and open/launch Cisco Secure Client.
    Navigating to the Cisco Secure Client from the Windows Start menu.
     
  2. Enter vpn.uci.edu in the Ready to Connect field and select Connect.
    VPN address "vpn.uci.edu" entered into Cisco Secure Client.

    The next part is very important. Please read carefully!     A pop-up window will appear to enter your UCInetID and password. Do NOT login yet!
     
  3. Before entering your UCInetID and password, move and/or shrink the UCInetID login window to be able to access the Group window.
     
  4. Select UCIFull from the Group drop-down menu.
    Cisco Secure Client Group menu showing UCIFull option.   VPN Group window with UCIFull selected.
     
  5. Return to the login window, enter your UCInetID and password, and select Login.
    UCInetID and password login window.
     
  6. You will be sent a Duo (multi-factor authentication) notification to approve. 
    Duo multi-factor authentication notification screen.
     
  7. A banner window will appear confirming that you have connected to UCI Full VPN. Select Accept to close the window.
    VPN connection banner, select Accept.
     
  8. Test My Connection to confirm you're properly connected.

Disconnect the VPN

When you're finished using the VPN, please remember to disconnect.

  1. Open/launch Cisco Secure Client.
     
  2. Select Disconnect.
    VPN Disconnect button.