Untangle VPN Setup

These instructions allow a successful connect to the VPN. Successfully connecting is a multi-step process. Before we get started, there are a few terms we want to define:

OpenVPN – Software used to connect your device to the network.

Firewall – Something between 2 devices that enforces security.

System tray – The bottom right area near the clock. Hit the triangle to see everything.

Remote Desktop – Software used to connect to target computers.

Target computer – The machine or server we want to access.

Credentials – The specific username and password used to log into a system.

First Time Setup

1. Install Open VPN. It can be downloaded here. Once installed, it should appear on your desktop or task tray (near clock). If it is not in the task tray, click the shortcut on your desktop.
   
   
2. Download and save the configuration file that we emailed.
3. Right click the OpenVpn icon in the system tray, and choose > import file. Import the file configuration file.
   
4. Right click the OpenVpn icon in the system tray and hit > connect to your VPN.
5. The VPN should be green when connected.

Certificate Update

If you already have OpenVpn installed, you may need an updated security certificate.

1. Download and run this script. (Note: script must be ran as admin)
2. Import the config file from steps 2 and 3 above.

Remote Desktop Connection

After the VPN is connected, use remote desktop to access the target machine. There are a few ways you can do this:

• Hold [Windows Key + R]. Type or copy: %windir%\system32\mstsc.exe
• Right click start menu and hit run. Type or copy: %windir%\system32\mstsc.exe
• Click the remote desktop icon on your desktop
• Locate the remote desktop icon in the list of installed programs, it is included with Windows.

Once you have the remote desktop program open,  use the IP address or computer name of the target machine. Using the IP address is more reliable.

• Type the address or name of the machine you would like to connect to where it says “Computer” in the remote desktop connection window.
• At the logon screen, enter the credentials for the target machine.

If all goes well, you should connect with no issue. If not, keep reading!

Troubleshooting

The biggest issue is always credentials. Users often do not know their correct username. Often the username and password of the machine you are sitting at is different than the target machine. Remember to use the correct credentials.

Some secure systems require the domain name in front of the username. Something like “abc\jonny” or “ecot.us\jonny” or spelled out like ecotsupplies.us\jonny”

There can be issues due to the firewall of the target computer. The firewall sometimes will block connections when the computer reboots, loses power, or does an update.

If the VPN is already connected, right click on the tray icon and hit disconnect. Now, right click and hit connect. Enter your provided username and password when prompted (if required.)

OpenVPN support for Mac’s is limited. We’ll need to setup a different VPN if you’re on a Mac.

The best solution is a computer reboot. If that doesn’t fix it, you’ll often need some tech support.