Configure VPN for Microsoft Windows 7

Follow these instructions to set up the VPN client and then use the connection on the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system.

Setting up the connection

  1. Go to Start Menu > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Networking and Sharing Center. Select “Set up a new connection or network”. The Set up a connection wizard will appear.
  2. Select “Connect to a workplace” and click the “Next” button.
  3. Click the “Use my Internet connection (VPN)” button.
  4. In the Internet address field, type “vpn.ualr.edu”.
  5. In the Destination name field, type “UALR VPN”.
  6. Select the “Don’t connect now, just set it up so I can connect later” checkbox.
  7. Click the “Next” button.
  8. In the User name field, enter your UALR NetID.
  9. In the Password field, enter your UALR Net ID password.
  10. Leave everything else blank, and click “Create”.
  11. Click the “Close” button. The Set up a connection wizard will disappear, returning you to the Network and Sharing Center window.
  12. Select “Change adapter settings” in the left-hand Tasks list. The Network Connections window will appear.
  13. Select the UALR VPN icon and click the “Change settings of this connection” button in the task bar above the icon. Alternatively, you can right-click the UALR VPN icon and select Properties. The UALR VPN Properties window will appear.
  14. Select the Security tab, and then under “Type of VPN:” select “L2TP IPSec VPN” from the drop-down menu.
  15. Be sure that the “Allow these protocols” radio button is selected.
  16. Check “Unencrypted password (PAP)”, and uncheck any other boxes.
  17. Click “Advanced settings”, and select the “Use preshared key for authentication”.
  18. In the Key field, type “UALRHasData4U2Use” (this key is case sensitive). The key will display as plain text when you first enter it, however, when you return to this screen it will be hidden.
  19. Click “OK”.
  20. Select the Networking tab and highlight “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and then click the Properties button. The Internet Protocol 4 (TCP/IP) Properties window will appear.
  21. Click “Advanced”. The Advanced TCP/IP Settings window will appear.
  22. Uncheck the Use default gateway on remote network checkbox on the IP Settings tab and click the “OK” button.
  23. Click “OK” to exit the Internet Protocol 4 (TCP/IP) Properties window and then click “OK” again to exit the UALR VPN Properties window.

The VPN is now configured. You can close this window, and any other open windows, to return to the desktop.

Using the connection

These instructions assume you have a working Internet connection.

  1. Click your wireless icon, or network icon (depending on how you are connected to the network) in the System Tray (bottom right of screen).
  2. Click “UALR VPN” in the connection dialog box.
  3. Click “Connect”.
    1. Enter your UALR NetID in the User name field.
    2. Enter your UALR NetID password in the Password field.
  4. Click “Connect” again.
    The VPN client will attempt to make the connection, verify the username and password, and register your computer on the UALR campus network.

While you are connected to the UALR VPN service, you may access campus-only services such as shared drives and remote desktops.