Gathering Information for Customer Support

From Cisco Systems' VPN Client Administration Guide

If you are having problems running the VPN Client on your PC, you can gather system information that is helpful to a customer support representative. Windows can create a text file which you may attach to an e-mail message and send to the support center.

In Windows 98, ME or 2000

1. Go to the Start menu and select Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Information.
2. Make sure System Information is highlighted (top of the left column).
3. From the File menu, choose Export... and save the text file to your Desktop.

In Windows XP

1. Go to the Start menu and select All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Information.
2. Make sure System Summary is highlighted (top of the left column).
3. From the File menu, choose Export... and save the text file to your Desktop.

Tweaking & Known Issues

Note: You must be connected to the Internet first before proceeding to connect with VPN.

Disable Automatic Startup

In Windows NT, 2000 or XP, a shortcut to the VPN Client is placed in the Startup group folder, hence starting the VPN Client when Windows starts and, therefore, possibly slowing down your computer. To fix this problem, first * login with Administrator privileges *. Remove the shortcut from the Startup group in your Start menu. Then open your Services preferences by clicking Start, selecting Run and typing in SERVICES.MSC /S in the Open field. Find the Cisco Systems, Inc. VPN Service. Double-click the title to open its properties. In the middle, there is a field labeled Startup type: . Please set the attribute to the right to Manual.

Extraction Path

During setup, the extraction path cannot be changed to anything other than C:\TEMP.

Extraction Path, "TEMP" folder

After downloading and installing the VPN Client, you may delete the C:\TEMP folder that was created, along with the files within it.

Firewalls

Firewall settings may cause connection problems with the VPN Client. If your computer has a firewall enabled and the client experiences connection problems, try disabling the firewall while using the VPN Client. Firewalls may include the built-in Windows XP firewall or a third party program such as Zone Alarm, McAfee Personal Firewall or Norton Internet Security.

User name and Password

The VPN Client asks for a User name, which is really your entire USF e-mail address.

Samba Shares

You may not be able to mount a samba share by specifying the VPN subnet. You may have to allow all hosts from USF IP addresses (131.247...) in order to mount a samba share.

Windows 98 Shutdown Problems

From Cisco Systems' VPN Client Administration Guide

You may experience a problem with your Windows 98 system shutting down when the VPN Client software is installed. If so, you need to disable the "fast shutdown" feature, as follows...

1. Go to the Start menu and select Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Information.
2. From the Tools select System Configuration. Microsoft displays a Properties page. This will display a Properties page.
3. From the General page, select the Advanced button.
4. Select (check) the Disable Fast Shutdown option.