Windows 7: Cisco VPN Client on 64-bit W7?

Hi, I'm fresh installing Windows 7 and am considering going to 64 bit. My institution uses Cisco VPN Client for VPN access. I understand that there is no 64 bit version of the VPN client software. What to do? I've read that using XP Mode would work. I've also seen suggestions to use Shrew VPN client instead. Has anyone worked through this? Any advice? If using Shrew, what settings do I need to have from my Cisco VPN client before re-installing?

Thanks!
Jon

Hi JonEP, Im going to join you on this question. Right now I am using Ciscos's VPN Client threw XP mode and it works just want to look for a better solution.

I use Netgears Prosafe VPN via XP Mode 64bit.

This is a Cisco derivitive.

You can set up a shortcut for the VPN and XP remote desktop so you don't have to start the virtual machine, just click like all your other shortcuts.

Look for my threads in the Virtual forum.

Thanks rpmstl for the help. A question regarding this method or the xp mode method: my sense is that this will open a 'desktop inside a desktop', no? And I would then make a VPN connection from that screen? Once I'm connected by VPN, is it then possible to go to my normal, everyday browser, and connect through the VPN? It seems like I would probably need to open a browser from within the virtual window, and I wonder if this would come up as my normal browser. The reason I ask: I use a program called Zotero that is a Mozilla Firefox add-on-- I use it to download articles, etc. from databases, but I need VPN access to some of those databases. So I'd like to be able to establish a connection somewhow, but then also use my normal browser, with this plug-in, in order to browse...

DarkXeno--since you're using the XP Mode solution right now, can you give me a sense of what I'd be dealing with if I went that route? Is it necessary to use a browser from within the XP mode, too, or is it the case that once you are connected via Cisco VPN, your entire experience happens from within the VPN?

Thanks

I tried that XP Mode, it was not for me. Then I tried Shrew, and it works perfectly. Fast, easy, free... Try it!

Guys,

My employer uses the Cisco VPN too.

There is actually a 64 bit bersion of it, but they don't want to pay for it (tight-wads)!!!!

I am running the 32bit Virtual PC Windows/XP and the 32bit Cisco VPN client into it.

I have even created shortcuts and placed them on my Windows 7 desktop.

It all works perfectly, except for the s-l-o-w start up time of the 32bit VPC world.

I suspect there will be a few corporates out there doing this. After all, the cost of the 32bit XP VM is great! It's free!!!!!

XP Mode

Starts a Virtual Machine which launches a second OS called Virtual XP - a desktop within a desktop as you stated.. While in the VM (virtual machine) you are basically on another computer. Whatever app or browser you use is separate from the main OS (Win 7).

You can use both at the same time. The VPN could be connected to a site while the standard browser on Win 7 is also connected to the same site.

The convenient feature of XP Mode is that when you set up a shortcut to the VM app (your VPN), it looks like any other app and will connect without opening up a seperate desktop. But, it just LOOKS like you are using the app (VPN) with Win 7. It is really connected through the VM which once again, is basically a separate computer which doesn't have any physically properties - only virtual.

Clear?

OK, I figured out Shrew-- installed it, and then used "add > import" and set the setting to Cisco VPN (pcf) and navigated to the correct file. It seems to work. Thanks.

I personally use NCP-E beta in Windows 7 x64. It completely replaces Cisco and quite a few other IPSEC clients out there. Beta version is Windows 7 compatible.

Software

Cool. More options.

Many thanks for the "pointer" to it.