64-bit Cisco Alternative for Windows 7

[geekinchief]

Thanks to some of the advice I saw in another thread here, I got Cisco VPN client installed in 32-bit W7. The problem is I am using 64-bit W7 on my home computer and need to connect to my hosting service to update my Web site and the hosting service makes you go through a Cisco VPN IPSec/UDP client before connecting via FTP.

Anyhow, I asked my host about 64-bit clients, since we know Cisco doesn't make a 64-bit client, and they suggested either NCP or Shrewsoft, neither of which currently works under Windows 7.

I was wondering if anyone else has been able to connect to a Cisco Ipsec firewall using W7 64-bit and what they used. Is it possible at all to use the built-in dial-up networking?

 

[gcstang]

Thanks to some of the advice I saw in another thread here, I got Cisco VPN client installed in 32-bit W7. The problem is I am using 64-bit W7 on my home computer and need to connect to my hosting service to update my Web site and the hosting service makes you go through a Cisco VPN IPSec/UDP client before connecting via FTP.

Anyhow, I asked my host about 64-bit clients, since we know Cisco doesn't make a 64-bit client, and they suggested either NCP or Shrewsoft, neither of which currently works under Windows 7.

I was wondering if anyone else has been able to connect to a Cisco Ipsec firewall using W7 64-bit and what they used. Is it possible at all to use the built-in dial-up networking?

Shrew is also available now in beta at : http://www.shrew.net

 

[cbdoc]

Shrew BSOD'd my Win7-64... have you had any luck?

 

[gcstang]

No luck with Shrew it won't connect (I think I've tried every possible combination of properties), NCP does work but that price is pretty steep....guess I'll have to go back to 32bit.

 

[cbdoc]

No luck with Shrew it won't connect (I think I've tried every possible combination of properties), NCP does work but that price is pretty steep....guess I'll have to go back to 32bit.

Have you tried running the Cisco client under virtual WinXP mode?

 

[gcstang]

Have you tried running the Cisco client under virtual WinXP mode?

Not sure how to start running that, any ideas?

 

[T3mp1]

Cisco AnyConnect Client

Cisco Anyconnect VPN Client works on Windows7-64bit but it only uses SSL and DTLS.

 

[gcstang]

Windows XP VM

I've resorted to using the XP VM with a Cisco client and routing, it's not optimal but it works.

 

[abailey]

I've resorted to using the XP VM with a Cisco client and routing, it's not optimal but it works.

gcstang, how did you get the host to route to XP Mode? What network setting did you use on XP Mode (NAT?)

 

[gcstang]

Too many issues with XP Mode

Started using Shrewsoft 2.1.5 or VirtualBox...

 

[kiwiruss]

Shrew latest 64 bit client works for me - windows 7 64bit on my dell 420 xps

 

[Rhyous]

ShrewSoft works Well

ShrewSoft works great for me...

 

[darkman]

Shrew Works Perfectly

Shrew worked like a charm, I installed the 2.1.5 client, rebooted fine, imported my organizations .PCF file and connected no problems.

 

[zpkek]

I am still struggling with Shrew and my work's Cisco VPN. I get connected (tunnel established) and can even start my remote desktop to login and do a little work, and then I get dropped. I've tried 2.1.6 betas and now am using 2.2 alphas and getting the longest connection with 2.2, but its dropped every minute or so... very frustrating.

But, I am happy with using the "windows 7 mode" workaround. I installed the windows 7 mode and then installed the 32-bit cisco client (5.x) on the xp VM (which is 32 bit windows xp). I then saved a remote desktop connection shortcut to my server at work and made an IE shortcut pointing to my work's internal only webmail (why would they call it web mail if they keep it inside the firewall?).

To "publish" the shortcuts, you need to drag them to Settings > All Users > Start Menu > Programs and they will appear in native Windows 7 start menu. Works like a charm, other than the 5 second wait when starting the VPN connection for the first time.

I'll keep messing with Shrew, but I've made a spreadsheet and tried almost every combination of settings on the "Phase 2" tab and still no success.

 

[zpkek]

Shrew success!

I am using shrew 2.2. alpha 9 and finally can connect for longer than a few minutes. I bet this would work with previous version, but I don't want to tempt fate. I guess the XP mode fix can just be a backup option now.

The only setting change I made after importing my cisco client profile was on the "client" tab. I changed "Nat Traversal" from "disable" to "force-rfc" I was messing with the Phase 2 tab based on some other advice I read here, but after reading all the way to the end of Rhyus' blog I started messing with NAT Traversal settings and voilà I'm connected!

 

[fosselius]

Hi,
I managed to get the Shrew client working just fine on my Win 7 x64 computer. Works well with some of my clients.

But for some of my clients I first have to give my id and password, after that a text message is sent to my cell phone with a code for me to enter. If I use Cisco on 32-bit system this works fine. Even the NCP client handles this fine (but I dont wont to buy the license), but when using Shrew this doesnt work at all. I recieve the text message but I never get any field to write the code in.

Has anyone got a solution for this?

 

[Dawn Fielden]

There is a Cisco 64 bit VPN client

I am not sure how we got one, but our company have a 64 bit CIsco VPN client. It was only obtained as of 12th August. The installer has what may be aversion number of 5.0.07.0290 - k9.

Hope this helps you, sorry I can't provide a link etc

 

[pparks1]

I am not sure how we got one, but our company have a 64 bit CIsco VPN client. It was only obtained as of 12th August. The installer has what may be aversion number of 5.0.07.0290 - k9.

Hope this helps you, sorry I can't provide a link etc

You probably have the Any Connect client from Cisco which can work with 64-bit. Unfortunately, some users don't have VPN Hardwrae that works with the Any Connect client or they don't have the necessary licensing or components currently and don't want to upgrade and thus cannot use the Any Connect client.

As far as I am aware, for the plain jane Cisco VPN Client..there isn't a 64-bit version and Cisco isn't working on one..They expect you to be using the Any Connect client.