Cisco VPN Client on 64-bit W7?

[JonEP]

Hi, I'm fresh installing W7 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

 

[DarkXeno]

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.

 

[rpmstl]

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.

 

[JonEP]

following up a bit

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

 

[Opam]

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!

 

[bjrichus]

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.

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!!!!!

 

[rpmstl]

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?

 

[JonEP]

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.

 

[ochiru]

I personally use NCP-E beta in W7 x64. It completely replaces Cisco and quite a few other IPSEC clients out there. Beta version is W7 compatible.

Software

 

[bjrichus]

I personally use NCP-E beta in W7 x64. It completely replaces Cisco and quite a few other IPSEC clients out there. Beta version is W7 compatible.

Software

Cool. More options.

Many thanks for the "pointer" to it.

 

[ochiru]

Cool. More options.

Many thanks for the "pointer" to it.

No problem. I actually have like 6 vpn connections in NCP alone so you can image what mess it was when I had several VMs to manage all the connections.

 

[Tboy]

Cisco VPN Client was replaced by Cisco Anyconnect SSL VPN client.

It works great on Windows 7 x64 but requires a separate license for
each user. It is not free like the original VPN Client was. Also your Cisco ASA has to be configured to accept SSL VPN connections.

V5.0.05.xxxx is the last version of the Cisco VPN Client. It runs on
Windows 7 x32 (with a minor hack) but not on x64.

 

[chuckbales]

I know Shrew works fairly well for 64bit, although it may not work all the time as Cisco VPN tunnel terminations can be configured to only accept a connection from a Cisco VPN client, other clients will fail. Just one thing to watch out for.