Q: Why does Cisco AnyConnect from vpn.mit.edu fail to download, install, or connect?

This article refers to the Cisco AnyConnect VPN. If you're looking for information on the Prisma Access VPN Beta that uses the GobalConnect app, see: Prisma Access VPN Landing Page. If you're not sure which service you're using, see: [istcontrib:How do I know if I'm using the Cisco AnyConnect VPN or the Prisma Access VPN?]

Context

• Cisco AnyConenct VPN service available via vpn.mit.edu
• VPN connections to MITnet

Answer

This article collects a list solutions to common install, download, and connection problems observed with the new Cisco AnyConnect VPN software. If you are experiencing issues, troubleshooting steps can be generalized as follows:

• If you are using Internet Explorer make sure you allowed and installed the ActiveX control (as prompted) when you connected to vpn.mit.edu
• If you are using Internet Explorer and you are on a public network, make sure you have added https://vpn.mit.edu to your list of trusted sites (see [istcontrib:How do I add vpn.mit.edu to my list of trusted sites?])
• If you are using a Java based install (Firefox, Chrome, etc.) on Windows make sure you download and install Java from SUN's Java download site if it is not already installed
• If you are logged in as a standard or unprivileged user, log in as an administrator the first time to install the VPN client
• If you are running anti-virus, anti-spyware, or third-party firewall software, try to disable it connect to vpn.mit.edu again; (MIT's version of McAfee VirusScan Enterprise does not need to be disabled)

Specific interaction and compatibility issues we've come across

• [archive:My computer from Best Buy running Kapersky Anti-Virus won't connect to vpn.mit.edu]

See Also

• [Overview of Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client (vpn.mit.edu)]
• Cisco AnyConnect VPN Landing Page