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Virtual Private Networks (VPN)

VPN Requirements

VPN Installation for Windows

VPN - Mapping a Network Drive

VPN - Accessing VIU Email from Home using Outlook

VPN - Using remote desktop from home

VPN Installation for a MAC

MAC - Connecting to Servers

VPN Troubleshooting

What is VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a private communications network used to establish a secure connection between a computer that is not on the VIU network (e.g. your home computer) and the VIU network using the Internet.   This provides greater security.

What can the VIU VPN be used for?

  • Provide access to your U: drive
  • Provide access to shared network drives
  • Provide access to restricted VIU websites without the use of a proxy server
  • To connect your home version of Microsoft® Outlook® with the VIU Exchange servers to allow for access to your email without using a web browser.

VPN Requirements

  1. Working Internet connection, such as Shaw or Telus (High-speed Internet recommended)
  2. One of the following Operating Systems:
    1. Windows® 2000
    2. Windows® XP
    3. Windows® Vista
    4. Windows® 7
    5. MAC OS X 10.2 or later (see VPN for a MAC for additional information)
  3. An active Capitan computer account
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VPN Installation

Please select the appropriate installation guide for your operating system:

Microsoft Windows 2000

Microsoft Windows XP

Microsoft Windows Vista

Microsoft Windows 7

Microsoft Windows 8

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Mapping to Network Drives

Once you have established a VPN connection you can map to your U: drive or other network shares you have access to. For assistance, please see our web page - Map a Network Drive

Using remote desktop connection from home

Please see our Remote desktop page.

Access VIU Email from Home with Outlook

Once you have established a VPN connection you can connect your home version of Microsoft® Outlook® with the VIU Exchange servers to allow for access to your VIU email without using a web browser.

Access VIU Email from Home with Outlook 2007 (pdf)

Access VIU Email from Home with Outlook 2010 (pdf)

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VPN for a MAC

In order to map to your U: drive with a MAC, your U: drive must be shared. Please contact the IT Helpdesk (ithelp@viu.ca or Local 6300) to have this done.

Connecting to VPN - MAC OS X 10.5 or later (pdf)

Connecting to Servers

Once you have established a VPN connection you can connect to servers through the GO menu in the Finder. Please see our information on Mapping to a Shared or U: drive with a MAC

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VPN Troubleshooting

Unable to map to U: or shared network drives

If a user is able to establish a connection to the VIU VPN but not able to map any drives, this is frequently caused by firewall settings.

Windows® XP/Windows® Vista Firewall
  • Open the Windows® Firewall (Start -> Control Panel -> Windows Firewall (or Security center -> Firewall)) .
  • Click on the Exceptions tab, Click Add Port...
  • In the name field enter VPN, in the Port Number field enter 1723, choose TCP, click OK
  • Click OK again to save settings and close Firewall window
Other Firewalls - including routers (see your user documentation for information)
  • Try lowering the security settings for the VIU VPN
  • Try opening TCP Port 1723 (for PPTP access)
  • Try adding the VIU VPN to your Trusted sites: vpn.mala.bc.ca
  • For Windows® XP Home Users you may need to add Hall to your trusted sites as well: hall.mala.bc.ca

How to add Trusted Sites to Internet Explorer(pdf)