How to Set Up a VPN on Windows Vista | OpenVPN

How to Install

1. To download the OpenVPN Windows installer, visit the OpenVPN downloads page.
   . This is a simple, user-friendly GUI-based OpenVPN client software package for configuration and management on Windows OS.
2. Select the Windows Installer option.
3. Click Run to run the installer.
   . You may encounter a security prompt: “Do you want to run or save this file?” Click Run to run the software.
   . You may encounter a User Account Control prompt: “A program needs your permission to continue.” Click Continue.
4. The Setup Wizard prompt will appear. Click Next to continue.
5. The OpenVPN license agreement and terms appear. Click I Agree to continue.
6. The component selection dialog appears. Leave all components checked with their default settings and click Next.
7. Select your destination folder and click Install.
   . Note the Destination Folder location during install (usually C:\Program Files\OpenVPN)
8. When the installation is complete, click Next.
9. The wizard will notify you of the completion of the installation and prompt you to click Finish.
10. Download the Windows configuration (from your VPN provider).
11. Click Open.
12. Extract the files from the configuration ZIP into the config folder in the OpenVPN destination folder referenced in step 7. By default, it will be C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\config.
    . Click File.
    . Click Extract All.
    . A setup wizard window will open: “Welcome to the Compressed (zipped) Folders Extraction Wizard”. Click Next.
    . “Select a Destination” prompt will appear. Click Browse.
    . Locate the Destination Folder referred to in step 7, and find the config folder within it. Click Next to begin extraction.
    . Click Finish.

How to Connect

1. Find the OpenVPN GUI icon on your desktop and right-click it to bring up a context menu.
2. Select Run as Administrator.
3. If a User Account Control prompt appears, click Continue.
4. In the taskbar tray, right click on the OpenVPN GUI icon.
5. Find the site to connect to from the menu, and choose Connect from the site’s submenu.
6. Enter your VPN Login and Password when prompted and click OK.
7. The OpenVPN GUI icon in the tray will turn green once the secure connection is established.

How to Disconnect

1. Right click on the OpenVPN GUI icon in the taskbar.
2. Find the site you are connected to, and choose Disconnect from the site’s submenu.
3. The OpenVPN GUI icon in the tray will turn red once the disconnection is complete.