Service Alerts

Virtual Private Network

Windows XP: Connecting to the VPN via a Web Browser

Windows XP users have the option to use a VPN client via their Web browsers. (This client connects using the SSL protocol.) This version may result in fewer dropped connections.

Installing in Internet Explorer

You must have administrative privileges on the computer to complete this procedure.

  1. Make sure the UT VPN Desktop Client is not running on your computer, or errors will occur.
  2. Enter the following URL: https://vpn.utexas.edu. If your toolbar prompts you to allow the ActiveX control, choose to allow it. If you do not choose to allow it, the VPN program will attempt to use Java instead.
  3. Log in with your UT EID and password.
  4. Follow the prompts as the VPN server automatically checks to see if your browser has the required software and installs it on your computer. Following installation, your computer is automatically connected to the SSL based VPN service.

The next time you want to use the VPN, you can connect to the VPN by:

  • Opening the https://vpn.utexas.edu Web site in your browser. The Web site will always prompt you to log in, check for the required files, and establish the connection.
  • Running the program from your Start menu, then select All Programs, Cisco, AnyConnect VPN Client, AnyConnect VPN Client.

Whichever way you open the program, it always checks to ensure that you have the latest updates.

Installing in Firefox

You must have administrative privileges on the computer to complete this procedure.

  1. Make sure the UT VPN Desktop Client is not running on your computer, or errors will occur.
  2. Make sure the use of Java is enabled:
    • From the Tools menu, select Options.
    • Click the Content icon.
    • Make sure the Enable Java option is selected.
    • Click OK to close the dialog window.
  3. Enter the following URL: https://vpn.utexas.edu.
  4. Log in with your UT EID and password. If the browser displays a certificate error, select to run the program.
  5. Follow the prompts as the VPN server automatically checks to see if your browser has the required software and installs it on your computer. Following installation, your computer is automatically connected to the SSL based VPN service.

The next time you want to use the VPN, you can connect to the VPN by:

  • Opening the https://vpn.utexas.edu Web site in your browser. The Web site will always prompt you to log in, check for the required files, and establish the connection.
  • Running the program from your Start menu, then select All Programs, Cisco, AnyConnect VPN Client, AnyConnect VPN Client.

Whichever way you open the program, it always checks to ensure that you have the latest updates.