This document describes how to install and configure OpenVPN Connect on your computer or device using an appropriate ".ovpn" OpenVPN configuration file. OpenVPN allows Engineering users to remotely access authorized Engineering resources. Our OpenVPN server will only allow you to connect from outside networks. Our OpenVPN server transmits information much faster than previous Engineering VPNs and connects much quicker than Pulse/Ivanti. OpenVPN is intended to replace Pulse/Ivanti and all other VPN solutions previously offered by Engineering.
You will need:
- The ".ovpn" configuration file that is attached to this tutorial.
- A supported operating system:
- Windows
- macOS
- Android
- iOS
- ChromeOS (use Android OpenVPN Connect application)
- Linux (built-in GUI or OpenVPN command line application)
- FreeBSD (OpenVPN command line application)
- An OpenVPN-compatible application. DECS recommends the "OpenVPN Connect" application for all platforms above unless noted otherwise.
Choose the appropriate operating system link below for instructions.
Please contact the DECS Support Office if you have any questions or require assistance.
Install OpenVPN Connect
- Go to the official OpenVPN Connect website and download the .msi file to your system
- Click the downloaded openvpn-connect .msi file and launch the setup of the application
- Click Next
- Read the terms, click I accept the terms in the License Agreement and press Next
- Click Install. An administrative prompt will open and you will need to allow this prompt for the program to install
- Once the program is installed, click Finish
- OpenVPN Connect will open up at the end of installation and request agreement with their policies. Click Agree
Configure OpenVPN Connect
- Click the link for the appropriate .ovpn configuration file located below to download it
- Open the Downloads folder, double-click the .ovpn configuration file, then continue with step 5 below. Otherwise continue with step 3.
- Click Upload File at the bottom of the OpenVPN Connect application
Locate and select the .ovpn configuration file you downloaded. then click Open
- Confirm your .ovpn configuration file import by clicking Import
- Under Engineering VPN, click Connect
- Enter your Engineering NetID for the Username such as sparty (not a full email address — no slashes or dots) and enter your Engineering password, then click Enter
- Confirm that the VPN is working by noting the Securely Connected! text
- If you need to map network drives, please see the Map Network Drives How-To.
- When you no longer need to be connected to the Engineering VPN, you may click Disconnect. When you need the VPN again, you can click Connect again in the OpenVPN Connect application.
Install OpenVPN Connect
Go to the official OpenVPN Connect website and download the .dmg file to your system
Click the downloaded openvpn-connect .dmg file and launch the setup of the application
Double-click the appropriate package for your CPU architecture
Click Continue
Click Continue
Click Agree to accept the terms of the software license agreement
Click Continue
Click Install
macOS will open a security prompt requiring your password to install OpenVPN Connect. Please supply your password then click Install Software
Click Close
Configure OpenVPN Connect
- Download the appropriate .ovpn configuration file located below
Open the Applications folder in Finder and double-click OpenVPN Connect.app
The OpenVPN Connect Eula will appear, click Agree
Click the Downloads folder in the Dock, click the .ovpn configuration file, click OK to Import the openvpn config file, then continue with step 8. Otherwise, continue with step 5
Open the Upload File tab
Click Browse
Locate and select the .ovpn configuration file you downloaded, then click Open
Enter your Engineering NetID for the Username such as sparty (not a full email address — no slashes or dots). If you clicked Save password, you should also enter your Engineering password in the Password field. Finally, click Connect
Confirm that the VPN is working by noting the Connected text
- If you need to map network drives, please see the Map Network Drive MacOS X How-To.
- When you no longer need to be connected to the Engineering VPN, you may click the green switch near the top to disconnect. When you need the VPN again you can click Connect again in the OpenVPN Connect application.
.ovpn Configuration File
Click the file below to download it. You will need to authenticate with your Engineering NetID for the Username such as sparty (not a full email address, no slashes or dots) and your Engineering password.
If you are an Engineering user, please download the configuration file.