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 (located at the bottom of this page).
- 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.
Windows:
Install OpenVPN Connect
1. Go to the official OpenVPN Connect website and download the '.msi' file to your system
2. Click the downloaded openvpn-connect .msi file and launch the setup of the application
3. Click 'Next'
4. Read the terms, click 'I accept the terms in the License Agreement' and press 'Next'
5. Click 'Install'. An administrative prompt will open and you will need to allow this prompt for the program to install
6. Once the program is installed click 'Finish'
7. OpenVPN Connect will open up at the end of installation and request agreement with their policies. Click Agree
Configure OpenVPN Connect
1. Click the link for the appropriate ".ovpn" configuration file located below to download it
2. Open the Downloads folder, double click the ".ovpn" configuration file, then continue with step 5 below. Otherwise continue with step 3.
3. Click 'Upload File' at the bottom of the OpenVPN Connect application
4. Locate and select the ".ovpn" configuration file you downloaded then click Open
5. Confirm your ".ovpn" configuration file import by clicking Import
6. Under 'Engineering VPN' click Connect
7. 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'
8. Confirm that the VPN is working by noting the "Securely Connected!" text
9. If you need to map network drives, please see the Map Network Drive Howto.
10. When you no longer need to be connected to the Engineering VPN, you may click Disconnect. When you need the VPN again you can just click Connect again in the OpenVPN Connect application.
macOS:
Install OpenVPN Connect
1. Go to the official OpenVPN Connect website and download the '.dmg' file to your system
2. Click the downloaded openvpn-connect .dmg file and launch the setup of the application
3. Double click the appropriate package for your CPU architecture
4. Click Continue
5. Click Continue
6. Click Agree to accept the terms of the software license agreement
7. Click Continue
8. Click Install
9. macOS will open a security prompt requiring your password to install OpenVPN Connect. Please supply your password then click 'Install Software'
10. Click Close
Configure OpenVPN Connect
1. Download the appropriate ".ovpn" configuration file located below
2. Open the Applications folder in Finder and double click OpenVPN Connect.app
3. The OpenVPN Connect Eula will appear, click AGREE
4. 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
5. Open the UPLOAD FILE tab
6. Click BROWSE
7. Locate and select the ".ovpn" configuration file you downloaded then click Open
8. 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'
9. Confirm that the VPN is working by noting the CONNECTED text
10. If you need to map network drives, please see the Map Network Drive Macosx Howto.
11. 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 just 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 https://www.egr.msu.edu/openvpn/engineering-vpn.ovpn
