Jeff's Connected Corner

Windows Server System news and real-world info

Finally... Cisco VPN Client for Vista Beta 2

After months/years of waiting, Cisco has finally published a Vista-compatible VPN client.  The version number is 4.8.01.0410, and the download is approximately 11MB.  I haven’t had a chance to install and test this yet since I’m on my way to another Tech-Ed 2006 session.  However, I wanted to get the info out to the community as soon as possible.  I’ll post some screen shots and a brief review as soon as possible.

Note: You need a valid Cisco CCO login to access the VPN client software.  However, there are no specific requirements to be on Cisco’s beta program or anything.  The Vista VPN client appears at the top of the list of Windows VPN client downloads.

Update: The new VPN client works like a champ under Vista Beta 2.  Check my photo gallery for screen shots of the install and runtime experience.

Update 2: I've had several requests, but unfortunately I can't share this software via e-mail or any other mechanism.  Thanks.

Only published comments... Jun 15 2006, 03:21 PM by Jeff
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Comments

 

Jeff Cashmore said:

Initial testing shows it does indeed work.
June 15, 2006 3:46 PM
 

Joachim Bergling said:

Hi Jeff,

Have you tried the Cisco WebVPN in Vista?
We use it on our office for remote access but during the installation it stops and says it is "Not supported"

Any comments, just send me an email: jb@melbourneitcbs.com
September 19, 2006 3:19 AM
 

Jeff said:

Joachim - yep, the Web/SSL VPN client is a non-starter for me too.  Tried all the recommended work-arounds (Trusted sites, protected mode off, etc.).  However, this thing won't fire the SSL VPN installer.  Will bug since it doesn't look like anyone else has.  All the bugs I find on Connect are for the full VPN Client installer... not the SSL client.  Thanks.
September 20, 2006 8:41 AM
 

Mike said:

Has been trying to set it up towards our Office VPN running a regular Cisco router with IOS but with no luck. Some bullets.
* I manage to authenticate
* Normal surfing is alright
* DNS resolution works (ping and trace is alright)

but no luck with either webmail, exchange, filesharing or any other application.

Any suggestions??

Im running RC1 and 4.8.01.0410

/Mike
September 21, 2006 1:25 PM
 

Tom G said:

I've registered with the Cisco site but can't seem to find where I need to go to get into the Beta program.  Could you post a link?

thanks,
-tg2
September 22, 2006 2:35 PM
 

Jeff said:

Mike - haven't seen this behavior before... although I haven't tested 4.8.01.0410 w/ RC1 yet.  Did your VPN work on previous builds and just now break on RC1... or has it always been DOA.  I've tested up to, but not including RC1 with success.

PS. I honestly haven't wanted to load it on my RC1 partition yet because everything is working pretty good and I'm gearing up for a demo.  Something low-level like the VPN client could really throw a wrench in those plans ;)

TomG - there isn't any public beta program that I know of (you'd think there would be w/ a company the size of Cisco).  The only way I know to get these bits is to have a CCO logon w/ permission to download the standard VPN client.  The beta VPN client is on the same download page - but you need credentials to get there.
September 22, 2006 3:46 PM
 

JesseHerrold said:

I've been running the Cisco VPN 4.8.01.0410 on Pre-RC1 with no problems. Now after a Pre-RC1 upgrade to RC1, build 5600, the client seems to be selective on which IOS your concentrator is running. I can connect to all our 'newer' concentrators, but this other single concentrator which i'm told is running "an older IOS" is not maintaining a stable or predectiable connection. After some research, a Cisco document was forwarded to me stating that 0410 doesn't work on RC1. I'm hoping they release another beta build that does work from their POV, but like I said, "it works on for me with three newer concentrators, but not one old one".
September 29, 2006 11:24 AM
 

Ryan said:

Hey guys any update on when WebVPN will be compatible with Vista?  Thanks for any info...

February 6, 2007 8:04 PM
 

Jeff said:

Ryan - darn good question.  I checked the SSL VPN client release notes (version 1.1.3.173) and didn't see any reference to Vista.  Even looked a few versions back and didn't see anything other than references to 2000/XP.  Not sure this has been fixed yet :(

February 14, 2007 2:02 PM
 

Buddy said:

There is a new VPN Client that is due to release end of month according to MS site.  It is called AnyConnect (32/64 bit version from what I gather).  I assume you can sign up at Cisco for it too or just wait until end of month.

April 27, 2007 1:29 PM
 

Josh said:

We recently purchased Cisco equipment without realizing how hard it would be to get cisco vpn client licenses. Tiger Direct who sold me the hardware won't sell the software and Cisco won't sell me the software. I'm going on two months without being able to connect via vpn with any of our Vista machines. I've never seen anything like the Cisco site and support where literally nobody seems to be able to do anything but take your name and address.

August 9, 2007 12:39 PM
 

Parkstreet1234 said:

Josh, don't waste your time. The Cisco VPN client they have for vista is SO buggy, and they do not plan to support their own products anymore. I have gone through HELL trying to get a Pix to work with Vista.

To everyone who owns a pix. Just put it in the trash can if you run a current Microsoft OS like Vista, which has been out for a year. The only solution is to give more money to Cisco, and buy an ASA. I was told they are giving up on the bugs for the Pix firewalls, and they blamed microsoft. You may need to go to small claims court to get your money back for your PIX firewalls, and also for your time wasted on their broken promises. This time I bought an ASA, but I am not really happy about why I had to buy it. If you use TAC, which is a waste, they will just tell you to buy an ASA and get ANYCONNECT. That is what they told me when i called TAC, althought ANYCONNECT is not even for the product I purchased, (the regular Pix). Also, the newest OS, Pix 7 is not supported on the Pix. Again, they could easily support Pix 7 OS on the pix, but are really dragging their feet hoping you will get frustrated enought and go buy a new firewall. I don't have alot of time right now, because my firewall is basically down because of TAC, so I had to buy an ASA. Next time I will not buy Cisco.

January 18, 2008 1:05 PM

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About Jeff

Jeff Centimano is a Windows Server MVP based in Fairway, KS (USA). In addition to blogging and freelance technical writing for Microsoft, Jeff leads the KC-MEC User Group (kcmec.org) and assists with various site duties here at WindowsConnected.com. Jeff has been in the IT industry since 1994 and is currently a Solutions Architect at EMC Global Services.
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