Northern Illinois University

Information Technology Services

VPN Client Configuration on Windows 98/ME/NT/2K/XP

Note: The Cisco VPN client must already be installed before configuring the VPN client. See Downloads - Cisco VPN Client to download the client.

Connect the VPN client to NIUnet

  1. Start the VPN client by selecting Start -> Programs -> Northern Illinois University VPN Client -> Secure connect to NIUnet.

    Screen shot of Secure connect to NIUnet in the programs file
  2. Choose Connection Entry.
  3. Click the "Connect" icon to begin the connection process.

    Screen shot of connection screen. Click on Connect button to continue
  4. A user login box will appear. In the "Username" field enter your Z-ID / AccountID (Example: a10jxt1). In the "Password" field enter your password. Call the ITS Helpdesk at 815-753-8100 if you have trouble logging in.
  5. Click the "OK" button to login.

    Screen shot of login screen. Enter user name and password and click ok.

  6. To continue past the welcome screen click the "Continue" button.

    Screen shot of Welcome to NIU net
  7. The NIUnet VPN Client icon should now appear on the task bar in the lower right hand corner of the desktop/screen.

    Screen shot of the system tray in the lower right hand corner of the desktop/screen showing the VPN client Icon

Disconnect the VPN client from NIUnet

There are two ways to disconnect:

  • Right click the NIU Icon in the task bar and click "Disconnect."

    Screen shot of menu when the icon on the task bar is clicked with the right mouse button.
  • Or, double click the NIU icon in the task bar, and then click the "Disconnect" button.

    Screen shot of window that appears after double clicking the NIU icon on the task bar. Select the disconnect button.