Install a VPN Client and Connect - Windows

Owned by Sara Latour (Unlicensed)
Last updated: May 30, 2023 by Alana Sparks
2 min read

In order to access a Remote Desktop Workspace, you will need to connect to a virtual private network (VPN) from your computer. Once connected, you will log in to the networked computer via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) where you will have secure access to the workspace.

Instructions

Install OpenVPN

  1. Go to https://openvpn.net/community-downloads/ and download version 2.5.x of the MSI Installer appropriate for your Windows machine (usually 64-bit).

     

  2. Open the executable file to run the setup wizard and click on Install Now. If any Windows User Account Controls pop up asking if you would like to let the application make changes to your device click Yes.

Move Configuration Files and Connect

  1. Prior to connecting to the VPN you will need to move your VPN credentials zip file (received after Workspace approval) into OpenVPN. Navigate to the OpenVPN config directory (i.e., C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\Config).

  2. Unpack the VPN credentials zip file to this config directory (ex. C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\Config\OBIWorkspace-UDP4-1194-config). The zip file will contain:

    1. Personal Information Exchange File

    2. KEY file

    3. OpenVPN Config File

  3. If not already running, run the OpenVPN Client as an administrator. Right click the OpenVPN client icon and select Run as Administrator.

  4. As soon as the OpenVPN icon appears in the bottom right corner of the screen (on the taskbar), right-click it and select Change Password. Change the temporary password given to you to one that you would like to use.

     

  5. Right-click the OpenVPN icon in the bottom right corner of the screen again, click Connect and enter the password you just set. You are now connected to your OBI workspace VPN.