Set up VPN server under Windows 7
VPN servers are extremely practical so that you can also access the company or university intranet from home. However, since the setup can be a bit tricky, we show you here how it works under Windows 7.
1. VPN client: download the appropriate software
First of all, you need a suitable VPN client that enables you to connect in the first place. There are several providers - it is best to use the one that your company recommends. A widely used software is "OpenVPN", which you can download here.
2. Setting up VPN access
Before you can start surfing, you have to go through a setup process:
- Install the downloaded software by double-clicking on the exe file. You will be guided through the installation process as usual. Make a note of the file path under which the program is saved!
- After installation, you need two small files that define the access. You can get them directly from your company, university or similar. If you have these client and ovpn files, open the client's installation directory and look for the "config" folder. This should still be empty - move the received files here.
- Now it can almost start. You will usually find an icon of the VPN client on the desktop - right-click on it and then click on "Properties". Under the "Compatibility" tab you will find the option "Run program as administrator" at the bottom. Check the box here and select "Apply" - otherwise the connection will not work.
3. Connection to the VPN server
After successful setup, you can start the connection - this process must then be run through every time.
- Double-click the VPN client icon. Nothing seems to be happening, but an icon with two red screens appears on your taskbar.
- Right-click on this icon and select the item "Connect" or "Connect".
- A log window opens and one in which you enter your assigned user name and password.
- If you have done so, the login starts - when this is finished, the log window closes, the two screens in the task bar turn green and briefly show the message "[Your company] is now connected". And you're done - you're good to go.
The logout
If you want to end the VPN connection again, simply go back to the icon in the task bar. After a right click, a small menu opens, here you can either choose "Disconnect" or select "End". In the latter case, the software is closed and the connection is automatically disconnected.