Engineering VPN
Do you really need the VPN?
Before we get started setting up the VPN connection, we need to figure out if you really need the VPN.
Outlook Access
If you want to access your Engineering Exchange account from off campus using Outlook (not using Outlook Web Access), these instructions will help you get up and running without the hassle of the VPN.
File Storage Access
If you want to access your home directory (or any other file storage server) from off campus, these instructions will help you do so without the hassle of the VPN. Additional instructions to help you access file storage space other than your home directory are at the bottom of that page.
If these new email and file access methods don't meet your needs, then you do need to set up a connection to the VPN. Instructions for setting up your connection to the VPN are below.
Creating the Engineering VPN connection
Open up the Windows Control Panel. It will either look like this:
or this:
If your control panel looks like the second example, click on the "Switch to Category View" option in the upper left-hand area of the window. We will use this view to set up the VPN.
In the "Category View" control panel, click on "Network and Internet Connections".
Under "Pick a task...", choose "Create a connection to the network at your workplace". A wizard will start that looks like this:
Select "Virtual Private Network connection" and click "Next >".
Fill in "College of Engineering, ISU" for the Company Name.
Fill in "owa.eng.iastate.edu" for the computer to which you are connecting:
Click "Next >".
When asked "Create this connection for:", select "My use only". Click "Next >".
You will now be asked if you want to create a shortcut on your desktop. Make sure the box is checked. Click "Finish".
You have created the VPN connection.
Connecting using the new VPN connection
Double click on the "College of Engineering, ISU" shortcut that was created on your desktop.
Fill in your ISU NetID and password. Click "Connect".
That's it! You should be connected.
Help, questions, and comments should be directed to the assistance request form.
