While in the process of doing setup on my laptop which is running Windows Vista (64 bit), I had to install my VPN client. To my amazement Cisco has made the decision not to upgrade their VPN client to support the operating system. Instead they are offering a new client called AnyConnect, but it requires some hardware upgrades. I don't know the reason behind Cisco's decision, whether technical or financial, but I was not happy.
I thought I was up a creek. My only option would be to create a Virtual Maching with a 32 bit operating system and install the client there. While this was a viable option, it was certainly not optimal. I had no desire to use a VM for all my daily work. So I kept digging and came across the NCP Secure Entry Client which is a universal client (Vista 64 bit compatible) that works with many gateways including Cisco. While it isn't free, the price was approximately $144, it does work. I was able to install the trial version, import the network profile (.pcf file) and get connected in minutes.
Keep in mind, I have only been using this for a short time, but so far I have not encountered a single issue with the tool. If you need a client to use on Vista 64 and are connected to a Cisco gateway, this might be a good option for you to research.
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For those who were wondering, I have found the NCP Secure Entry Client to be an excellent solution. I have used it daily over the trial period with a few hiccups. When I contacted support I received fast, friendly and helpful responses. I just purchased the tool this evening and recommend it completely to anyone looking for a solution.
I am trying to set up the NCP Secure Entry Client for my Vista 64 laptop. How am I supposed to export my current settings (in Cisco VPN client) & import them in NCP?
Any help is deeply appreciated...
Hi Berk, you will need to find your .pcf file. This should be located under the C:\Program Files\Cisco\VPN Client\Profiles directory or whatever location you have Cisco installed. You can then use the "Profile Import" menu option located under Configuration to import the .pcf file settings. Hope this helps.
Thanks John, it's working like a charm!
I just downloaded the trial version of NCP to use as a Cisco alternative (for an XP 64-bit installation).
I imported the .pcf file I use with Cisco and tried connecting using NCP, but everytime I do so I get an "Error: 4021" message. I tried looking online as well as on Secure Entry Client's help files, but could find nothing. I contacted support via email, but was hoping someone here would have an idea on what could be causing this/how to solve it.
Thanks in advance.
Tom,
I suspect you received a timely response from the NCP support. Unfortunately I am not privy to the specific codes that their application gives. If they provided you an answer and you are willing, please post it here for those who visit the post in the future.
Thanks,
John
Tom,
Did you ever resolve your error 4021? We're having the same problem and I was hoping you had an answer.
Thanks,
Richard
Richard,
I did a search on NCP's website for "4021" and did not get a result. I just sent a note to NCP asking if they could provide some insight into that error code. Hopefully it is something easily explained or they have a support page for it. If I hear anything back I will post a response here.
ERROR: 4021 indicates that a connection attempt is being made, and for some reason, the very first message the client is sending to the gateway is being left unanswered, indicating the message never arrives to the gateway, or the responses are not making it back to your machine (this could be due to firewall restrictions, networking issues, or the presence of another VPN client on the same platform). The client has attempted this 5 times before it gives up/times out waiting for a response. If you can, check the gateway's log to see if the connection requests actually come in, and if they do, then try to determine what is wrong with them (if anything) and then try to determine if the responses are coming back to the device.
I got the same "Error 4021".I have a vista 64 bit and have tried using the NCP client however, it showed the 4021 error. I uninstalled the Cisco client that was partially installed but gave an error at the very end. I restarted my system and NCP worked! It does not give me the 4021 error anymore. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the program alternative John, too bad it's a bit expensive.. guess i'll just use the trial version over and over again :)
Thanks for the details!! I had my Vista x64 connected to my work in just a couple minutes! By the way, it connects in only a few seconds, compared to nearly a minute for the Cisco client.
Use the SourceForge VPNC project:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/vpncfe/files/vpncfe/0.9.0/vpncfe-0.9.0-setup.exe/download
I'm getting an error when importing my pcf that says "ungultige dateiname". I speak German and that basically means invalid data... i tried all options there (using a password; not using a password, etc.) - not sure waht the problem is. I wonder if it's the version of NCP i'm trying?
I'm getting an error when importing my pcf that says "ungultige dateiname". I speak German and that basically means invalid data... i tried all options there (using a password; not using a password, etc.) - not sure waht the problem is. I wonder if it's the version of NCP i'm trying?
I just tried this free Shrew IPsec VPN client, it works well in vista x64 and win 7 RC x64. I was also able to import a cisco .pcf directly into shrew. Just select the pcf file and import.
http://www.shrew.net/software
Shrew has supports for windows, linux and BSD
There is no need to buy NCP VPN client or TheGreenBow VPN client.
I am missing something obvious, with the cisco client in XP I simply enter the address, groupname and password and I am on. With NCP and Shrew there are far many more options in creating a profile and I am yet to connect with either.
When I transitioned I was importing an existing .PCF file, but it is just storing the same information you are providing. I would recommend sending an e-mail to NCP support if you are having difficulty. They were always very quick to respond and extremely helpful, when I needed assistance.
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