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Using VPN on a university laptop

Using a VPN allows you to connect to the university network from off-campus. This will allow you to connect to any applications and services which are only available on campus.

VPN access can only be set up on a university managed laptop. 

To request VPN access, please complete a Remote Working Request form, and specify that you need VPN access.

Important notes about the VPN

To be able to log in you will need to use your chosen method of multifactor authentication that is currently used on your Microsoft Account.

While on campus and connected to an ethernet cable or docking station please disconnect from the VPN and Wi-Fi.

Only connect to VPN when you need to connect to campus Microsoft365, Teams, Zoom Moodle, Panopto and the majority of applications don’t need VPN.

When you reset your St Marys password, you may need to restart the Global Protect application in order to pick up the password change

 

The Conditions for Accessing VPN

  • You must be using a St Mary’s laptop.
  • Have a St Mary’s login account.
  • Your laptop is up to date with Windows updates.
  1. Go to settings.
  2. Update & Security.
  3. Check for updates.
  • You have Trend Micro Apex One (Antivirus software) installed and up to date.
  1. Go to the taskbar at the bottom right of your screen.
  2. Click the up arrow.
  3. Go to the Trend Micro Apex One icon.
  • The firewall is turned on.
  1. Search icon.
  2. Search for Windows Defender Firewall.
  3. Check its green and connected.

Once a VPN account has been created for you, you can connect following the steps below:

Step 1

  • Make sure you are connected to the Internet and check if a web page loads such as Google.
  • Navigate to the taskbar at the bottom right of your screen, click the up arrow.Shows an arrow pointing to the up arrow on the taskbar

Step 2

  • Click on the Globalprotect icon.Has an arrow pointing to the Globalprotect icon

Step 3

  • Then click the Connect/Enable button to connect.Shows an arrow pointing to the connect button on Globalprotect

Step 4

  • A web page will open and ask you to authenticate with your St Mary’s login details, using your username (i.e 21xxx@stmarys.ac.uk).Red box around the section where you input your username@stmarys.ac.uk

Step 5

  • You will be taken to the St Mary’s login page.A red box around the login area of the St Marys page where you input your username@stmarys.ac.uk and password

Step 6

  • You will need to authenticate, then you will be connected.Shows the authentication approval page to sign-in

 

Step 7

  • To disconnect, go to the Globalprotect icon in taskbar.
  1. Click the three lines at the top right of the box.An arrow pointing to the three lines of the top right corner of the Globalprotect box

  2. Click the disable button to disconnectShows an arrow pointing to the disable button

Once a VPN account has been created for you, you can connect following the steps below:

Step 1

  • Make sure you are connected to the internet and check if a web page loads such as Google.
  • Navigate to the taskbar at the top of the page and click on the Globalprotect icon.Arrow pointing at the Globalprotect icon

Step 2

  • Then click the Enable button to connect.                      Arrow pointing at the enable icon

Step 3

  • A web page will open and ask you to authenticate with your St Mary’s login details, using your username (i.e 21xxx@stmarys.ac.uk).Red box around the section where you input your username@stmarys.ac.uk

Step 4

  • You will be taken to the St Mary’s login page.A red box around the login area of the St Marys page where you input your username@stmarys.ac.uk and password 

Step 5

  • You will need to authenticate, then you will be connected.Shows the authentication approval page to sign-in

Step 6

  • To disconnect, go to the Globalprotect icon in taskbar.
  1. Click the three lines at the top right of the box.                An arrow pointing to the three lines of the top right corner of the Globalprotect box                   
  2. Click the disable button.                    Shows an arrow pointing to the disable button                   

If you are having issues connecting to the VPN after this has been configured for you, please check the common fixes below:

Check Wi-Fi Connection

  • If you cannot connect to VPN whilst on your Wi-Fi connection, you can try:
  1. Forget your current network.
  2. Try to connect to your Wi-Fi again.
  3. To do so, please click on the Wi-Fi symbol, right click on your wireless network, click Forget, and then reconnect to the network.
  • If you are unable to connect to your home Wi-Fi, please make sure that your proxy settings are disabled.
  1. Click the Start/Windows key in the bottom left of your desktop.
  2. Click the Settings Cog.
  3. Select Network & Internet.
  4. On the left panel, click Proxy.Disable/untick the setting, use a proxy server underneath Manual Proxy Setup.
  • If all these methods do not work, please restart your router, and check again.

Check the VPN is enabled

  • Open Globalprotect, navigate to the taskbar at the bottom right of your screen, click the up arrow.
  • Hover over the Globalprotect icon if it says not connected.
  • Click on the Globe icon.
  • Then click the Enable button.