= OpenVPN on Windows =

This howto was prepared and tested on Windows 7, 64 bit and Windows 7 32 bit.

<<TableOfContents()>>

== Install the client ==

'''1)''' Download the OpenVPN client from here: http://openvpn.net/index.php/open-source/downloads.html. You can also use the direct download links below:

 * Windows 7 64 bit: http://swupdate.openvpn.org/community/releases/openvpn-install-2.3.1-I001-x86_64.exe.
 * Windows 7 32 bit: http://swupdate.openvpn.org/community/releases/openvpn-install-2.3.1-I001-i686.exe

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'''2)''' Run the OpenVPN installer.

'''3)''' Choose the default selection of components when asked.

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'''4)''' Allow the installation of all the drivers the installation wizard wants to install.

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== Set up the connection ==

'''5)''' If you have not done this already this would be a great time to unzip the file containing your certificate and the connection configuration. Use the file named ''USERNAME_win.zip''.

There are two options to start the connection:

 1. From the [[#Command line]]
 1. From the [[#OpenVPN GUI]]

=== Command line ===

'''6a)''' Run the StartOpenVPN.bat that you extracted from the ZIP file in step 5.

'''7a)''' Agree to run the command with the Administrative privileges.

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'''8a)''' The connection should now be running. Please leave the command prompt window open to stay connected.

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'''9a)''' If you want to terminate the connection switch back to the command prompt and press ''F4''.

=== OpenVPN GUI ===

'''6b)''' Run the SetupGUI.bat that you extracted from the ZIP file in step 5.

'''7b)''' Agree to run the command with the Administrative privileges.

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This will copy the configuration files to C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\config so the GUI component will be able to see them.

'''8b)''' Run the OpenVPN GUI program that was installed in the steps 1-4. Make sure you run the OpenVPN GUI as an Administrator.

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'''9b)''' To start a connection right click the OpenVPN GUI icon in the Windows notification area.

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If you only have a single OpenVPN connection then select the ''Connect'' option from the menu.

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If you configured multiple OpenVPN connections then select the hover over the appropriate connection and select the ''
Connect'' option from the submenu.

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'''10b)''' Right click the OpenVPN GUI icon and select ''Disconnect'' to stop the VPN connection.

{{{#!wiki caution
'''Security consideration'''

The SetupGUI.bat copies your private key file to the C:\Program files\OpenVPN\config directory which may be accessible to other users. Please avoid this configuration if you are in there are multiple users using your computer.
}}}