The SSL website is set up to automatically detect whether you have a required VPN program called AnyConnect already installed. Most computers are able to do this successfully by following any default messages that appear using compatible web browsers:
Windows - using Internet Explorer version 8 or Firefox; IE9 is not compatible. The Cisco Systems VPN Client can also be used on 32-bit computers.
Macintosh - using Firefox; the Safari web browser may not work.
Alternate methods for using VPN are available: Mac OS 10.7 and 10.6 or OS 10.5.
Once AnyConnect has been downloaded and installed from the SSL website, you can follow instructions at the bottom of this page to connect to VPN in the future.
If your computer does not automatically install and run AnyConnect after logging into the SSL website, please follow the instructions below.
Installing AnyConnect on Windows
Please make sure that only one user account is logged in to the computer before starting; if not AnyConnect will not be able to install. You will also need to know the computer's administrator login and password to complete the installation.
Make sure the top field, GROUP, is set to NYP/CUMC. If not use the drop down arrow to the right to scroll and select it.
Type in your Columbia UNI login and its password, then select the Login button.
You will see a message for AUTHORIZED USERS ONLY... select the Continue button to continue logging in to VPN.
A message that AnyConnect will start... will appear in the web browser. Select the Start now link or wait for the countdown to finish.
If you see an error about trusted sites, click here to view instructions to resolve the error. Once you have added the SSL site as trusted in IE, you must completely close the browser and re-open it before continuing.
With Internet Explorer open, click on the Tools link in the upper menu bar, and select Internet Options from the drop down menu.
NOTE: If the Internet Options or Tools links are unavailable, your computer may be managed by an IT group. Please contact us at 5-Help (212-305-4357), option 5 if you are not sure how to request assistance on a managed computer.
Select the Security tab at the top of the Internet Options window.
Select the Trusted sites icon, then select the Sites button.
In the Add this website to the zone: field, type https://ssl.cpmc.columbia.edu
Select the Add button; the SSL website will appear in the larger the Websites field.
Select the Close button to close the Trusted Sites window.
Select the OK button at the bottom of the Internet Options to close.
If you see a message to Install ActiveX Control and the menu bar near the top is prompting to install 'AnyConnect VPN Client', click on the prompt at the top of the browser and select Install.
If a message stating The application's digital signature has been verified... make sure the From: field reads ssl.cpmc.columbia.edu and check the option to Always trust content from this publisher. Then select the Run button.
A pop up window will appear for the VPN Client Downloader and AnyConnect will begin to install.
If a window asking Do you want to install this software? appears and lists AnyConnect VPN Client in the Name field, select the Install button.
If a message stating AnyConnect profile settings mandate a single local user... appears, select the OK button and click here for instructions on resolving the issue.
This error appears when more than one user account is currently signed in to the computer.
Close all open programs and select Log Off from the main Windows menu (lower left corner Windows icon, then Shut Down - Log Off).
Make sure all users are logged out of the computer; if not log them off as well after verifying that any work they were doing has been saved.
Log back in and begin at step 1 above.
When done, the VPN Client Downloader window will display a message that Installation was successful, then Please wait while the VPN connection is established.
Once installation has finished and the VPN connection is completed, the web browser will display a Connection Established message.
The AnyConnect VPN Client icon will appear in the lower right corner of your computer screen, in the System Tray (near the clock). You may need to select the white up arrow (furthest to the left) in order to view all of the icons in the System Tray.
You are now connected to VPN and can close the SSL web site; AnyConnect will continue to keep you logged in to VPN until you disconnect.
For information on connecting to other campus resources that require VPN please see the About VPN page.
Using VPN with AnyConnect Once AnyConnect has been successfully installed using the steps above, you can simply launch this to connect to VPN in the future.
Make sure your computer is connected to the Internet.
Select the Windows icon or Start button in the lower left corner of your computer screen.
Click on the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client in the program list that appears. If you do not see it, look for the client's link within the Cisco folder.
NOTE: you can right-click on the icon to create a shortcut on your computer's desktop. Select Send to, then Desktop (create shortcut).
Make sure that the group field lists NYP/CUMC and log in with your Columbia UNI and password.
When done, follow the instructions in below to log out of VPN and close AnyConnect.
Disconnecting from VPN and closing AnyConnect
To exit VPN, right-click on the AnyConnect icon in the lower right corner of your computer screen (you may need to select the white up arrow first to view all icons).
From the menu that appears, left-click on Disconnect, then Quit.
The AnyConnect icon will no longer appear in the lower right toolbar.
Once AnyConnect has been successfully installed using the steps above, you can simply launch this to connect to VPN in the future.
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