=====OpenVPN configuration under Windows=====

**From July 2022, the new configuration file must be used. You update it as described at the bottom of this page.**\\
**The new configuration requires OpenVPN version > 2.5.**

For an OpenVPN client configuration under Windows, please either follow the short guide or the detailed guide.

=====Short Guide=====

  * Install the current OpenVPN package from [[https://openvpn.net/index.php/open-source/downloads.html|here]]. **Note:** Don't choose a version with the label '...beta...' in the name. You may have to scroll down.
  * Start OpenVPN using the desktop icon (Once started, you will find the icon on the **right** in your task bar)
  * Download the file [[https://noc.rub.de/download/openvpn/RUBvpn_Standard.ovpn|RUBvpn_Standard.ovpn]] and import it using the OpenVPN icon in the task bar
  * Establishing and closing a connection is done by right-clicking on the symbol **right** in the task bar

**Note:** If you see red marked lines during the connection establishment, this is not a safe indication of connection errors.\\
In case that no connection is established, you will find the [[https://noc.rub.de/web/faq|FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions]] here.

=====Detailed Guide=====

====Software download====
Please download the current OpenVPN package for Windows from the following (official) address (don't choose a version with the label '...beta...' in the name. You may have to scroll down.):

  * [[https://openvpn.net/index.php/open-source/downloads.html]]

Select the latest version of the installer for your operating system and download it.


====Installation====
A double click on the downloaded file starts the installation of the OpenVPN client. You will now be guided through the individual installation steps:

{{:anleitungen:openvpn:win7-01.png?320|}}
{{:anleitungen:openvpn:win7-02.png?320|}}

You can accept the default settings:

{{:anleitungen:openvpn:win7-03.png?320|}}
{{:anleitungen:openvpn:win7-04.png?320|}}

Finally, the installation is completed.

{{:anleitungen:openvpn:win7-06.png?320|}}
{{:anleitungen:openvpn:win7-07.png?320|}}

You can uncheck //Show Readme// on the last page. Then you do not have to close the Readme file after the installation.

====Configuration====
  * Download the following file: [[https://noc.rub.de/download/openvpn/RUBvpn_Standard.ovpn|RUBvpn_Standard.ovpn]] -- save it in your download directory
  * As soon as OpenVPN has been started, the icon appears on the **right side** of your task bar. From here you can operate the program.
  * Right-click on the OpenVPN icon in the task bar and select //Import File...//
  * Select the configuration file you just downloaded to import it. This should be confirmed with the message //File imported successfully//.

If you cannot download the configuration file or if it is displayed directly in the browser window, you can download it via the context menu (opens by right-clicking on the download link) and then via "Save target as". There are cases (or browsers) that do not offer this option. In this case you will have to use a different browser.

{{:anleitungen:openvpn:win7-15.png?|}}
{{:anleitungen:openvpn:win7-16.png?|}}
{{:anleitungen:openvpn:win7-17.png?|}}

====Connecting and disconnecting====
To start the OpenVPN connection, do the following:
  * If you have not already done so, start the OpenVPN client using the icon on your desktop. The small OpenVPN symbol now appears on the **right side** in your task bar.
  * Right-click on it and select //Connect// to start the connection.

{{:anleitungen:openvpn:win7-18.png?|}}

  * Enter your loginID and your password to establish the connection.

When the OpenVPN connection is started, the symbol turns yellow, then green:

{{:anleitungen:openvpn:win7-19.png?|}}

To disconnect, right-click the (green) OpenVPN icon again and select //Disconnect//.

====Update configuration====

Download the current configuration file here [[https://noc.rub.de/download/openvpn/RUBvpn_Standard.ovpn|RUBvpn_Standard.ovpn]].

It is necessary to delete old configuration files, preferably before you import a new one. To do this, go to the following two folders and, if available, delete all configuration files:

  * C:\Users\*USERNAME*\OpenVPN\config (Please make sure that you select the user name that has administrative rights.)
  * C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\config (Select the hard disk on which you have installed OpenVPN, it does not necessarily have to be called "C:".)

Then import the current configuration file again via the context menu (right-click on the OpenVPN icon on the right in the task bar) via "Import files".

====Frequently Asked Questions====
In case that no connection is established, you will find the [[https://noc.rub.de/web/faq|FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions]] here

Many thanks to Michael Szybko and a reseach group of the faculty of chemistry and biochemistry for the translation of this page.