GlobalProtect VPN for Windows

GlobalProtect Installation (Windows)

This guide provides instructions for installing the Computer Science Department's GlobalProtect VPN on a Windows computer.

1.  **Download the GlobalProtect Agent**


    * Navigate to the ODU CS VPN portal: Open a web browser and go to [https://gp.cs.odu.edu :octicons-arrow-up-right-16:](https://gp.cs.odu.edu).
    * Log in: You will be prompted to enter your ODU CS credentials (CS_username and password).

        ![GlobalProtect Login Page](../img/portal_login.png){width="300"}

    * Download the agent: Once logged in, look for a link to download the GlobalProtect agent. Download the version appropriate for your Windows system (typically a 64-bit version if you have a modern computer).

        ![GlobalProtect Download Links](../img/portal_dl_page.png){width="300"}

2.  **Install the GlobalProtect Agent**

    Once the download is complete, you'll need to install the software.

    * Run the installer: Locate the downloaded MSI file and double-click it to start the installation process.

        ![GlobalProtect Installer Initial Window](../img/download.png){width="300"}

    * Follow the prompts:
        * Click "Next" on the welcome screen.

            ![GlobalProtect Installer Welcome Screen](../img/install1.png){width="300"}

        * Accept the default installation folder unless you have a specific reason to change it, then click "Next".

            ![GlobalProtect Installer Destination Folder](../img/install2.png){width="300"}

        * Click "Next" again to confirm the installation.

            ![GlobalProtect Installer Ready to Install](../img/install3.png){width="300"}

    * Complete the installation: Once the installation is finished, click "Close".

        ![GlobalProtect Installer Complete](../img/installdone.png){width="300"}


## Connecting and Authenticating with GlobalProtect

After installation, you can connect to the VPN.

1.  **Open GlobalProtect:**
    * The GlobalProtect client should launch automatically after installation. If not, you can find it by clicking the small upward-pointing arrow (show hidden icons) in your system tray at the bottom right of your screen. The GlobalProtect icon is a small globe.

        ![GlobalProtect System Tray Icon](../img/gp_connected_tray.png){width="300"}



2.  **Enter Portal Address:**
    * When the GlobalProtect window appears, it will ask for a portal address. If it's not pre-filled or is incorrect, enter: [gp.cs.odu.edu :octicons-arrow-up-right-16:](https://gp.cs.odu.edu)
    * Click "Connect".

        ![GlobalProtect Portal Address Window with gp.cs.odu.edu filled in](../img/gp_filled.png){width="300"}


3.  **Authenticate:**
    * The GlobalProtect client will show a "Connecting..." status and will redirect you to a web browser for authentication using your ODU CS credentials.

        ![GlobalProtect Connecting Window](../img/gp_connecting.png){width="300"}

    * Follow the prompts in your web browser. Once authenticated, you may see an "Authentication Complete" page in the browser. You can then close the browser tab.

        ![GlobalProtect Authentication Success Page in Browser](../img/gp_success_page.png){width="300"}

4.  **Connected Status:**
    * Once successfully connected, the GlobalProtect icon in the system tray will typically show a shield or indicate a connected status.

        ![GlobalProtect System Tray Connected Icon](../img/gp_connected_tray.png){width="300"}

    * The GlobalProtect window will also show "Connected".

        ![GlobalProtect Window Showing Connected Status](../img/gp_connected.png){width="300"}

## Disconnecting from GlobalProtect

When you no longer need the VPN connection:

1.  **Open GlobalProtect:** Click the GlobalProtect icon (the globe or shield showing a connected state) in your system tray.

    ![GlobalProtect System Tray Connected Icon](../img/gp_connected_tray.png){width="300"}

2.  **Disconnect:** Click the "Disconnect" button in the GlobalProtect window.

    ![GlobalProtect Window with Disconnect Button](../img/gp_connected.png){width="300"}

Windows GlobalProtect Troubleshooting

Incorrect Portal Address / Connection Failed: Ensure you have typed gp.cs.odu.edu correctly. If the connection fails with a message about the network being unreachable or the portal being unresponsive, check your internet connection first.
Incorrect Credentials: Double-check your ODU CS username and password. Make sure you are not using your general ODU MIDAS credentials since CS users have separate accounts.
Stuck on "Connecting..." (Embedded Browser): If the GlobalProtect client seems stuck on a "Connecting..." screen mentioning an "embedded browser" and does not proceed to the external browser for login, you might need to ensure your system allows GlobalProtect to open web pop-ups or try restarting the GlobalProtect client or your computer.
Applying a Registry Fix (Advanced): In some specific scenarios, a registry fix might be required. This should only be done if instructed by IT support or if you are comfortable editing the Windows Registry.
1. You would typically be provided with a .reg file (e.g., gp.reg).
2. Double-clicking this file will prompt a warning from the Registry Editor. Only proceed if you trust the source of the file. Click "Yes" to continue.
3. If successful, you will see a confirmation that the keys and values have been added to the registry.
4. Restart GlobalProtect or your computer afterwards.
Firewall Issues: Your personal firewall or antivirus software might be blocking the VPN connection. Temporarily disabling it for testing purposes might help identify if this is the cause (remember to re-enable it afterwards).
Outdated Client: If you have an older version of GlobalProtect installed, try uninstalling it and then reinstalling the latest version from the gp.cs.odu.edu portal.
Contact Support: If you continue to have issues, contact us through mail: root@cs.odu.edu