Information Technology

MSUM-Wireless Network

Wireless Installation for Windows
Follow these instructions to configure your laptop for use on the MSUM wireless network.

Requirements
In order to configure for and use wireless services provided by MSUM, you must:

  • Be on campus at MSUM
  • Be a current student, faculty, or staff member at MSUM
  • Have 32-bit or 64-bit Windows 7, Vista or Windows XP (Note: Windows 95, 98, NT, and ME may work, but support will be limited from technical staff)
  • Have installed and configured a 802.11b or 802.11g compatible wireless network card or have 802.11b or 802.11g capabilities built-in to your laptop or hand-held device. A 802.11a wireless card will not work.

Installation Instructions
 NOTE: If you are running a Windows operating system AND have a Novell client installed, follow the instructions below before attempting to connect to the wireless network:

  • Make sure your laptop is NOT plugged into a wired port or dock.

  • Boot up your computer.

  • When the Novell login screen appears, check the "Workstation only" box. Enter your Windows username and password and click OK.

  • Follow Steps 1-3 below for wireless installation
     

Step 1: Connect to the MSUM Wireless Network
The wireless network called "MSUM-Wireless" is the same for all areas on campus except in residence halls. The name is also broadcast so that you don't have to manually enter it. By default, most computers should automatically connect to this network. Should your computer give you an error about connecting to an insecure network, disregard this error and connect anyway.
 

Make sure your wireless configuration is not using WEP or any other security method when you connect to the wireless network. The VPN Client you will install in step 2 will provide encryption.
 

Note: In residence halls you should connect to "GoMoorhead-MSUM".  You do not have to run the VPN Client to access the internet when connected to the "GoMoorhead-MSUM" network.
 

If you connect to any other network on campus, please disconnect and notify the IT department at #2603. Any other wireless network on campus is most likely not authorized and may be be incorrectly setup leaving your privacy and personal data at risk.
 

Step 2: Install VPN Client Software
MSUM uses VPN software to encrypt traffic and authenticate windows users to the wireless network.
 

If you have Windows Vista 64 please click on this link: http://web.mnstate.edu/it/wireless/wireless_windows64.shtml.

 

*NOTE: If you currently have a VPN Client on your PC and the client is working fine for you, you do not have to upgrade to the newer version, but you may upgrade if you choose.  The current downloadable version works with Windows Vista 32-bit.

 

  

  1. Download the VPN client software by clicking on web.mnstate.edu/it/wireless/ciscovpn-5.0.03.0560.exe and save to your desktop. 
  2. Run the installer. The installer will extract the files and then perform an installation. Follow the instructions from the installer program to complete the installation. NOTE: You may see error messages stating that this installer has not passed windows logo testing. This isn't a problem. Click on "Continue Anyway".  
  3. The installer will require a reboot of your computer when finished.
     

Step 3: Login and use the Wireless Network
Once you have successfully installed the VPN client and are able to connect to "MSUM-Wireless VPN", you will need to login to the network using the VPN client software.
 

In Windows, click on "Start" > "Programs" > the "Cisco Systems VPN Client" folder. Highlight and click on "VPN Client" to start the VPN client software.

In the "VPN Client" window, click on the "Connect" button. You will be prompted for a username and password. Enter your DragonMail login for the username. Enter your email password. Click on "OK".
 

Once authenticated, the VPN client will minimize to the task bar and appear as a yellow "lock" icon. Your computer is now connected and active on the wireless network.
 

NOTE: If you follow the steps above and are unable to connect to MSUM-Wireless, bring your laptop to the IT Help Desk on the First floor of the Library.  
 

To use the MSUM-Wireless network in the future, you only complete steps 1 and 3 above.
 

Connecting to Novell Drives on a MSUM Computer AFTER You Establish a VPN connection
To connect to your Novell drives, follow the instructions below. 

    right-click on the red N on the task bar and left-click on "Network Login..." Login into Novell as usual and connect all of your network drives.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For a list of frequently asked questions, please click here.