Colby VPN Connection – Microsoft Windows

NetExtender Client Installation and Activation

NetExtender VPN Client Installation

1 )  Click on (or browse to) https://vpn1.colby.edu

2 )  Enter your Colby account information in the dialog box.  Make sure that COLBY is selected as the domain as indicated below:  

vpnlogin

3 )  After authenticating you will be directed to the VPN portal page.  Depending on your browser type (Firefox or Internet Explorer), you may be required to allow popups from the web site and grant permission for the intaller to run.  Any required instructions will appear in the installer window - make sure to follow the instructions and grant permission whenever asked. 

If the installer does not start automatically, click on the installer (NetExtender) icon to begin the installation:

netextender-start

*NOTE - the installation requires administrator rights in WindowsXP.  If you receive an error due to priviledges and are unable to gain administrator rights, you may not be able to install the VPN client.

4 )  When the installation completes you may be prompted to restart your computer before you can activate the VPN - following a restart, follow the 'Connecting to the VPN' instructions below to start the connection. 

Connecting to the VPN

Once the NetExtender client is installed on your computer, it can be run at any time to connect to the VPN (an Internet connection is required).  The program can be launched using any of the following methods:

  • Double-click the NetExtender icon NetExtender-icon in the Windows system tray (by default, the lower right-hand corner of the screen) to launch the program
  • Run the program through the Windows start menu
  • Visit https://vpn1.colby.edu with a web browser

A valid Colby account username and password will be required for every connection.

A successful connection will yield a 'connected' status window:

vpn-connected

(note that the IP address is greyed out for security reasons)

To disconnect from the VPN, click the 'Disconnect' button in the status window above.

If you have questions or experience problems, Faculty and Staff may contact the Support Center at support@colby.edu or ext. 4222 and Students may contact Student Computer Services at scshelp@colby.edu or ext. 4224.