VPN - Known Issues

"Login denied" error message

  • Issue: Users that do not have access to VPN will receive the following error message when trying to connect:  
    Login denied. Your environment does not meet the access criteria defined by your administrator.
  • Resolution: If you believe your current affiliation should grant you access to VPN, please Contact the IT Service Center for assistance. 

Error message after upgrading to macOS High Sierra 10.13.4

  • Issue: Users that upgrade to macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 may see the following error message when using VPN. 
    Warning message: "Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client is not optimized for your Mac. This app needs to be updated by its developer to improve capability."
  • Resolution: The warning does not prevent the VPN client from working correctly, however the newest software version available from CU Boulder addresses this message. Remove the application and reinstall to dismiss the warning message by following these steps : 
    1. Uninstall AnyConnect by opening a terminal window and entering "sudo /opt/cisco/anyconnect/bin/anyconnect_uninstall.sh"
    2. Restart your computer
    3. Download and install the latest version of AnyConnect
  • Contact the IT Service Center for assistance. 
  • Last Updated: April 27, 2018

Windows users unable to install VPN and/or VPN not running correctly after installation

  • Issue: Some windows users are receiving an error message when attempting to install Cisco's AnyConnect VPN or VPN is not working.  
  • Resolution: 
    1. Download and run the Microsoft fix-it tool.
    2. Click Accept when presented with the terms page.
    3. Click Detect problems and let me select the fixes to apply.
    4. Click Uninstalling and a list of applications will appear.
    5. Scroll to applications beginning with Cisco AnyConnect.
    6. Select one of the applications beginning with Cisco AnyConnect, then click Next.
    7. Click Yes, try uninstall.
    8. On the Diagnosis is complete screen, select all fixes (if not already selected), then click Next.
    9. On the Troubleshooting is complete screen, click Next.
    10. On the Did this fix your problem?, select Yes, this fixed the issue and click Next.
    11. Click Close.
      • Note: If there is more than one application starting with Cisco AnyConnect, repeat this process for all applications.
    12. Reinstall the Cisco AnyConnect client for Windows.
  • Last Updated: August 17, 2015

Windows 8.1 users receive a ''Failed to initialize connection subsystem'' error

  • Issue: Microsoft's February updates introduced a specific OS bug that results in Windows 8.1 users receiving an error when they try to start Cisco's AnyConnect VPN. 
  • Resolution: Cisco has opened a case with Microsoft (case ID: 115021112390273) to fix the bug that is affecting AnyConnect. Until a permanent fix is issued by Microsoft, the workaround below will allow users to use AnyConnect.
  • Workaround: To install Microsoft's Fix it solution, click this Fix it link. Click Run in the File Download dialog box, and then follow the steps in the Fix it Wizard. Note: To apply this fix, you have to log off and then log back into your user session.
  • ​Remove Solution: To remove Microsoft's Fix it solution, click this Disable Fix it link.
  • Last Updated: February 17, 2015

Disconnected from VPN Session

  • Issue: Some users may get disconnected from their VPN session. 
  • Workaround: Please close out of your current session and reconnect. If the problem persists you can contact the IT Service Center at 303-735-4357 (5-HELP) or oithelp@colorado.edu to work through the issue.  
  • Last Updated: April 2, 2015