Via Christi Health VPN Download

If you have XP Home, or any variation like "Media Edition", DO NOT install the client at the bottom of this page. Cisco has documented an issue with their client and all variations of XP Home Operating System. There is currently no expected resolution date. However, you do have the option of using the "SSL Client", which will be explained below.

Windows 98 users, please note that Microsoft Retired Mainstream Support on 30-Jun-2002.

Compatibility and support for Win 9x and any current VPN client can not be guaranteed.

If you experience problems using either of the new VPN clients described below, please call our Help Desk at (316) 689-6111 for assistance.

All authorized users, except as noted above, now have two options for accessing the Via Christi network through our VPN appliance. These options are the "Fat" client, attached below, and the "SSL Client", which does not required a full client install. Please note the following table.

The SSL Client Option for all Supported Operating Systems

In simple terms, the "SSL" client allows a person to connect to the ViaChristi network by using their Internet Browser. To do this, type the following URL into the address bar of your browser;

vpn1.via-christi.org

You will be prompted for your Network ID & password. Then, answer the Security Alerts and Certificate Notifications in the affirmative. When you have made a connection, a small Gold Key will appear in the lower right Task Bar. You may then proceed to access your authorized applications, as you normally would. This SSL connection can be made from any machine connected to the internet, which is outside of the ViaChristi network and not blocked by a Firewall.

The SSL Client is rapidly becoming the preferred method for connecting to the ViaChristi network. It is recommended that you try this option first and if it is satisfactory, you should not need to install the "Fat" Client.

Please be aware that the "Fat" client normally installs and generally works fine, but it is not supported, due to Microsoft having discontinued their support for this Operating System (OS). If you chose to try the SSL client, you will be presented with a "menu" of applications that are available. Currently, these are the only applications available to Windows 98 users, through the SSL Client. Some of them experience limited functionality, which has not been fully explored.

If you have Windows XP Home, or any variation, you must use the SSL Client, by going to "vpn1.via-christi.org". If you have Win 9x, the "Fat" client is the only option for full connectivity. However, the SSL Client does present a limited, yet potentially viable, alternative for Win 9x. If you have Windows 2000 or XP Pro, the choice is yours. The SSL Client is simpler, more convenient and is accessible from "anywhere". The "Fat" Client has slightly better performance, but is restricted to the machine that it is installed on.

For Users that prefer or need a full Client install, you will find the VPN client for accessing the Via-Christi data network, at the bottom of this page.

The client is a self-installing, executable program. If you should experience any problems, or have any questions beyond those explained above, please call our Help Desk at (316) 689-6111, for assistance. Although the Installation and connectivity process is relatively straightforward, you may also wish to print this page for further reference.

To obtain the client, "right click" on the link below and then click on "Save Target As". It is advisable that you save the file (VCRMC v4.6.02.0011.exe) to your "Desktop" and run it from there. Once you have saved the client to your PC's "Desktop", simply double-click the Desktop icon and the installation will begin.

- PLEASE DO NOT ABORT THE INSTALLATION ONCE IT HAS STARTED. --

Doing so WILL cause you serious problems!

Everything will be setup on your PC. It will add an Icon that looks like a little yellow "padlock" to the "Desktop" that says "VCRMC VPN Client". A folder will also be added to the Programs Menu (VCRMC VPN Client).

After it has installed and the PC has been rebooted, you can now double-click on "VCRMC VPN Client" (little yellow padlock) and click on "Connect", fill in your "User Name" & "Password", then click on "OK" or press Enter. A dialog box should eventually pop up with the message: "VCRMC VPN Access has been granted.", then press "Return" or click on "Continue". You have now established your connection.

Windows 9x users will have a slightly different experience, based on their individual PC.

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The single most common question at this point is "What do I do now?" That depends on the Application or Information you are trying to access. One good place to start is here;

http://vnet.via-christi.org

The internal ViaChristi web site should come up and you will have confirmed connectivity. All other resources depend on your access rights. A call to our Help Desk (689-6111) or to the Applications Analyst that you might be working with, would be your next step, if you require further assistance.

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Once the installation has been completed and you have verified your ability to connect to the VPN, you may delete the file (VCRMC v4.6.02.0011.exe) from your desktop.

If you are using a "dial-up" modem for Internet access, no VPN client will provide any benefit over our dial-up access. Please contact our Help Desk for a Remote Access Server (RAS) account, if you do not already have one.

Thank You and Good Luck to All.

Click to download the VPN client file