MSU VPN Troubleshooting
If you're unable to log in to the vpn.msstate.edu web portal:
- Be sure you're selecting the appropriate group in the dropdown. Students should choose the "Student" group, employees should choose "Employee", etc.
- Be sure you have access. Only students enrolled in a current or future term are eligible to use the MSU VPN. Only current employees (and those still within 120 days of their termination date), intermittent workers, official retirees, and some MSU affiliates (Wireless/VPN access must have been requested specifically) have access to use the MSU VPN.
- Clear the cache/cookies in your browser.
- Try using a different web browser.
If you've successfully downloaded and installed Cisco Secure Client (AnyConnect), but the application won't start:
- Try restarting your computer/device.
- Check for and install any operating system updates for your device.
- Check the time, time zone, and date settings on your computer/device to ensure they're correct.
- Check if there is a conflicting VPN program currently running or installed. Close or uninstall it.
- Check if there is an expired antivirus product installed (McAfee especially). Uninstall it.
- Uninstall Cisco Secure Client (AnyConnect), then reinstall. Consider using a program such as Revo Uninstaller to remove any leftover file remnants of Cisco Secure Client (AnyConnect) before trying to reinstall.
If Cisco Secure Client (AnyConnect) will start, but won't connect to the MSU VPN successfully:
- Be sure you've entered vpn.msstate.edu for the server name.
- Be sure you're selecting the appropriate group in the dropdown. Students should choose the "Student" group, employees should choose "Employee", etc.
- Be sure you're correctly entering in your correct NetID, NetPassword, then the word push or a Duo passcode in the Duo/2nd password field.
- Try restarting your computer/device.
- Check the time, time zone, and date settings on your computer/device to ensure they're correct.
- Check for and install any operating system updates for your device.
- Check if there is a conflicting VPN program (or other type of networking program such as a third party firewall) currently running or installed. Close or uninstall it.
- Check if there is an expired antivirus product installed (McAfee especially). Uninstall it.
- Uninstall Cisco Secure Client (AnyConnect), then reinstall. Consider using a program such as Revo Uninstaller to remove any leftover file remnants of Cisco Secure Client (AnyConnect) before trying to reinstall.
If you are still unable to successfully install or connect to the MSU VPN after performing the troubleshooting above, please submit a ticket using the Request assistance with Cisco Secure Client (AnyConnect) VPN service. Include the following when making this request:
- Operating system you're currently using (macOS Sonoma, Windows 11, iOS 18, Android 15, etc.)
- Any error codes received and a detailed explanation of the issue including the steps to reproduce it.
- If you're able to launch Cisco Secure Client (AnyConnect), include the name of the group being chosen and which Duo option is being used (typing push or entering a passcode).
- Any troubleshooting steps taken so far.