PCSC

Using X-Win 32 version 7 with the VPN at Boston University

PLEASE NOTE: This page was written for VERSION 7 (and earlier versions) of the X-Win32 software. Newer versions of X-Win32 are now available, and with them, these steps are no longer required. If you still have version 7, these instructions will work, but we recommend you download the newer version of X-Win32 to avoid having to follow the instructions on this page.

 

If you are not logged in to BU as your Internet Service Provider, you cannot make an X Windows connection to BU unless you first make a VPN connection. You must then tell your X Windows program to use the IP address assigned by the VPN as your display.

Configuring X-Win32 5.4 through 7 for use with the VPN

If you are using X-Win32 version 5.4 or later, you can use the XConfig utility to set the display option to 'ipsmart'. Then you will not need to trouble with it again.

Go to Start -> All Programs -> XWin32-> X-Config and click on the Display tab, then choose [ip smart] and click OK.

Configuring Even Older Versions of X-Win32 for use with the VPN

If you are using a version of X-Win32 older than version 5.4, please follow the steps below.

The steps may also provide assistance for those using a different emulator.

  1. Start the VPN. (You must launch the VPN to establish a tunnel before beginning this process.)

  2. Double-click the VPN icon in the system tray in the lower right corner of your screen to open the VPN Status window. (Or you may choose to right-click on this VPN icon and choose Status from the pop-up menu.)

  3. The Client IP address will be displayed. Note this number because you will need it to complete the process.

  4. Click OK. [DO NOT CLICK Disconnect.]

  5. Open the X-Util32 utility and select Options-Display from the menu bar to open the 'Display' window.

  6. Select (proxy) to open the 'Enter Proxy Address' window where you can enter the Client IP address you obtained from the VPN Status window. (If the Client IP address you previously set as the proxy still appears, you can simply select the other listed IP address in the Display window and then select '(proxy)' again to open the 'Enter Proxy Address' window.)

  7. Click OK to exit the 'Enter Proxy Address' window.

  8. Click OK to exit the 'Display' window.

  9. Close the X-Util32 utility and open your X-Win 32 connection.

These steps must be repeated every time you start a new tunnel.