VPN Client and Vista 64-bit

[luthermiller]

We have several laptops that we need to install Vista on. We would prefer 64-bit so that we can really make use of the extra RAM these laptops have, however there is one program we require holding us back to 32-bit at the moment. Its the Cisco VPN Client. We have PIX 500 series hardware so we don't have any other VPN option right now.

All I would need to know is that Cisco does indeed plan to release a Vista 64-bit compatible of the software sometime soon (say in the next quarter).

Does anyone know if this is planned or not? Or is there some technological barrier keeping them from doing it?

[ggilbert]

Sir,

Unfortunately there is no VPN client software for the 64 bit OS.

The option at the moment for the 64 bit OS is Cisco Anyconnect client which is not supported on the PIX. (As you are aware of that).

At the moment there is a bug which is being tracked for the 64 bit OS. CSCsb35984

[luthermiller]

Thank you. As I posted originally, I already know that there is not VPN Client for 64-bit Vista.

However, I want to know if Cisco plans to fix this bug and release a version that does work with Vista 64-bit.

In the meantime we have found a free open source solution (VPNC) that works with Vista 64-bit and works with IPSec over UDP (but not with IPSec over TCP) and the PIX. So at least now we have a viable workarond.

[Jason Aarons]

We have similar issue with other customers needing the Cisco VPN client x64.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929490

[luthermiller]

The last TSC I opened the guy said that they are indeed working on this. We'll see.

In the meantime, I jumped through some major hoops and spent plenty of nonbillable time but we were able to get a combination of OpenVPN + VPNC working in the meantime (only supports UDP, though, not TCP). It was no easy task though.

Check out http://www.planetamd64.com/lofiversion/index.php?t5340.html

and http://blog.lizhao.com/2008/02/22/multiple-vpn-connections-at-the-same-time

but be prepared to spend some serious time getting it all to work, finding the right replacement scripts, etc.

[Phillip Remaker]

February 18, 2010
Due to popular demand, the Cisco VPN Client v5.0.7 open beta is now available!
In addition to serving as a general maintenance release, the Cisco VPN Client 5.0.7 beta is compatible with Windows 7 & Windows Vista 64-bit environments. 
A 64-bit specific compatible image is available for installation on these platforms.

Please have communicate feedback (both positive and problems) to cvc-beta@cisco.com.

Key Capabilities available for Beta Testing:
New Platform support – Windows 7 & Windows Vista 64-bit platform compatibility
Software Access: http://tools.cisco.com/support/downloads/go/Redirect.x?mdfid=281940730 (under 5.BETA)
Software is available for download by any customer with a Cisco.com SMARTnet™ enabled login.
Release Notes will be available next week via a link once the download image is selected.