Is there an option to connect to the VPN before logging in using the SonicWall VPN Client?

Question

I read that there is an option in Windows XP and with the Cisco VPN client to logon to the VPN before logging into the machine; is it possible to connect to the VPN using the SonicWall VPN client prior to logging into a Windows 7 machine?

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Jan 28 '15 at 18:36

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There is not. The only way to accomplish this would be to set this ability globally for all VPN clients which is not a good idea as it relies on cached credentials. That said, if you really, really want to do this (again, not recommended!):

VPN > Settings > WAN GroupVPN > Configure

Click the Client tab

Change the "Cache XAUTH User Name and Password Client" dropdown from "Never" to "Always"

Instructions copied from here.

answered Jan 28 '15 at 18:36

Nathan C

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What about logging in as a local user, connecting to the VPN, and then leaving the VPN logged in, switching users and logging in as your domain user? It appeared to work when I tried it. – leeand00 Jan 28 '15 at 18:38
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Yes, that works fine. – Nathan C Jan 28 '15 at 19:03
And really you only have to do that if the password doesn't get cached or if they can't remember the cached password. – leeand00 Jan 28 '15 at 19:08
In the client you can also specify logon scripts it should run, so that may help alleviate some of the pain with the VPN as well. – Nathan C Jan 28 '15 at 19:16
Hmm, where are those specified? – leeand00 Jan 28 '15 at 19:19
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In the General tab of the VPN client, there's a checkbox at the bottom for it. – Nathan C Jan 28 '15 at 19:20

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Jun 27 '18 at 15:36

If you're using the SonicWall NetExtender (SSL VPN) client, then yes - you can connect to VPN before logging on to the domain.

After the NetExtender client is installed, you should see an additional icon appear on the logon screen, at the bottom right - I think it's next to the left of the power icon. Enter your login details as usual, then instead of clicking the arrow next to your details, click the VPN button at the bottom right. It will prompt you for the server name, username, password and domain for your VPN. Fill that in, click connect and then it'll connect via VPN before it authenticates your logon.

Is there an option to connect to the VPN before logging in using the SonicWall VPN Client?

2 Answers2