ERROR: The necessary VPN sub-system is not available...
Document Number: 54108
This is a Level B call - It contains moderately difficult end-user information.

Symptom:

This error The necessary VPN subsystem is not available. You will not be able to make a connection to the remote IPSec server or Warning 201: The necessary VPN subsystem is not available. You can not connect to the remote VPN server may appear if the Cisco VPN client is unable to connect with the Cisco VPN server.

Cause:

This error is the result of either:

1. If you are using the option to launch the VPN client before logging into the local machine, and you log into the machine before the VPN client login screen launches. (The current Cisco version 4.0.4(D) may take longer to launch than previous versions.)

2. The "Cisco Systems VPN Service" is not running, or your installation of the Cisco VPN has become corrupt.

Resolution:

If you have enabled the option to launch the VPN client before login, wait until you see the VPN client login before logging into the machine. (This option is not a default setting, and would only occur if you enabled it using the steps in Eureka! document 54119 — How to configure Cisco VPN to log into the network automatically.) Otherwise, you should verify the Cisco Systems VPN Service is started by following these steps:

1. Click the Start menu button, select Settings and then Control Panel.

2. Double-click on the Administrative Tools icon.

3. Double-click on the Services icon.

4. Locate the Cisco Systems, Inc. VPN Service.

5. The Status must be "Started", and the Startup Type must be "Automatic."
   • To make any changes, double-click on the Cisco Systems, Inc. VPN Service. The service's 'Properties' window will open.
     • To change the Service Status, single-click on the Start button.
     • To change the Startup Type, select the "Automatic" option from the drop-down list.

     • Click OK.

6. Close out of the Services window by clicking on the X box in the window's upper right corner.

You should now be able to successfully connect to the Cisco VPN server.

If you are still unable to connect, you will need to uninstall and reinstall the Cisco VPN client software. You must have a direct office network connection or internet to reinstall the Cisco VPN software. For instructions on uninstalling and reinstalling the Cisco VPN client software, see Eureka! document 54134 — How to uninstall/reinstall Cisco VPN client software.

Created by the PeopleSoft Knowledge Management Team.
Copyright © 2004 All rights reserved.
Created: pmg 04/18/2002
Revised: pmg 11/09/2004
Reviewed: 11/09/2004