Issue

Anonymizer Universal Cannot Connect to OpenVPN

Error Message

• The connection to the OpenVPN server timed out while authenticating user information.
• The connection timed out while getting configuration information from the OpenVPN server.
• Connection failed because the Anonymizer OpenVPN server could not be validated.

Resolution

These errors occur when OpenVPN authentication times out on the server side or Anonymizer Universal cannot retrieve configuration information from the server after authentication is complete. Most likely, this is due to an unavailable OpenVPN server or a blocked connection to AnonOpenVPN.exe. This error can occur while using both UDP and TCP mode of OpenVPN.

1. If this is the first time you have seen this error, restart the Anonymizer Universal client:
   • Right-click the Anonymizer Universal icon in the system tray located in the lower right-hand corner by the clock.
   • Select “Exit”
   • Double click on the Anonymizer Universal icon on the desktop or select Anonymizer Universal from “All Programs”.
   • Then click “Connect”.
2. If the error is seen as a result of AnonOpenVPN.exe being blocked, you may need to allow this program in your firewall or Security Suite.
   • Open your Firewall or Security Suite and select “Allow” for “AnonOpenVPN” under “Applications” or “Programs”.
   • Please see the Firewall sections to the left for more details.
3. This error can be resolved by switching the protocol being used by Anonymizer Universal. Use any of the options below:

Option 1

• To change connection methods, please insure Anonymizer Universal is not connected.
• Click on the “Anonymizer Universal” icon. (If already open with failed connection attempt click “Cancel”)
• Click the Settings to expand the menu.
• Locate the “Connection Method” drop down field.
• Select OpenVPN – TCP. (All of the connection methods offer the same 256-bit encryption.)

Option 2

• To change connection methods, please insure Anonymizer Universal is not connected.
• Click on the “Anonymizer Universal” icon. (If already open with failed connection attempt click “Cancel”)
• Click the Settings to expand the menu.
• Locate the “Connection Method” drop down field.
• Select OpenVPN – UDP. (All of the connection methods offer the same 256-bit encryption.)

Option 3

• To change connection methods, please insure Anonymizer Universal is not connected.
• Click on the “Anonymizer Universal” icon. (If already open with failed connection attempt click “Cancel”)
• Click the Settings to expand the menu.
• Locate the “Connection Method” drop down field.
• Select L2TP/IPSec (All of the connection methods offer the same 256-bit encryption.)