Change the default server for Cisco AnyConnect

Windows:


1.  Log in to the VPN normally per the instructions at How do I connect to VPN with Enhanced CWL.

2.  Open a Windows Explorer (File Explorer) window.

3.  Copy this file path: C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Cisco\Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client

or %USERPROFILE%AppData\Local\Cisco\Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client if not installed on a C: drive.

4.  Paste the copied path into the Address Bar in Windows Explorer.

5.  Press Enter.

6.  Right-click the preferences.xml file and select Edit.

7. Edit the Default Host Name line (by default, this line reads <DefaultHostName></DefaultHostName>) to the following: <DefaultHostName>myvpn.ok.ubc.ca</DefaultHostName>

8.  Click File > Save.

9.  Quit the VPN client by right-clicking the Cisco AnyConnect icon in the system tray (left of the clock) and select Quit.


10. Re-open the Cisco AnyConnect client by selecting it from the Start Menu.

11. myvpn.ok.ubc.ca should automatically populate in the text box.



Mac:

  1. Quit AnyConnect.

  2. In Finder use Go -> Go to Folder... to open this directory: /opt/cisco/anyconnect/profile where you will find one or more files that end in .xml.

  3. Copy the xml files to the Desktop or another folder, leaving no .xml files in this directory.

  4. Start AnyConnect, type myvpn.ok.ubc.ca and connect.  This will download an updated copy of the .xml file for the profile you are using.

  5. Quit AnyConnect and relaunch - you should now see myvpn.ok.ubc.ca  either pre-filled in, or in the pulldown menu of choices.

  6. You can now delete the files you moved to your desktop.

Article ID: 1130
Created On: Wed, Jun 2, 2021 at 9:24 AM
Last Updated On: Wed, Mar 16, 2022 at 10:48 AM
Authored by: Steven Holden

Online URL: https://knowit.ok.ubc.ca/article/change-the-default-server-for-cisco-anyconnect-1130.html