Installing the My Expat Network VPN client on Windows 7

Ok lets get you up and running. Before you know it you'll be watching your favourite UK TV shows, unblocking Facebook to catchup with friends and family, safe in the knowledge that you have secure internet access to our British servers.

•••IMPORTANT NOTE•••

Due to Windows 7 being a new operating system you will be required to run the MyExpatNet VPN installer and client under Vista Compatibility as well as running it as an Administrator, but we'll show you how to do this in the setup.

The VPN client needs to be able to create new network connections to securely connect to our MyExpatNet servers in the UK, and to do this the application requires Admin permissions to write to system level files.

If you are unsure that you are a Computer Administrator you can check this by going to your Start Menu, choosing Control Panel, then User Accounts and Family Safety and finally User Accounts.

Within this window you can see all the user accounts and which type they are.

It is also recommended that you disable any anti-virus software during this process too

You may wish to turn off User Account Control to prevent additional windows popping up during installation. It's not a requirement but will make installation quicker for you.

Step One

On the desktop there should be the installer that you have downloaded from the My Expat Network site.

Right click on the MyExpatNetInstaller icon on your desktop and select Properties from the contextual menu that appears.

Step Two

A new window will appear. At the top of the window there are several tabs. Select Compatibility. From the choices that appear in the window below, check the box Run this program in compatibility mode for and then select Windows Vista from the pop up menu. Then at the bottom of the window check the box next to Run this program as an administrator.

Click the OK button.

Step Three

Double click on the MyExpatNet installer to begin the installation process.

If you have the User Account Control still enabled you will receive a window asking you if you want to allow the installer to make changes to your computer.

If you want to install the VPN client then you will need to click the Yes button.

Step Four

Please read the Licence Agreement carefully and if you are happy to proceed click the I Agree button.

Step Five

It is recommended that you use the default pathway into your Programme Files folder (or in the case of Windows 7 64-bit, the Programme Files (x86) folder).

Click on the Install button to continue.

Step Six

You will receive a window asking you if you want to install that the TAP-Win32 network adapters. You will need this adapter to allow you to connect to servers in the UK. Failure to install this component will render your VPN client useless.

Please click the Install button to continue.

Step Seven

Congratulations you have now installed the MyExpatNet VPN Client.

Click Finish to close the installation window.

Follow the instructions below to get you connected to the MyExpatNet service.

How to use the MyExpatNet VPN Client on Windows 7

Now that the VPN client is installed you’ll need to launch the application to enable you to visit all those websites that were previously blocked to you.

Step One

On your desktop you will now have a MyExpatNet GUI icon (see above)

As we did with the installer we need to set this up to run in compatibility mode and as an Admin.

So right click on the MyExpatNet GUI icon and choose Properties from the contextual menu that appears.

Step Two

The Properties window will appear. At the top of the window there are several tabs. Select Compatibility. From the choices that appear in the window below, check the box Run this program in compatibility mode for and then select Windows Vista from the pop up menu. Then at the bottom of the window check the box next to Run this program as an administrator.

Click the OK button.

Step Three

Double Click on the MyExpatNet GUI to start connection process.

If you have User Account Control turned on then you will receive a window asking you if you want to allow the following programme to make changes to your computer.

Click on the Yes button.

Once done you will see in your System Tray (bottom right of your desktop) an announcement that you are now connected to the My Expat Network.

Step Four

Now that you have created a new virtual network connection with our UK based servers Windows 7 will ask you what type of network connection you want to label it as. Choose the Home network location option. Windows 7 usually only asks you to do this once.

Once you select your network location you will receive a confirmation window. Click on the Close button.

You can now access UK based websites with out any restrictions.

Step Five

To disconnect from the service you will need to right-click on the System Tray icon (similar to the large MyExpatNet GUI icon on the desktop). A contextual menu will appear, from which you can choose Disconnect.

Step Six

To reconnect to the My Expat Network simply repeat the last step and this time choose Connect from the contextual menu.

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