VPN Connected but Can't Access Internal Resources

VPN Connected but Can't Access Internal Resources

If your VPN shows as connected but you cannot reach file shares, intranet sites, or internal applications, the issue is usually related to DNS resolution, split-tunnel routing, or a firewall rule. The VPN tunnel is working, but traffic is not reaching the correct destination.

Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Verify VPN is connected. Open the VPN client and confirm the status shows "Connected" with an assigned IP address.
  2. Try accessing the resource by IP address. If you normally access a file share by name (e.g., \\fileserver\shared), try using the IP address instead (e.g., \\10.0.1.5\shared). If the IP works but the name does not, the issue is DNS.
  3. Flush DNS. Open a Command Prompt, type ipconfig /flushdns, and press Enter. Then try accessing the resource again by name.
  4. Disconnect and reconnect VPN. Drop the VPN connection and establish it again. This refreshes the routing table and DNS settings.
  5. Restart your computer. A full restart clears cached network configurations that may conflict with the VPN.

If the Problem Persists

Submit a ticket with the specific resource you are trying to reach (name, URL, or IP), whether accessing by IP address works, and any error messages.

Still can't connect? Submit a ticket and a CMO IT Services technician will assist you.

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