WiscVPN GlobalProtect (Windows) - Troubleshooting

This doc outlines the typical troubleshooting steps to follow when WiscVPN (Palo Alto GlobalProtect) is not working on a Windows machine.

Standard Troubleshooting

Uninstall and Reinstall Palo Alto Globalprotect

  1. Uninstall GlobalProtect - WiscVPN GlobalProtect (Windows) - Uninstalling
  2. Update your Windows Folder settings to show hidden files and folders.
    • Windows 10: 
      • Hit the Windows key on your keyboard and type (without quotes) "Show hidden"
      • Click the option that says Show hidden files and folders.
      • Click the line that says Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
      • Click Apply, then OK.
    • Windows 11:
      • Hit the Windows key on your keyboard and type (without quotes) "Show hidden"
      • Click the option that says Show hidden files in file explorer.
      • On the line that says Show hidden and system files, set the switch to On.
        Show hidden files toggle
  3. Delete the following folders on your Windows computer:
    • C:\Program Files\Palo Alto Networks
    • C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Palo Alto Network
  4. Reinstall GlobalProtect - WiscVPN GlobalProtect (Windows) - Installing
  5. Re-attempt to connect - WiscVPN GlobalProtect (Windows) - Connecting and Disconnecting

Use the correct portal address

Portal address for WiscVPN: uwmadison.vpn.wisc.edu

Resolve an incorrect portal address

  1. Open GlobalProtect.
  2. Click the hamburger icon in the top-right corner, then click Settings.
  3. In the Connections tab, look for "uwmadison.vpn.wisc.edu" under Manage Portals
    • Note: If you are using a departmental VPN, check for that specific portal address.
  4. If you see any incorrect portal addresses under Manage Portals, select them and click the trash can icon to delete them.
  5. Click the plus icon and enter the correct portal address.
  6. Close the settings and attempt to connect to the VPN - WiscVPN GlobalProtect (Windows) - Connecting and Disconnecting

Check for GlobalProtect updates

Update GlobalProtect to make sure it is compatible with your version of Windows.

  1. Open GlobalProtect.
  2. Click the hamburger icon in the top-right corner.
  3. Click Settings.
  4. In the About tab, click Check for Updates.
  5. A prompt will appear if an update is available. If no update is available, no prompt will appear.
  6. In the prompt, click Download, then click Install.
  7. Restart your computer.
  8. Open GlobalProtect and attempt to connect to the VPN - WiscVPN GlobalProtect (Windows) - Connecting and Disconnecting

Common Errors

Error Message: "Could not connect to the GlobalProtect service"

Symptoms

When you enter the portal address into GlobalProtect, you are not prompted for your login credentials and the Connect button doesn't seem to do anything. You may be receiving this error message:

Error code 10061 message

This error can also be seen in the PanGPA.log as "Return error code = 10061". To download and see your GlobalProtect logs, see GlobalProtect VPN - Information to Collect for Client Connectivity Troubleshooting

Solution

This usually occurs when you have downloaded the wrong version of GlobalProtect for your processor. Computers with ARM processors will need to use the ARM version of GlobalProtect.

  1. Check if you have a 32-bit, 64-bit, or ARM-based System Type - Windows (Vista, 10, 11) - Determining 32-Bit, 64-Bit, or ARM Versions
  2. Uninstall GlobalProtect - WiscVPN GlobalProtect (Windows) - Uninstalling
  3. Reinstall GlobalProtect with the correct version for your system - WiscVPN GlobalProtect (Windows) - Installing

Error Message: "mfc120u.dll is missing"

When attempting to start the client, if you receive an error message stating The program cant start because mfc120u.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem, you can resolve the error by installing the Visual C++ runtime files which are downloadable in the following link: Visual C++ Redistributable Packages Download

Instructions for installing the C++ Redistributable Packages

  1. Click the link above. It will take you to the Microsoft website.
  2. Select the language you prefer from the dropdown menu and click the red "Download" button.
  3. Select the appropriate version, 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64). 
  4. Follow download and installation prompts.
  5. Once installed, try to open GlobalProtect again.

Fetching the GlobalProtect Logs

Providing the logs will help DoIT Technicians better assist in the troubleshooting process.

See GlobalProtect VPN - Information to Collect for Client Connectivity Troubleshooting for instructions to collect logs and other information for a Help Desk agent.

Additional Help

Find general GlobalProtect troubleshooting at WiscVPN GlobalProtect - General Connectivity Troubleshooting

Review general Static IP account troubleshooting at WiscVPN GlobalProtect - Static IP Troubleshooting

Please contact the DoIT Help Desk for additional help: Get Help from DoIT



Keywords:
globalprotect global protect windows 10 7 error issue fix vpn wisc microsoft "not working" palo alto 10061 
Doc ID:
84893
Owned by:
Help Desk KB Team in DoIT Help Desk
Created:
2018-08-15
Updated:
2025-04-11
Sites:
DoIT Help Desk, Network Services