WiscVPN - Troubleshooting the Palo Alto GlobalProtect Client (Windows)

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

Uninstall and Reinstall Palo Alto Globalprotect

Common Error Messages

"mfc120u.dll is missing"

When attempting to start the client, if you receive an error message stating “The program can’t 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.

Resolving an Incorrect Portal Address

  1. First, click on the hamburger menu in the top right and click 'Settings'.
  2. Then, in the General tab of Settings, you can select the currently listed portal address under 'Portal', and click the 'Delete' button.
  3. After deleting, click the 'Add' button and type uwmadison.vpn.wisc.edu to add the new portal address. Then, you can attempt to connect again.

Fetching the GlobalProtect Logs

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

  1. Find the GlobalProtect icon in the system tray and click the icon.

    GlobalProtect icon in the system tray

  2. Click the hamburger menu, then click 'Settings'.

    Top right hamburger menu

    Settings option

  3. Click the 'Troubleshooting' tab, then click 'Collect Logs".

    Collect logs for troubleshooting

  4. Once the logs have been collected, click 'Open Folder'.

    Open Folder

  5. You will see a file named 'GlobalProtectLogs.zip'. Attach that file to the open ticket or email to send the logs to the Help Desk agent. Alternatively, upload the file to a cloud provider (Google Drive/OneDrive/Box), and email the link to the file to the Help Desk agent.

Troubleshooting Static IP Accounts

When experiencing issues with a static IP account, try refreshing the connection. To do this, follow these steps.

  1. Open GlobalProtect and connect with your NetID.
  2. Once connected, click on the hamburger menu in the top right.
  3. Then, click Refresh Connection. Note: This will prompt you to login again.

Review general Static IP account troubleshooting here: WiscVPN - Static IP Troubleshooting

Additional Help

Please contact the DoIT Help Desk: Get Help from DoIT