VPN client unable to connect or not able to RDP or map network drive

After much frustration I discovered the root of the problem for VPN client issues.  The user used to be able to connect using Cisco VPN Client but was reporting to me that he is sometimes disconnected.  Lately he is able to connect but unable to RDP or map network drives. 

The user is currently unable to get Sonicwall VPN client to connect with no logon presented.  Either the user’s network equipment or ISP was blocking UDP 500 and UDP 4500.  The ISP (Time Warner) stated they do not block ports. 

The user’s cable modem / router is an Ambit / Ubee u10c020. After logging onto the modem, navigate to Firewall->Content Filter and uncheck “Block Fragmented IP Packets”.  Note you may need to navigate to VPN->Enable and select “VPN Enable”.

Some other error messages have been:

There is no connection named x.x.x.x in the connection list

Minimized Cisco VPN Client on Windows

The Cisco client sometimes behaves oddly and starts staying minimized and you cannot switch to the client to connect/disconnect or do anything. The moment it starts it stays minimized and you cannot switch to the client.

This seems to happen as it remembers its location on screen and tends to get some weird values when switching between Display settings. The solution is to close the client and then open the vpnclient.ini file in the Programs directory (for me its located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Cisco Systems\VPN Client) and delete the rows that say WindowX and WindowY and restart the client or make windowX = 800 and windowY = 600.

Alternative solution:

Start VPN Client

1. Start Task Manager
2. Select VPN client from Applications tab, right click on it and click Maximize
3. VPN client will be visible in maximized form
4. Go to Options -> Preferences -> Save Windows Settings. Uncheck this.
5. Go to Options -> Simple Mode.
6. Go to Options -> Advanced Mode.
7. Now restart VPN client.