Windows 10 upgrade wireless glitch linked with Cisco VPN software

If you're running Microsoft's flagship tablet and a Cisco VPN, you might want to wait before upgrading.

UPDATED

Following yesterday's story, and several more readers getting in touch to echo this issue with Cisco VPN Client, Computing has spoken to Cisco about the matter, which sees a Windows 10 upgrade on a Microsoft Surface device running Cisco VPN client losing wireless network connectivity, and the company has offered the following advice:

"Cisco has worked very closely with Microsoft to ensure Windows 10 readiness in our technology," Cisco told us.

"AnyConnect 4.1MR4 (4.1.04011), 3.1MR10 (3.1.10010) and later releases are compatible with Windows 10 official release. We recommend users are running one of the supported AnyConnect software versions prior to upgrading to Windows 10."

The glitch Computing reported on yesterday was in using a version of Cisco VPN Client which, as we reported yesterday, has now reached end of life in favour of the above product range.

Cisco's advice continued:

"While not required, for best results, a clean install of AnyConnect on a Windows 10 system is recommended (not installed while upgrading from Windows 7/8/8.1). If users are planning to perform an upgrade from Windows 7/8/8.1 with AnyConnect pre-installed, they should make sure AnyConnect is updated to a supported version prior to upgrading the operating system and that Network Access Manager module is uninstalled prior to upgrade. This specific module can be safely reinstalled after upgrading."

Cisco has also confirmed that Cisco VPN Client, which was discontinued in 2011 and had maintenance end in 2012, is "not compatible with Windows 10".

However, Cisco also states that the last supported platform for Cisco VPN Client was Windows 7, when many users have still been using the software with Windows 8.1.

Computing's contact, who first drew our attention to the glitch, successfully upgraded the Microsoft Surface 3 to Windows 10 after uninstalling Cisco VPN Client. Having reinstalled the VPN software after the Windows 10 upgrade, the IT team are unable to start a VPN session, receiving "Connection reset by peer" messages.

Cisco has also suggested those affected navigate to a specific support message at Microsoft.

Microsoft has also now been in touch with Computing concering this disparity in legacy software compatibility between Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, saying, dispensing a classic one-liner attributed to "a Microsoft spokesperson":

"We are aware and working to provide a solution as soon as possible. In the meantime, we've posted a workaround for customers on our community forum."

ORIGINAL STORY

Microsoft Surface Pro 3 and Surface 3 tablet devices running Cisco's VPN Client software are being linked with Windows 10 upgrade errors that can completely disable wireless networking capabilities.

A C omputing reader and IT professional contacted us to explain the scenario, which is already being widely discussed on Microsoft's Windows 10 network and internet feedback forums.

"I installed Windows 10 on my Surface 3 today, using the normal roll-out process from Microsoft, and on booting it up, the machine was refusing to recognise my network hardware," said our contact.

While our contact was using the Intel Cherry Trail Atom-powered Surface 3 hybrid tablet, Microsoft's forums feature an identical scenario with Intel's i3/i5/i7-powered Surface Pro 3 devices, with a customer services representative named Robert Sizemore from Microsoft drawing a link between this customer issue and the presence of Cisco VPN.

Surface Pro 3 users on the forum have attempted to remove Cisco VPN software and received an "error 27850 - Unable to manage networking component".

One commenter describes speaking to Microsoft tech support for "a considerable amount of time" and being simply told to "return to 8.1 for the time being".

Computing's contact tried rolling the Surface 3 back to Windows 8.1 and was able to regain Wi-Fi functionality, as well as a fully-functional Cisco VPN Client.

Computing has contacted both Microsoft and Cisco for comment on the matter. It should be noted that while Computing's contact is using Cisco VPN Client - a product the company has discontinued but is still compatible with Windows 8.1 - it remains unclear what version of Cisco's unified communications software is being used by those posting complaints on Microsoft's Windows 10 forums.

Millions of people use Cisco's VPN products on a daily basis, and this error could conceivably cause huge problems for the enterprise should it be widespread. Have you had problems upgrading Surface - or any other - devices to Windows 10 with Cisco VPN software on board? Computing would like to hear from you.