Client shows address but Tap adapter does not get it

[deleted]

I have a single windows computer that connects to the VPN and the desktop client shows a correct address. However when I try to ping or connect to anything on the VPN network it fails.

An ipconfig/all reveals that the Tap adapter does not get a valid address. It shows a 169 address.

I have removed and re-installed the software and still nothing works.

I have about 50 other people using the client without any issues.

JosephS

Hi buchbria,

Would you be able to check if netsh.exe is also crashing when the TAP adapter is receiving the 169.254.... APIPA address?
Also what version of Windows are you on?

Regards,
Joseph.

benjamin.leduc

Hi,
I am facing the same issue. OpenVPN connects, but TAP adapter is getting the IP 169.254 address. In the event viewer, I can see a lot of Netsh.exe crash.
I have tried with version 3.4.3 (last version at this day) and the 3.3.7 version. Same result.
I have tried some reset commands (netsh int ip reset and netsh winsock reset), but NOK.
I have tried to uninstall all network drivers, uninstall OpenVPN, reinstall all drivers, and OpenVPN, still doesn't work.
My computer is a brand new Dell 5540 with all drivers up to date.
It has worked for a few days, and I am not sure, but maybe this might be connected to the last drivers that were installed with Windows Update process.
I have tried to connect with my account on another computer, and it is working.

benjamin.leduc

My OS Version is Windows 11 (23h2)

benjamin.leduc

Hi,
My problem was solved after i found a reddit article speaking about netsh.exe crashes. This article talks about a KB which correspond to RSAT for Win10/Win11 (KB2693643).
I have uninstalled it and then reboot. My RSAT was then KO, but my OpenVPN connection worked again !

In my event viewer, there is no more netsh.exe crashes.

Hope this helps.

https://www.reddit.com/r/sysadmin/comments/13f679i/netshexe_crashes_wont_run_at_all/