Mac Pro Suddenly Won't Connect

lurkingbf

I've been using PIA VPN on my 2006 Mac Pro running Yosemite with no issue for quite some time. Today, it simply stopped working and refuses to connect to any server. I just get the flashing man that finally goes grey and doesn't connect. No error message provided.

I've tried everything I could think of, and followed all the well-known tips to no avail. Here is what's been tried:

1) Used my MacBook laptop and was able to install the app and confirm the credentials are good. The Macbook connects fine over the same router/network. The MacBook and the Mac Pro have the identical version of Yosemite installed.

2) Followed the provided instructions in the OS X support section to uninstall and reinstall the VPN app.

3) Rebooted the Mac Pro several times.

4) Tried TCP port 443 instead of UDP.

5) The OS X firewall is not running, and has never been running.

Really at a loss as to what to try next. Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks.

UltraHumanite

What uninstall procedure did you follow? I guess it was this stuff:

1. Go into your Applications folder, and drag Private Internet Access.app to the Trashbin. Empty the Trashbin after doing this.    
2. Open Terminal     
3. **NOTE** Please make sure this step is completed very carefully. All symbols, and spacing are VERY important. Incorrect usage of this command can lead to Data loss. (It is best to simply copy and paste the command below)Type: rm -rf ~/.pia_manager/    
4. Press enter. If the command is successful, there will be no confirmation, it will simply go to a new line in the Terminal window.

Maybe do the above uninstall again and try deleting these two folder:

~/Library/Caches/com.privateinternetaccess.vpn

~/Library/Private Internet Access

Restart and reinstall PIA client.

lurkingbf

Yes, those were the instructions I followed. I tried once again with your additional folder deletion suggestions, but the result was the same. The icon in the task bar flashes two or three times, then greys out and won't connect. Does this for any server selected.

Thank you, though, for the attempt.

lurkingbf

I am now booted from a month-old clone backup of my main OS X Yosemite drive. I installed the VPN client here and it works fine--I can connect to any server. 

So the issue is not the Mac Pro, router, or network, but is obviously something specific that has become corrupted in the last two days on my main drive. 

I wish reinstalling the OS was an easy option, but I'm afraid it's not. Any other suggestions to resolve appreciated.

Thanks.

StephenA

Maybe try creating a new Admin account on the computer, and test a new install of the App from that new Admin account.
I've seen a few situations where things like this happen, and it works in a new Admin account.

lurkingbf

Thanks for the suggestion. I created another Admin account and installed the VPN client, but the behaviour is the same from that new account: it still won't connect to any server.

lurkingbf

I've managed to resolve the issue (sort of) by not using the PIA client at all. I've used the L2TP/IPSec instructions for OS X, and am now connected using OS X's built-in VPN service in network settings. Definitely not as convenient as using the client app (not so easy to switch servers, and I don't think you can port forward), but it will have to suffice for now.

Still open to suggestions on how to repair the client issue.

Thanks to all for the suggestions so far.

UltraHumanite

Maybe use a different client, it's not really a fix tho. 

http://www.sparklabs.com/viscosity/  or https://code.google.com/p/tunnelblick/

carcosa

Thanks for the suggestion. I created another Admin account and installed the VPN client, but the behaviour is the same from that new account: it still won't connect to any server.

I've had the same issue. Speed on TCP is laughable. UPD works sometimes and provides great speed when it works sometimes. 

carcosa

extremely irritated with PIA at this point. i'd love if someone could help me get a steady connection that provides me with a good DL speed on a consistent basis. I spend entirely too much time trying to find a reliable connection. 

KHele2k2

I have had the same problem and tried everything PIA recommends with no success.  I also sent two requests for help and they've never responded.  I'm very disappointed as they somehow come highly recommended.  It almost feels like a scam.