**Updated on 10/28/09 – Look at post http://techgeekandmore.wordpress.com/2009/10/28/tgm-qa-cisco-vpn-error-56-vpn-wont-start-update-from-6909-post/ (http://techgeekandmore NULL.com/2009/10/28/tgm-qa-cisco-vpn-error-56-vpn-wont-start-update-from-6909-post/) for the updated information. (TGM)

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     If you use the Cisco VPN software you may get a message that says “Error 56: The Cisco Systems, Inc. VPN Service has not been started”.

The problem is as a result of the windows service ccvpnd.exe (Services are in Control panel – Administrative tools – services) which may be listed as automatic start but will not start.  Even if you manually attempt to start it, it will shut down just seconds after starting.

The solution is actually a simple one. The problem is caused by Internet connection sharing (ICS) service also being set to automatically start. So in the same service area look for Internet Connection Sharing service, turn it from Automatically starting to Manual (By right clicking – select properties – and the select manual in the drop menu where it says automatic, and also press the stop button just above the drop menu before hitting ok) , and then go back and start the Cisco service on the list. Cisco service will not be killed again.

ICS set to manual does not affect internet services, it just means that it will not start at pc boot up, it will start at the point that the service is needed.  In the majority of cases that will be never unless you connect to the internet via another pc, most everyone connects to the internet via a modem connection or a wireless or wired router (Linksys / D-Link) connection.