FastGuard

This looks like a typical DNS issue over VPN, where this particular PC cannot resolve internal names, even though IPs work. A few areas to check: VPN configuration for the specific client - sometimes the OpenVPN client doesn’t receive the correct DNS server or routes. Check the push "dhcp-option DNS ..." in the server config and make sure this PC is getting the same settings as the laptops. Cache or local settings issues – even after reinstalling Windows, remnants of old network settings can remain. Try temporarily removing the VPN adapter and its settings completely, then reconnecting. Route check – the route print command will show which routes are added via VPN. It’s possible that on this PC, traffic to the internal DNS is not going through the VPN. Firewall/Antivirus – sometimes third-party software blocks DNS requests to internal servers. Temporarily disable the firewall/antivirus on this PC to test. IPv6 – if the VPN works only with IPv4, and IPv6 is enabled on the PC, requests may go the wrong way. Try temporarily disabling IPv6 on the VPN adapter. OpenVPN logging – enable detailed logs on the client when connecting and check if it receives DNS and routes, and if there are any errors when trying to resolve names. If all of the above is checked, it may be worth testing with a clean new Windows user profile or a separate account on this PC to rule out issues with local profile settings.

Hi! 👋 At our school/university, VPN is mainly used so that students can securely access educational resources from home or during remote learning. This is especially important for accessing libraries, internal systems, and educational platforms that would otherwise be blocked for external IPs. VPN also helps protect students’ personal data when using public Wi-Fi and ensures stable access to necessary materials without restrictions.