Long-running Windows 7 SP1, Cisco VPN Client 5.0.07.0440, and “Reason 414: Failed to establish a TCP connection”

I’ve noticed that Cisco VPN Client 5.0.07.0440 tends to fail with “Reason 414: Failed to establish a TCP connection.” on long-running Windows 7 SP1. It’s been going on for years.

It doesn’t really matter if the computer running Windows 7 is continously powered on, or if you happen to put the computer in hibernate mode every now and then. 32-bit vs. 64-bit Windows 7 doesn’t matter. Antivirus software doesn’t matter either.

Eventually, the Cisco VPN Client 5.0.07.0440 will bomb out with “Reason 414: Failed to establish a TCP connection.” while trying to connect to the remote system. Switching back to UDP doesn’t help. Restarting the Windows service named “Cisco Systems, Inc. VPN Service” (CVPND) doesn’t help.

The only fix is to properly reboot the computer, and then the problem goes away until next time. Recent observation suggests that the problem is independent on the number of established VPN connections. It might be due to an issue solely within Windows 7 SP1.

Does Cisco ever test their own systems over long time periods?

Any help in resolving this matter is most appreciated.