nm & openvpn on debian squeeze lxde; gui = failing, cli works

["bitterpennies" <Oothuaf_od8QuicFid_OtEudEgbav1 riseup net>]

I usually use network-manager with openvpn-gnome plugin on debian squeeze
gnome, no problems. I just reinstalled debian squeeze, this time with
lxde, installed nm (no-recommends), and it works fine. I then installed
openvpn-gnome plugin with it, and when i try to connect to it, it
instantly notifies me, "cant connect openvpn, failed because there were no
valid vpn secrets... (paraphrase)".
I connected with openvpn in commandline to test, and it works fine. Any
suggestions?