Posted by arlene

Windows XP Professional, like Windows 2000, contains integrated support for VPN clients using with L2TP or IPSec protocols. VPN connections, like other types of network connections, are created and configured through the Network Connections folder.

Before you can set up a connection to a VPN server, you need to know the following information:

• The IP address or host name of the server
• Your username and password
• The security settings used by the remote server
• The PPP settings used by the remote server

Note

The default configuration a Windows XP VPN client uses is designed to enable you to connect with many VPN clients without adjusting security or PPP settings. However, if you cannot connect successfully using the default settings, you can adjust these settings through the Properties dialog for the VPN connection.

Setting Up and Using a VPN Connection in Windows XP

In Windows XP, VPN connections are created using the same New Connection Wizard used for other types of network connections. To set up a VPN connection in Windows XP, follow this procedure:

1. Click Create a New Connection from the Network Tasks menu in the Network Connections folder.
2. From the opening dialog, click Next to continue.
3. Select Connect to the Network at My Workplace, and click Next.
4. Select Virtual Private Network Connection, and click Next.
5. Enter a descriptive name for the connection. This is the name that is displayed in Network Connections. Click Next.
6. If you use a dial-up, ISDN, or PPPoE connection, select Automatically Dial This Initial Connection and select the connection to use from the pull-down menu. If you use an always- on connection, select Do Not Dial the Initial Connection, and click Next.
7. Enter the host name or IP address for the VPN server. Click Next.

8. To add a shortcut to the desktop, click the Add a Shortcut to This Connection to My Desktop check box. Click Finish to complete the setup.

When you click Finish, a Connect dialog appears. Enter your username and password, and click Connect to try your connection. If you want to save your credentials, click the Save This User Name and Password… check box. Specify Me Only if you want to restrict the use of this VPN connection to the current user only. Click Anyone… to enable any user of this computer to use the connection.

To configure the VPN connection, click Properties on the Connect dialog, or right-click the connection icon in Network Connections and select Properties.

Caution

The default properties for a VPN connection are designed to enable you to connect to many VPN servers, particularly those running Windows, without adjustments. Make sure you know which, if any, settings must be changed before you make changes. If you are able to connect successfully without making any changes, there is no need to adjust these properties. Making unnecessary changes could prevent you from making a connection.

VPN Connection—General Tab

Use this tab to change the host name or IP address of the remote VPN server. If you use a dial-up or other connection that requires you to log in first, such as an ISDN or PPPoE connection, use the First Connect portion of the dialog to select the connection to open before starting the VPN connection. You need to do this if you change to a different dial-up or other provider that requires a manual login after you created your VPN connection.

By default, an icon appears in the notification area (system tray) of your desktop when you are connected. Clear the Show Icon… check box if you prefer not to see a notification icon.

VPN Connection—Options Tab

Use this tab to adjust dialing and redialing options, such as if the line is busy or the connection is dropped. Keep in mind, however, that this dialog is also used to specify whether you are prompted for username and password, security certifications (enabled), and whether to include the Windows logon domain (disabled). If necessary, adjust the defaults to match the requirements of your VPN server.

VPN Connection—Security Tab

Use this tab to adjust the VPN security defaults used by Windows XP. This is necessary only if you receive an error message such as “The remote computer does not support the required data encryption type” when you attempt to connect.

The default (Typical) settings used by Windows XP’s VPN client include Require Secured Password and Require Data Encryption. If you use a smart card, select Use Smart Card instead of Require Secured Passport.

If you need to adjust data encryption, logon security, or allowed protocols, select Advanced, and click the Settings button. Before making any changes, be sure you know the settings required by the remote VPN server.

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