VPN - Client Setup

Configuring a VPN with XP for a client computer

• (...) the dialup connection; this would have been the first thing that you would have to do. It`s simple, you have to be connected to the Internet first before you can encrypt and send data over it. This setting makes sure that this is a reality for you.
• The next tab is the Options Tab. It is The Options tab has a lot you can configure in it. For one, you have the option to connect to a Windows Domain, if you select this check box (unchecked by default), then your VPN client will request Windows logon domain information while starting to work up the VPN connection. Also, you have options here for redialing. Redial attempts are configured here if you are using a dial up connection to get to the Internet. It is very handy to redial if the line is dropped as dropped lines are very common.
• The next tab is the Security Tab. This is where you would configure basic security for the VPN client. This is where you would set any advanced IPSec configurations other security protocols as well as requiring encryption and credentials.
• The next tab is the Networking Tab. This is where you can select what networking items are used by this VPN connection.
• The Last tab is the Advanced Tab. This is where you can configure options for configuring a firewall, and/or sharing.

Connecting to Corporate

Now that you have your XP VPN client all set up and ready, the next step is to attempt a connection to the Remote Access or VPN server set up at the corporate office. To use the connection follow these simple steps. To open the client again, go back to the Network Connections dialog box.

1. Once you are in the Network Connection dialog box, double-click, or right click and select ‘Connect’ from the menu – this will initiate the connection to the corporate office.
2. Type your user name and password, and then click Connect. Properties bring you back to what we just discussed in this article, all the global settings for the VPN client you are using. (Screenshot)
3. To disconnect from a VPN connection, right-click the icon for the connection, and then click "Disconnect" Summary.

In this article we covered the basics of building a VPN connection using Windows XP.