How To Set Up & Run a A VPN Client in Windows XP Pro

When you are working at your home office or in a remote location you may require resources that are available on your on-site computer or the corporate network such as printers. In Windows XP Pro edition, you can configure your computer to access your corporate network using VPN. This gives you the resources available from your corporate network from any location.

 

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: 10 Minutes

Here's How:

1. The host computer running Windows' 2003 server must be set up before you can set up the client computer.
2. Right-click on the Network Connections on your desktop.
3. Click on create a new connection.
4. You want to choose Connect to the network at my workplace and then click Next.
5. Choose Virtual Private Network connection and then Next.
6. You will now enter a name for your VPN connection. Use something like workoffice or officecomputer. Click Next.
7. Choose Do not dial the initial connection and click Next.
8. You will need to enter the IP address of the VPN server. Your company IT department will provide you with this information.
9. Choose My use only and then click Next.
10. You want to select the Add a shortcut to this connection to my desktop and then select Finish.
11. Double-click the VPN icon on your desktop and login. You will get your user information from your IT department. You can now print and use files on the corporate network.

Tips:

1. Do not click the box "Save this User Name and Password for the following users". This saves your information on the hard drive, and if your computer is stolen you have enabled anyone to connect to your corporate VPN.
2. Your company may require a proxy server to connect to the Web. You will have to change this setting in Internet Explorer. Check with your IT department first.

What You Need

• Company VPN set up first.
• IP address of server.
• User login information.