HOWTO Connect to a vpn in windows
From Computer Evolution Knowledgebase
This article will teach you how to create a new VPN connexion. This is useful to connect in to your office from home (or any other location that has the internet). If you are using the Evolution Server, make sure you configure it on the server end.
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What you need
Before you can connect to a VPN, you need to know the remote address to connect to. When we say "remote address" we are either referring to the domain name or IP address of the network you will connect to. You can find this out usually by going to the website http://www.whatismyip.com at the destination location. This will give you the address to connect to.
If you are also remoting into your workstation after you connect into the VPN make sure you know the IP address of your local workstation.
Setting up the connexion
Click on the Start menu. Now click on Control Panel.
Click on Network and internet connections.
Click Network connections.
On the left click Create a new connection. Click Next.
Click Connect to the network at my workplace then click Next.
Click Virtual Private Network connection then click Next.
Enter a name that will represent the VPN then click Next.
Enter an IP or domain name that will resolve to an IP of the remote location (IE your office, etc) then click Next.
If you want only your user to use this VPN select My use only otherwise you may select the other option then click Next.
You can now add a shortcut to this connexion by checking Add a shortcut to this connection to my desktop or leave it unchecked if this is undesirable. Click Next.
Logging in
Now we must connect to the VPN we created. Generally after you create a new VPN connexion it will pop up a login screen immediately, however, in the case that you are trying to access it again follow these steps.
Click on Start then move the mouse to Connect To and then select the VPN network you wish to connect to.
Enter the user name you set up for the VPN and the password and click Connect.
Disconnecting
Since being connected to the VPN constantly might interfere with some internet programs, when your business is finished it is recommended that you disconnect. To do this, browse your cursor to the bottom of the screen to the double computer icon that represents the VPN connexion. Now right click on the icon and then click "Disconnect".
What a VPN is used for
Tunneling into your office from home allows you access to your desktop at work. This will let you work in any program you have on your office machine. For instructions on how to do this see HOWTO Connect using RDP in Windows.
See Also
Categories: HOWTO | VPN | Windows | Networking
