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This is a continuation of our 'Set up your own VPN' story. For background information on VPN, please read Part I.

For this project, you will need the following:

1. A Laptop (the 'Client') running Windows XP with SP2
2. A Server or Desktop PC (the 'Server') running Windows XP with SP2
3. A Linksys Router (Optional)

Both the laptop and Server/PC must already be connected to the Internet. Your Server/PC must have a Static IP Address (so that you won't need to configure your laptop every time the IP Address of the Server changes). Please make sure you have sufficient knowledge on TCP/IP (e.g. how to assign an IP address, find out the IP address of a machine) before proceeding. By reading the previous sentence, you indemnify iTechTips.com from any liability arising from your stupidity.

There are three major procedures (four if you have a router) to setting up a home VPN (please ensure that your Control Panel is in the 'Category View' and not 'Classic View'):

1. Configuring the Server
2. Configuring the Client
3. Setting up 'Shared' Resources (e.g. printer, folders) on the Server
4. Configuring the Router

 

Configuring the Server

1. Go to the 'Control Panel' and choose 'Network and Internet Connections.'
2. Choose 'Network Connections.'
3. Choose 'Create a new connection' and click 'Next' (on the left pane).
4. Select 'Set up an advanced connection.'
5. Select 'Accept incoming connections.'
6. You will now see some (or just one) devices listed 'Connection devices,' ignore it and click 'Next.'
7. Select 'Allow virtual private connections' and click 'Next.'
8. At this stage, you will be prompted to create a VPN User Account. Click 'Add...' and create a user called 'VPN.' Don't forget to assign a password to the 'VPN' user account. Click 'Next' and 'Finish.'

Configuring the Client

1. Go to the 'Control Panel' and choose 'Network and Internet Connections.'
2. Choose 'Network Connections.'
3. Choose 'Create a new connection' and click 'Next' (on the left pane).
4. Select 'Connect to the network at my workplace.'
5. Select 'Virtual Private Network connection.'
6. You will prompted for your company name. Just call it, "VPN" and click 'Next.'
7. Enter the IP Address of your server and click 'Next' (again, make sure that the Server IP Address is static).
8. In the ensuing screen, there is an option to create the "VPN" shortcut on your desktop. Uncheck the box if you do not want to create the shortcut. Click 'Finish' to complete the process.
9. CAUTION: DO NOT CLICK ON THE SHORTCUT. We are not finished yet.

Setting up 'Shared' Resources on the Server

Setting up a 'Shared' Folder

1. Go to 'My Computer.'
2. Click on your 'C Drive.'
3. Go to the 'File' menu and choose 'New --> Folder.'
4. Name the folder, "Test" (or any other name you desire).
5. Right click on the folder and choose 'Properties.'
6. Click on the 'Sharing' tab. Check the option to 'Share this folder on the network' under 'Network sharing and security.' DO NOT CHANGE THE DEFAULT 'Share name', leave it as it is (this is for the sake of simplicity).
7. Click 'OK.'

Setting up a 'Shared' Printer

1. Go to the 'Control Panel' and choose 'Printers and Other Hardware.'
2. Choose 'Printers and Faxes.'
3. Right click on a printer and choose 'Properties.'
4. Click on the 'Sharing' tab. Check the option to 'Share this printer' DO NOT CHANGE THE DEFAULT 'Share name', leave it as 'Print' (again, for the sake of simplicity).
5. Click 'OK.'

Configuring the Router

Although the procedure described here is specific to Linksys routers, the concept can be applied to any Home Routers.

1. Open a Web Browser.
2. Enter the IP Address of your router in the address field.
3. You will be prompted for your username and password.
4. Click on the 'Advanced' tab (it is usually orange).
5. Choose 'Filtering.' Look for an option to allow for 'PPTP Pass Through.' Make sure that option is enabled.
6. Next, click on the 'Forwarding' tab.
7. Set up a new forwarding rule for the IP Address of your Server on TCP Port 1723. Make sure that the rule is enabled. Very often, System Administrators will forget to enable the rules that they create.

And with that, we have come to the end of the tutorial. Go to your laptop, click on the "VPN" shortcut on the desktop and you will be connected to your server (login and password needed, of course). To access the 'Shared' folder, go to 'My Computer', choose 'Tools --> Map Network Drive...' When prompted for the path of the 'Shared' folder, type "\\[IP Address of the Server]\test"

To access the 'Shared' printer, go to the 'Control Panel' and choose 'Printers and Other Hardware.' Choose 'Printers and Faxes.' This time, click on 'Add a printer' (on the left pane). When prompted for the type of printer, choose "A network printer, or a printer attached to another computer." Click 'Next' and choose the "Connect to this printer (or to browse for a printer, select this option and click Next" option. Type "\\[IP Address of the Server]\print" for the path of the printer.

	This article is by: YC (Guest Blogger) from the Technocrat Soapbox