Re: Can I VPN to a Win XP (server) behind net router?

As long as the router will allow port forwarding for TCP Port 1723 (PPTP VPN) and pass GRE Protocol 47 traffic (sometimes called "PPTP Pass Through" or "VPN Pass Through") it will work. The latter, ie. GRE Protocol 47 traffic, can be problematic with some consumer grade routers and sometimes can be fixed with a firmware upgrade. You can test a PPTP VPN link by running the test detailed in the "PPTP Ping" and "VPN Traffic" sections on this page.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/columns/cableguy/cg0105.mspx

Screen shots of a successful test. The first is on the server side and the second is the client side.

http://theillustratednetwork.mvps.org/ScreenShots/PPTP_PingTest/PPTPSrv.jpg
http://theillustratednetwork.mvps.org/ScreenShots/PPTP_PingTest/PPTPClnt.jpg

Make sure you use a *STRONG* password.

http://www.microsoft.com/protect/yourself/password/checker.mspx

If you can't get PPTP VPN to work then alternatives include Secure Shell [SSH] (which in my opinion is very easy for home users to setup and use), OpenVPN, SSL-Explorer, setup a Windows Home Server at home or use a third-party solution like Hamachi. Personally I have used all of these alternatives excluding Hamachi. I currently run a Windows Home Server [WHS] and have access to shared files/folders on the WHS via a SSL VPN tunnel.

Post back if you have further questions.

--

Al Jarvi (MS-MVP Windows – Desktop User Experience)

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"Barry" <Barry@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:251EB70E-17A5-45F0-8C44-C145DC952925@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Your advice please...
I want to setup a VPN between 2 PCs both running Win XP.
Both are behind routers with nat.
Win XP says it supports a single incoming VPN (one is all I need), but I
have read that the VPN client that come in Win XP (SP2) will not connect to a
server behind a nat router.
Is this true?
Is there a way to overcome it?
Is there another (cheap/free) client that would work?
--
Thanks for your help... Barry

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Relevant Pages

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  • Re: Configure VPN Server for XP?
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  • Re: Configure VPN Server for XP?
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