How to Configure a Virtual Private Network Connection Using Windows 7
The built-in virtual private network client software in Windows 7 is something more network admins should consider when looking for a remote access solution. Using the built-in capabilities not only can save you money, but there are other advantages over third party solutions.
- Client software is included in all current Windows operating systems
- Configuration can be managed through Group Policy
- Automatically integrates with Active Directory, unless you want otherwise
- Offers granular access control, and network quarantine
- Can prompt a user to change their password at expiration
Setting up a VPN client connection in Windows 7 is an easy and straight forward process. If you have a Windows RRAS, ISA, or TMG server ready to accept connections, here is how to set up the client.
- Right-click the network icon in the system tray and choose “Open Network and Sharing Center.”
- Click “Set up a new connection or network.”
- Click on “Connect to a workplace” and then click Next.
- Leave the option set to “No, create a new connection” and then click Next.
- Click the option “Use my Internet connection (VPN)
- Enter the fully qualified domain name for your VPN system, give it an easy to remember name, and check to the box “Don’t connect now; just set it up so I can connect to it later and then click Next.
- If you want to save the credentials, enter your username, password, and domain, and check the box to “Remember this password” and then click Create.
- Click Close.
- Now click “Change adapter settings.”
- Right-click your new connection, and choose Properties.
- On the Options tab, I usually set mine up as you see below, to ensure I try several times in close succession if I encounter an issue connecting, and once I am connected, I stay on and will reconnect if I lose connection.
- You can leave the “Type of VPN” set to Automatic if you want, but setting it to the right type can make the initial connection complete more quickly. Choose the type that is right for your server.
- If you are going to use a L2TP connection, and want to use a pre-shared key (PSK) instead of a certificate, click the Advanced Settings button and enter your PSK.
- Click OK and you are ready to connect!
There are a couple of great articles over at that go over setting up and on the server side. If you are interested in setting up a VPN server, check them out and see what you think.
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