Seting Up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) with Windows

I always wanted to try this out but always forgot. OK, here's the catch, imagine you're out from your office and suddenly forgot to get a file from your PC. You can either get your ass back to the office or you can try the VPN connection. Here is how:

You must:

Set up one computer to share files (server).
Set up another computer to access them (client).

Begin by setting up the server:

• Open Internet Explorer and go to www.whatismyip.com. Write down the IP address. You will need it to configure the client.
• Click the Start button and click Run. Type control and hit Enter. Or you can open the Control Panel from Windows Start button
• Click Network and Internet Connections.
• Click Network Connections.
• Click Create a New Connection, which is the first option on the left toolbar.
• The New Connection Wizard will open. Click Next.
• Choose Set up an advanced connection, the last element on the list. Click Next.
• Choose Accept incoming connections. Click Next.
• You will see the Devices for Incoming Connections screen. Do not select anything on this screen. Click Next.
• Select Allow virtual private connections. Click Next.
• Select to whom you want to give access. Click Next. If a user is not listed, you will have to add an account.
• Do not change anything on the Networking Software screen. Click Next.
• That’s it! Your computer is now set up to allow for VPNs. Click Finish to complete the wizard.

Now proceed to connect the client:

• Click the Start button and click Run. Type control and hit Enter. Or you can open the Control Panel from Windows Start button
• Click Network and Internet Connections.
• Click Network Connections.
• Click Create a New Connection, which is the first option on the left toolbar.
• The New Connection Wizard will open. Click Next.
• Select Connect to the network at my workplace and click Next.
• Select Virtual Private Network connection and click Next.
• Type the name of your network in the blank box. Click Next.
• Enter the IP address you wrote down earlier and click Next.
• Select Add a shortcut to this connection to my desktop and click Finish.

Note:

• If the VPN doesn’t work, turn off your firewall.
• And don't give access to the “guest” account. It does not require a password, allowing anyone to access the VPN.