How to Use Microsoft VPN

The latest versions of Windows operating systems can be configured to use Microsoft's built-in features to establish a Virtual Private Network, or VPN, connection. If you want to gain access to the private network at your office or to an online VPN service through the Internet, you first must set up a VPN network connection on your computer.

Configure VPN Connection for Microsoft Windows 7

• 1

  Click the Windows "Start" orb on your desktop and select "Control Panel" from the drop-down menu list. Choose the option "Network and Internet" listed under "Adjust Your Computer's Settings." Click the "Network and Sharing Center" hyperlink.

• 2

  Select the "Setup a New Connection or Network" hyperlink. Click the "Connect to a Workplace" hyperlink, and then click the "Next" button.

• 3

  Choose the "Use My Internet Connection (VPN)" option. In some cases, if you previously set up a network connection, Windows will display a message that says, "Do you want to use a connection that you already have?" After the message appears, select "No, create a new connection" and click the "Next" button. The pop-up window "Connect to a Workplace" will appear on your desktop.

• 4

  Type the Wide Area Network or Global IP address in the "Internet Address" field box. Next, type the VPN connection name in the "Destination Name" field box. Click the check box, "Don't connect now, just set it up so I can connect later" and click the "Next" button.

• 5

  Enter the username and password that was provided to you from the VPN host. Type your username in the "User name" field box, and enter a password in the "Password" field box. Leave the "Domain (optional)" field box blank and click the "Create" button. Press the "X" symbol on the upper right side of the window to close it.

• 6

  Open the "Network and Sharing Center" window. Click on the "Connect to a Network" hyperlink, under "Change Your Network Settings" section. A small pop-up window will appear on your desktop showing your network connections. Right-click on the name of your VPN connection.

• 7

  Click the "Properties" option and click the "Security" or "Networking" tab button. Click the drop-down menu arrow under the "Type of VPN" section, and select "Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol with IPsec (L2TP/IPSec)" from the menu list.

• 8

  Click the "Advanced Settings" button. Click the radio button for "Use pre-shared key for authentication" and type a name for the pre-shared key in the "Key" field box. Click the "OK" button to close the "Advanced Properties" window.

• 9

  Return to the pop-up window showing your network connections, and click the "Connect" button to connect to the VPN network.