[CyberGenX]

I am using Windows 2000 Server and Windows XP clients. I need the XP clients to be able to remotely access the data on the Windows 2000 Server. The server has it's own IP address, static. What are the steps to successfully setup a VPN on the server and clients? What are the drawbacks in doing this? Help.

[DS3Circuit]

http://www.labmice.net/networking/RAS.htm
http://www.labmice.net/networking/VPN.htm
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/columns/cableguy/cg0101.asp

If a firewall comes into play you need to map ports and configure protocol IDs:

PPTP
Port 1723 UDP for authentication
GRE ID 47 for the actual payload

IPSEC (IIRC) (L2TP)
UDP 500 for IKE
Protocol IDs 50 (for AH) and/or 51 (for ES)

Then again with IPSEC you have to make sure your router can pass it over NAT .... firmware updates/software updates/newer versions of IOS support this.

Drawbacks ... hmmm
Login scripts dont work (batch, cmds, etc)

Those links should guide you on your way. If you have particular questions feel free to ask.

[CyberGenX]

Ok i am using just basic VPN, pptp, no firewall, and static IP address for host. It then gives the connecting client a 192.168..series to match the office network. So far clients can connect and use shares. But they complain of losing their internet connecting while connected to the VPN host. How do I fix this or is there a fix?