How to Set Up a Microsoft VPN

Businesses or organizations with multiple offices, as well as employees who work from home or other locations, can benefit from the use of a VPN, or "Virtual Private Network." A VPN allows a network administrator to take advantage of other networks and the Internet to create an affordable, powerful and versatile method of accessing a private network remotely. This means that network users do not have to be on site in order to log on to the network.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Turn on a computer to be connected to the VPN. Go to the "Start" menu and open the Control Panel. Double-click "Network Connections." The "Network Connections" window will open.

2. 

   Click "Create a New Connection" under "Network Tasks" in the left pane of the window. The Network Connection Wizard will open. Click "Next" to start the wizard.

3. 

   Select "Connect to the Network at My Workplace" and click "Next." Choose "VPN Connection," click "Next," select the type of Internet access being used on the computer and click "Next" again.

4. 

   Type in the name of the network, click "Next," enter the VPN's IP address and click "Next" again. Choose between "My Use Only" or "Anyone's Use," depending on which users of the computer should have access to the VPN.

5. 

   Select the check box next to "Add a Shortcut to This Connection to My Desktop" if you wish to create a desktop shortcut for the VPN. Click "Finish" to complete the VPN setup.