How to Use Routing & Remote Access in Windows XP

The Routing and Remote Access application is used in Windows XP to configure the means and level of access that is granted to outside users connecting to a network server. The Routing and Remote Access application is normally turned off when a computer has Windows XP installed but can be enabled by a user with administrator permissions. You will want to leave the service disabled unless required to turn it on to communicate with your business or school in order to maximize the default security levels on your personal computer.

Instructions

1. Select the "Start," "Settings" and "Control Panel" menu options on your computer.

2. Choose the "Administrator Tools" program icon and select the "Services" program. Select the "Routing and Remote Access" service shown on the subsequent listing.

3. Click the "General" menu tab and expand the "Startup Type" menu.

4. Choose the "Automatic" menu selection and click the "Apply" menu button to save the configuration that enables Routing and Remote Access to run on your computer after startup.

5. Restart your computer and the Routing and Remote Access program will be enabled.

References

• Guardian Digital: Info Center: Enabling the Routing and Remote Access Service
• The Elder Geek on Windows XP: Routing and Remote Access Default Configurations
• Microsoft: To Make an Incoming Network Connection

Resources

• Technet: My Windows XP Pro/Windows 2000 Pro as Remote Access (VPN) Server
• Microsoft Developer Network