Configuring Your Computer For Incoming VPN

1. Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet Connections > Network Connections
2. File > New Connection
3. Click Next
4. Click “Set up an advanced connection”, and click Next
5. Click “Accept incoming connections”, and click Next
6. Leave all boxes blank if you want the user to connect via the Internet, and click Next. Otherwise, check the box(es) that correspond to the method that the remote user will connect to your computer, such as a dial up modem. You may need to configure these connection devices by clicking Properties, then click Next.
7. Click “Allow virtual private connections”, and click Next
8. Check the users who should have access to this VPN connection. You may add user names and passwords here if you only want them to be remote VPN users, and not local users of your machine. Click Next when done.
9. Highlight “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)” and click Properties.
   1. Check “Allow callers to access my local area network”
   2. If you are unsure about what address the remote user should have, then check “Assign TCP/IP addresses automatically using DHCP”. If you have special circumstances where you need to know the exact address of the remote computer (for printing, file sharing, or other shortcuts) then check “Specify TCP/IP addresses” and type in two addresses that correspond to your local network but will not interfere with any devices currently on your network. (Hint: find your ip address, and change only the last set of digits to two numbers that aren't on your network). You may optionally check the box for the remote user to specify their own IP address.
   3. Click OK
10. Click Next
11. Click Finish
12. You are now ready to accept incoming VPN connections

As of August, 2006, Windows XP Firewall may fail to load following a reboot, after configuring your computer for incoming VPN connections. If you bring up the security center from the control panel, and enable the firewall, the firewall will function properly. It seems that this problem is caused by something with Internet Connection Sharing. It is suggested to “remove the connection sharing component,” but how to do this is unknown.

Removing the incoming connection will allow the firewall to load properly following a reboot, or enabling the firewall manually following a reboot with give you both the incoming connection and a working firewall.

If other users are not able to connect to you after creating your incoming VPN connection, then the issue may be with your firewall/router. You will need port 1723 forwarded to your local IP address, and PPTP packets will need to be forwarded by the router.

Also, verify that you have enabled the proper user(s) to connect to your machine.