Help with virtual private network (VPN) connection

[yamawho]

I would like to connect to my home network from my work using remote desktop.

Both the host and client system are running XP Pro.

I have tried this setup before by connecting remotely from one system to another on the network but never from another location using the internet.

Can my host system at home running XP Pro allow a VPN connection ?

[yamawho]

Man ... this is starting to look like a weekend project

Found this ...
Configure Windows XP Professional to be a VPN server - Network Admin - Insight - ZDNet Asia

Come on boys, don't be shy

[SRTDodge05]

Depending on the company they may have it blocked for you can do that.

[rjs735]

There are a few products that allow this as long as your employers doesn't close the ports that vpn products use.

Typically most employers may allow access from home with vpn and authorization.

Accessing your network from work leaves them vulnerable from a security stand point. Even if you were successful if they have a scurity auditor they would catch on and may lock the loop hole. Might even call you on the carpet.

I would ask for permission before I started. Unless you are the employer??

[yamawho]

I am the employer, chief cook and bottle washer

I have given myself permission so fire away ...

[rjs735]

You might want to give this a try.

|MG| Ultr@VNC 1.0.4 RC5

This a zero config version. Means you don't do nothing.

|MG| InstantVNC 1.36

There is also Hamachi used by logmein.

|MG| Hamachi 1.0.2.3

I use Crossloop but this requires secure authentication by the remote user via a 12 digit key he provides and changes with every initialization of the remote code. Worked firstime after install with my brother in Chicago as well as client in Montana.

[yamawho]

Originally Posted by rjs735

You might want to give this a try.

|MG| Ultr@VNC 1.0.4 RC5

This a zero config version. Means you don't do nothing.

|MG| InstantVNC 1.36

Wow, thats looks like what I'm looking for

Thanks

I use remote desktop to access this pc on the home network and I was wondering if I install UltraVNC, will remote desktop still work or do I need to use UltraVNC for everything ?

Direct link ...

UltraVNC: Remote Support Software, Remote Support tool, Remote Desktop Control, Remote Access Software, PC Remote Control

[rjs735]

I found remote desktop more difficult to implement as well as the documentation is little sketch and you have to add a secure user id and enable some functions and doesn't work in win98se which some of my clients still have etc. If you want to try running remote access under VNC there are some people who have said they run it btu I suspect it was not a vanilla experience. Anything can be made to work if you have the knowledge experience and time.

I ran Hamachi on an intranet but because my router uses other than the default router ip ( another security measure slim but ) had to have me implement it across 2 segments so I gave it up.

When I found Crossloop which is really a secure remote access it didn't care about the router IP being on another segment it worked so to say out of the box.

Both Hamachi and Crossloop as well instant VNC us a free open version of VNC. They have taken the configuartion for general use.

I like to keep it simple for my clients sake as well as for my sanity.

[rjs735]

Since edit is not availabe I looked at your link and Ultra VNC doesn't use MS remote desktop support for it's implementation.

So if the question is will remote desktop run under vnc the answer is maybe but I don't know for sure. Besies why run 2 pieces of software to accomplish the sam as one can provide. I like the KISS approach myself. The more complex the more things can go wrong ( ie Vista more code fancier look more bugs).

[yamawho]

Found a beginners guide on Remote Access to Computers ...

Beginners Guides: Remote Access to Computers - PCSTATS.com

[rjs735]

Originally Posted by yamawho

Found a beginners guide on Remote Access to Computers ...

Beginners Guides: Remote Access to Computers - PCSTATS.com

Nice find. Sounds like your determined to use VNC and Remote desktop. This guide certainly does a good jobs of providing a DYI guide.

Mods how about making this a sticky??

[yamawho]

rjs735, in the article it states "To connect with your remote desktop, enter your home computer's IP address (xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx) and click 'connect' (note: to find the external IP address of your home system"
PCSTATS n/a PCSTATS Review - Running XP Remote desktop

Would this also apply if I have a router at home and is it the router's IP address that I need ?

[rjs735]

No it's actually the IP that the router see from the ISP something like 208.xx.xx.xx. That is the only IP that has a presence on the internet. The ip that the routers dhcp hands out is not routable so even if you provided that it would not work because of routability. The routers address by default from the MFG is usually somthing like 192.168.0.1 this is not an IP range that is routable. This is your lan range of addresses on the intranet side.

If you go to run type command. When the command window pops up then at pompt type ipconfig /all look for your netwaork adapter and the IP that is assigned to it is the ISP allocated IP address. This is what VNC needs to work.

[yamawho]

Originally Posted by rjs735

No it's actually the IP that the router see from the ISP something like 208.xx.xx.xx.

Thats what I meant

I'm back at home now so I will gather the info I need and give it a go monday.

I agree with the sticky idea but then again ... I'm biased

[rjs735]

Actually I misspoke. The IP from the ISP will only show if your pc is directly connected otherwise you will see only the router IP for network card and the DNS server's IP.

Type in to your browser WhatIsMyIP.com your internet accessible IP will showup. This the one you will need. Good luck.