Configuring the Birkbeck VPN with XP

Please ensure that you have read the background information about the VPN service and configuring your computer.

Create a New Connection

Start the New Connection Wizard

Select My Computer > Control Panel > Network Connections. You will be presented with the Network Connection Wizard

Image showing the XP New Connection wizard welcome

Click Next

Image showing the New connection type options

Choose "Connect to the network at my workplace" and click next

Image showing New Connection Wizard Network connection options

Choose "Virtual Private Network Connection" and click next

New Connection wizard - connection name box

Enter the name of the connection (eg Birkbeck VPN) and click next

Choose how you are connecting to the internet and click next

New Connection Wizard - VPN server settings illustration

Enter the VPN server's IP address, 193.61.20.50, and click next

Completing the New Connection Wizard

Check the box  "Add a shortcut to this connection to my desktop" and click Finish

Configure the VPN Connection

If the network connections page is not already open, click My Computer > Control Panel > Network Connections

Network Connections screen shot within XP

Right click on Birkbeck VPN connection and choose properties from the pull-down menu

Image showing Birkbeck VPN Properties security tab

Click on the Security tab, and select Advanced (Custom Settings), then click the Settings button

Advanced security settings

Change the Data encryption to Maximum strength encryption, and make sure only Microsoft CHAP version 2 (MS-CHAP v2) is the only allowed protocol (un-tick the rest) and click OK

Birkbeck VPN Properties - Networking tab

Back at the Birkbeck VPN properties, click on the Network Tab. Ensure the Type of VPN box is on Automatic, and UN-tick the File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks. Click OK.

You can now use the VPN once your Internet connection is connected. When you are connected, double-click your Birkbeck VPN icon; enter your ITS username, Password and Domain (CCSACADEMIC) and use ITS facilities as normal.

Connect Birkbeck VPN - entering username and password

If you want to use your VPN connection to access files you have saved at Birkbeck to your N: drive (your personal storage area, including My Documents folder) see these additional instructions:
Mapping your N: Drive to your PC using the VPN in Windows XP