How to Setup a VPN connection on Windows 7

  1. Go to Control Panel and open Network and Sharing Center.
  2. Click on Set up a new connection or network.

  3. Select Connect to a workplace then click on Next.

  4. Select Use my internet connection (VPN)

  5. Type the IP address or computer name where you wish to connect and your connection name under the Destination name field.

    1. If connecting on a local resource or a LAN computer, you can type its computer name or IP address. The computer name shown here is taken from the previous tutorial Virtual Private Network (VPN) – Enable Incoming VPN Connections.
    2. If connection to a computer behind a router and DNS is enabled using the computer’s name, put that in the Internet address field. If no DNS has been configured, type in your router’s IP address.
    3. This section allows you to enable the use of a smart card, allow other users of your computer to access this connection and an option to disable immediate connection upon finishing the client setup.
  6. Enter a User name and password that has been granted access to the host computer. If you put a check mark on the Show password field, it will display your password instead of dots. You can also choose to save your password and enter a Domain.

    1. If you did not put a check mark on Don’t connect now, just set it up so I can connect later in Step 5, you will see a Connect button. Clicking on Cancel will discard all your settings. Clicking on Connect initiates the connection and you will see the following screens

      Then…

      NOTE: Upon successful connection, you will be prompted to classify the VPN connection as a Home, Work or Public Connection.

    2. If you did place a check mark on Don’t connect now, just set it up so I can connect later in Step 5, you will see a Create button. Clicking on Cancel will discard all your settings. Click on Create.
  7. To connect to using the created VPN connection, you can either right-click on the Network icon in the system tray and select Network and Sharing Center or go to Control Panel and open Network and Sharing Center, and click on Connect to a network.

    1. This will bring up a window on the lower right hand corner of your monitor, just above the system tray. Click on VPN Connection and a Connect button will be shown. Click on Connect.

  8. Connect VPN Connection windows appears. Clicking on Connect initiates the connection. Clicking on Properities allows you to modify the VPN Connection Properties as well as configure connection sharing.

Tip: To create a short-cut of the VPN connection you’ve created to your Desktop

  1. open Network and Sharing Center and select Change adapter settings,

  2. As you see our created VPN connection is now shown here

  3. Right-click on VPN Connection and select Create Shortcut. You will be prompted to create the shortcut to the desktop instead.