XP VPN hangs while validating username and password

ccb056 · Post by **ccb056** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 11:21 pm

I have 3 XP Pro machines, each behind a linksys router, each has its own internet connect

One, in New Orleans, is using DSL, it is running as a VPN server
The 2 other machines can connect to it

Two of the machines are in Indiana, with the same cable company, at different locations
Both of them are setup to be VPN servers, however, the new orleans one nor the other indiana one can connect to the server

all routers are setup the exact same way with port forwarding

all settings for the winxp vpn server and client are the same

the computers connect but when they try to validate with either indy server, it just times out

any ideas?

Vander · Post by **Vander** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 11:54 pm

I've had problems with linksys router's not being able to accept incoming VPN connections. With TCP 1723 forwarded, you get to the authorization dialog, but the connection times out after that. All the linksys router's I've seen (4-5 different models) do not support protocol 47 forwarding. In these circumstances, I've upgraded the router's to Netgear VPN/Firewall router's.

You can test to make sure VPN is configured and running correct by trying to connect to it while on the local network. (assuming you have a second computer at the site) It's a fairly simple test that can help narrow down the issue.

Are all the router's identical? (same firmware, too?)

ccb056 · Post by **ccb056** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 11:56 pm

no, the routers are not identical

one is the befr41 version 4 (yes, 4 not 3)
New Orleans

some wireless and wired combo
INDY 1

befr81 version 3
INDY 2

and tcp port 1723 is forwarded on all 3, didnt have to setup the other opne though

i also have all the vpn passthroughs enabled

FunkyStickman · Post by **FunkyStickman** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 6:11 am

Microsoft's VPN uses a protocol called "PPTP" and most routers have a checkbox to "enable PPTP passthrough" if they support it at all. Just forwarding the ports won't do it, because how it uses authentication doesn't work correctly with NAT on most firewalls. I struggled with this for a while, and the easiest way to fix it, I've found, is to find a router that'll do PPTP forwarding correctly

Seriously, check all the obvious stuff again. Also, make a note of the error number it gives when it times out, then search for MSKB articles on it. Also, you might want to try starting a VPN between the two boxes that work, and check their settings against the one that won't. Once I did this, and it was a setting with the actual VPN connection in XP. Something about "allowing authentication" or similar.

By any chance, would you happen to live in New Orleans?

CDN_Merlin · Post by **CDN_Merlin** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 8:19 am

http://www.realvnc.com/download.html

I used this on my Linksys router and it worked fine.

ccb056 · Post by **ccb056** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 11:03 am

I do have pptp passthrough enabled on all routers

I lived 30 minutes west of new orleans for 7 years, my parents still live there, but they are moving to michigan this summer

I am going to Purdue in the fall, that's why I am living in lafayette, indiana

vpn =/ vnc

CDN_Merlin · Post by **CDN_Merlin** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 12:19 pm

doh, my mind must of been elsewhere when I read this.

ccb056 · Post by **ccb056** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 2:35 pm

i upgraded the firmware of the routers in the problem locations, all is working fine now