I just built a Windows 2003 Server Standard Edition with the purpose of implementing a standalone Remote Access / VPN server on my domain. My server has two NIC's, each with a static IP address as recommended when running this type of server.

I added the Remote Access / VPN role to this server for just VPN (no NAT because I am running DHCP on a domain controller and I wanted my remote clients to get their DHCP from that server). I assigned the two different NIC's accordingly during the setup and completed the wizard.

I tested the VPN from a remote location and was able to connect to my new server just fine. I was able to browse my network and use all network functions (except connecting to the internet, but that's another issue). I tested from a few more clients with success.

Then a few hours later I had to reboot the server to move it. When I restarted the system, I entered the password and waited about 2 minutes. Then at the "Applying Personal Settings" screen, it took about 5-8 minutes to login from there. Once logged in, I could not access any network resources from that local system and none of the VPN users could authenticate (I assume because that VPN server could not see my domain controller).

I tried a ton of stuff suggested by Microsoft and others in their forums and nothing helped.

I removed the Remote Access / VPN role, rebooted and logged in quickly and had full access to all network resources.

I'm stumped. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!