I have an NT 4.0 Server that is a PDC that also needs to be a VPN server. This server is connected to the internet 24X7 via DSL modem access. I need to have apprx 5-6 users connect to the server after hours and I need a complete step-by-step guide on how to do this including a list of hardware requirements. Thanks in advance for your help.

First, Install the RAS service. I dont know what you'll do without a real modem device, so just select one of the generic modem devices to get the service installed. Then install the PPTP Protocol - It will ask you how many vpn ports to create and then open the RAS Setup window in which you will add each vpn port. Be sure to go into network and set the protocol and check require data encryption. Go into configure and select receive only. Then click continue and reboot. It is recommended that you exclude the addresses - in this case 5 addresses, from your dhcp server's address pool and then assign them to your ras service for allocation to the vpn clients. If your dhcp server is on a W2K box with dynamic dns then it will automatically mark as leased 5 addresses. Go Back into network properties after the reboot and open the RAS properties, select one of the vpn ports and click network - then configure. As I said before it is recomended that you define the address pool here. If you have a w2k dhcp box, I'd leave it at dhcp. Otherwise, define your address pool. The rest is client configuration. Be sure to create a lmhosts file if the clients will be accessing shares that are not local to the ras server. Lee

OK, I just set this up in my home lab and its better to redefine the address pool on the vpn server even if you do have a w2k dhcp box. This is do-able even though the dsl modem will not be detected as a modem since it is connected via a NIC. I used the pc to pc serial connection instead of selecting a modem. DSL modem software usually creates a virtual PPP adapter, the address of this adapter is the address your clients will dial. Good Luck - That was FUN! Lee

I've read in a couple of places that the PDC needs 2 NIC's and you need SP6 on the server. In your experince what is needed on the PDC side to make this work properly? THX,