I'd like to set up a remote workstation (Xp) using VPN (actually, I've been trying for months now) in order to connect to domain on a server running server 2003. The client computer I'm using to try to log on to the domain via VPN isn't a "domain computer". I mean that the network ID settings currently specify the client computer to be part of a workgroup. As I understand it, (though I don't actually know because I've never gotten it to work) if the computer was part of the domain I could use the initial windows logon (the one that displays before windows starts up) to enter a username from the domain and specify a dial-up connection to use (the VPN connection). My question is: how do I make the client computer part of the domain without directly connecting the computer to the server on-site. Or is there a way to logon on to a domain via VPN without the computer actually being part of the domain (I know this is possible after logged on as a local user but it defeats the purpose because your logged on as a local using and not as a user from the domain.

You'd get better assistance if you move this thread to the appropriate (Networking/Server 2003) forum. I agree; computing.net does need an edit button.

Your question is all over the map of uses. Question one: Any computer can be part of a domain no matter where it is. It must have some sort of connection that is. Two things are required. Make an object in AD and configure client comuter. Any AD user can also connect something like up to 5 computers by default. Question two is: There any number of ways to access a server. Depends on how you allow a user to access the server and what resourses you wish to share. If you are just sharing folders then you configure how you wish users to access and what level of permissions needed to--First, connect and Second, access resources. What are you trying to use on a server? Do you need simple file access? Do you need to ensure users are authenticated via what level of security. Do you wish to share applications. Do you just want use remote desktop or other terminal services?

Sorry if I'm not explaining this correctly. I want to boot remote Xp computer, when windows asked for a username and password I'd like to enter the username of a Domain/User and specify the VPN connection to use to connect. I just want to connect to the domain server as if I was logged on at the office, printers, file sharing, exchange server, everything that is used when the same user logs on on-site. No terminal services, no remote desktop. The only way 'I' know to let a AD user log on to the server is to have them logon from a computer that has been added to the domain. Is there another way to do this?