Northern Illinois University

Information Technology Services

PPTP Configuration on Windows Vista

NOTE: You cannot be connected to a wireless network before you begin this setup.

I. Ensure the device is not connected to any network.

  1. Open the Network Connections window.
    Vista Menu: Click Start > Connect To
    Classic Menu: Click Start > Settings > Network Connections > Wireless Network Connection > Connect To
  2. If you are already connected to a wireless network, select that network and click "Disconnect

    disconnect

II. Configure VPN Connection

  1. Open the Network Connections window.
    Vista Menu: Click Start > Network > Network and Sharing Center
    Classic Menu: Click Start > Settings >Control Panel > Network and SharingCenter

    select network and sharing center

  2. Select "Set up a connection or network" from the task bar on the left side of the screen.
  3. Click on "Connect to a workplace".

    Select Connect to a Workplace
  4. Select "Use my Internet Connection (VPN)".

    Select Use my Internet Connection
  5. Select "Set up an Internet Connection".

    Select Set up and Internet Connection
  6. Select "Wireless" and connect to a wireless network by selecting a wireless network and clicking connect. Once you have connected, click next and Windows will test your connection to see if there is internet connectivity. If the test fails, select "set up connection anyway" and continue with step 8. (see bottom)***
  7. Enter vpn1.ess.niu.edu for the internet address and enter NIU VPN for the Destination name, then click Next.

    Entering information
  8. Enter you NIU user name and password into the respective fields and click create.

    Authentication Information
  9. The connection will be created and connected.

    Connection successful
  10. Choose a location for you connection.

    Set security level
  11. Use the Internet!

III. Disconnecting

  1. Open the Network and Sharing Center.
    Vista Menu: Click Start > Network > Network and Sharing Center
    Classic Menu: Click Start > Settings >Control Panel > Network and SharingCenter
  2. Click "Manage network connections".

    manage network connections

  3. Right click on the "NIU VPN" connection and click "Disconnect".

***If the Internet Connectivity test is unsuccessful, disable the wireless network device, and then re-enable it and re-connect to the wireless network. Once you are connected to the wireless network, try to connect to the VPN connection that you just created (You will be prompted for you username and password).Once you are connected, you will be asked to choose your location (see step 10 above). If you still cannot connect to the NIU VPN,  contact the Helpdesk at 815-753-8100.

(Start > Network > Network and Sharing Center > Manage network connections)

Disable Device