Server 2003 VPN Setup Question

[cobrakr]

I have looked over several posts about setting up a VPN connection on Windows Server 2003 but I havent found details addressing my specific issues. Here is what I have and want to do.

I have a fresh install of Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition. ( No roles installed or assigned yet ).

I am wanting a simple VPN connection from a laptop from outside the network to log in and transfer data and images to a folder that sits on the server hard drive.
This sounds like a simple setup but I dont know which other roles I need to setup for this ( dhcp, active directory, etc. )

I have two NIC cards available if neccessary.

I have a static ip address on a DSL modem, connected to a router, connected to the server. So the server sits behind a router.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thank You.

[chicagotech]

In this case, you need to enable RRAS only. This how to may help.
How to setup VPN
You may have two options to setup VPN server on Windows 2003. 1) Create an incoming networking connection if you have small network or you want to setup one ...
http://www.howtonetworking.com/Windows/vpnsetup.htm

[cobrakr]

Thank you for the info. I do have another question.

Since this is a brand new install, what other roles will need to be installed? As far as setting up a VPN Client User, wouldnt I need to install Active Directory? Any specifics about what else I need ( DHCP ? ) will be grealy appreciated.

Thanks.

[blin]

If you would like to create a domain network, you should install Active Directory and DHCP. However, if your goal is setup VPN, you don't need the AC and DHCP.

By the way, it is not recommended to install RRAS/VPN on a DC. Otherwise, you may have a name resolution or connectivity issue. Please refer to this search result:

Name resulotion on VPNCan't ping VPN client by name. Connection issues on DC, ISA, DNS and WINS server as VPN server. How to assign DNS and WINS on VPN client manually ...
http://www.howtonetworking.com/nameresolutionpnvpn.htm

[cobrakr]

thank you for the information. I am having a difficult time trying to setup this VPN connection.

I am using DSL with a static ip address. The DSL modem is linked to a Linksys WRT54G wireless router running DD-WRT firmware. The wireless router is connected to the Windows Server 2003 via ethernet switch port. I have a second NIC installed in the Windows Server 2003 machine and it is plugged into another switch port on the router. ( Not sure if this is neccessary ).

I will be accessing the VPN connection with my laptop ( Vista Home Premium 64bit ) and want a simple setup to log on to the VPN server via the static IP address and transfer files to the Server.

After trying the VPN Server Role and setting it up from the details here, it produces and error saying I cant connect.

Is there anything I am missing here? Is there a very basic and detailed tutorial on setting it up from a fresh Windows Server 2003 install?

Please help.
Thank You.

[guest]

1. You don't need to connect the 2nd NIC to the same switch.
2. Have you done port forward in the router?