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2.5. Setting up a VPN L2TP/IPSEC Connection

Windows 7 includes a native client that lets you manage your VPN L2TP/IPSec connections.

In this article:

1- Configuring a new VPN L2TP/IPSec connection with the Windows 7 native client

2- Connect to the VPN

3- Disconnect from the VPN

4- If you experience problems with your VPN connection

1- Configuring a new VPN L2TP/IPSec connection with the Windows 7 native client

Steps:

1- Open the "Network and Sharing Center". This can be found in the Control Panel under "Network and Internet".

2- Select "Set up a new connection or network".

3- Select the connection type: "Connect to a workplace".

4- If other connections are already configured, select "Create a new connection".

If there was no connection previously configured, skip this step.

5- Select "Use my Internet Connection (VPN)".

6- During this step you will need to:

- Specify the public IP address of your Cisco ASA firewall .

- Give a meaningful name to your new VPN connection.

- Do not connect to the VPN immediately, as you will have to make a few modifications to the VPN connection, as described in the next steps.

7-  Specify the username and password password that were given to you byyour firewall/VPN administrator. Click on "Create" once you have filled out the form.

8- Close the window.

9- Go back to the "Network and Sharing Center" to modify your new VPN connection's settings. Click on "Change adapter settings" to the left.

10- Select your connection, right-click and select the "Properties" menu item.

11- In the "Options" tab, uncheck the Windows Domain box:

12- On the "Security" tab, select the following options :

- VPN Type: L2TP/IPSec

- Data Encryption: Maximum strength encryption

- Authentication Method: MS-CHAP-v2

13- Staying on the "Security" tab, change the VPN Advanced Settings by selecting the "Pre-shared key" option.

You will need the shared key ("Pre-shared key") that was given to your by your firewall/VPN administrator.

You have completed the configuration of your new VPN L2TP/IPSec connection on your Windows 7 machine.

2- Connecting to the VPN.

 1- From the "Network and Sharing Center", click on "Connect to a network" and select your connection, then click on "Connect".

2- Enter the username and password that were given to you byyour firewall/VPN administrator and click on "Connect".

The VPN connection should be established.

3- Disconnect from the VPN

 1- From the "Network and Sharing Center", click on "Connect or disconnect", select your connection and click on "Disconnect".

4- If you experience problems with your VPN connection

a- Make sure your computer is connected to the internet.

b- Make sure that you followed the connection instructions (described above), double-check as required.

c- Make sure that the connection credentials you are using are valid and are those that your firewall/VPN administrator gave you (firewall IP address, username, password, shared key).

If the problem persists, contact your firewall/VPN administrator.

IF your getting the following error when connecting to the VPN please try the following fix