I'm sure there is a simple answer to this one, but haven't been able to find it.

On of my home users has XP Home and needs to connect to the VPN.  I have her fire up the new connection wizard and choose "Connect to the network at my workplace" on page 2 then hit next...Page 3 has the choices:
"Dial Up Connection"
"Virtual Private Network Connection"

Both choices are greyed out, and the "Next" button is greyed out.  

Why?

I assume something is not installed that should be, but everything I see tells me that the VPN and Dial-Up Networking are installed by default on XP, nor can I found a way to add them to an installation.  

She has a broadband connection (cable).  She has only one NIC.  Her internet connections seems standard and is working normally.  She does have File and Print Sharing turned off.  

TIA for any thought.

-AJ

Follow-up...

After continued Googling I have run across what is possibly (I won't go as far as probably) the cause.  

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=329441

...references a situation that results in the Remote Access Connection Manager and the Remote Access Auto Connection Manager services being disabled and/or unable to start (semantics, I know).  

I have confirmed that this condition exixts on the PC in question.  My only problem with the explanation offered by MS is that I find it very hard to believe that the user in question has ever tried to perform the specified upgrades or a system restore.  But, one never knows.

If you have different (and better) experiences w/ this problem, I'd still love to hear from you.

Thanks,
-AJ

Hmmm, when you open up 'new connection' do you get an option to enter your local area code? In XP Pro, If i cancelled out of the area code selection dialog, it would automatically make the vpn connection unselectable.

Dont know if it helps

-Jamieson

Something obviously has become screwed up. This can usually be resolved by installing/reinstalling Service Pack 1 for Windows XP. Rather large tho i'm afraid at ~137MB.

Cheers

Mark

In my case the Telephony service was set to disable

I had the same problem and I found this website showing which services to enable. Look at section 1.2 and start those service and it will work, just did mine moments ago.


Dave