VPN can only connect after several tries 1

[JillofAllTrades]

I use Windows 2000 as my VPN server, using PPTP.
I have a Windows XP laptop at home with a cable modem and a wireless router. I have 10 other users connecting to the VPN without problem.

It usually takes me a good 15 minutes of continually retrying before I can connect to my VPN. It sits at "Verifying username and password" and then gives me one of the generic error messages. Rebooting does not help.

This would point to my router as being the problem. It is a Linksys WRT54G. I have downloaded the latest firmware for the router and the latest drivers for my wireless card.

I found an article on Tek-Tips about setting your MTU - no better.

No errors are logged on the server or the laptop.
Help! I am so frustrated!

Christine

 

[gacollier]

Christine,

Just curious, what's the actual "generic error" you're getting at the client machine? Also, what happens if you try to telnet into you VPN Server from this system, (i.e. at a command prompt type: telnet your.server.ip.address 1723). If working properly, you shuld get a blank screen with a blinking cursor, not a connection error. Also, do you have VPN Pass through enabled for PPTP and L2TP?

Greg

 

[gacollier]

;;

 

[gacollier]

Christine,

One more thought, have you tried using one of the wired ports on the WRT54G?

 

[JillofAllTrades]

Error 721 usually. Sometimes a 619.
I can telnet to port 1723.
I have PPTP, L2TP, and IPSec passthrough enabled.
I will take my laptop upstairs and try a wired port.
{At first reading, I thought you said weird ports! )

Christine

 

[JillofAllTrades]

OK I found that a wired port allowed instant VPN connectivity. (Hello, Basic Troubleshooting )

I think I am having interference with my wireless so I switched the channel. Viola - instant connection. Hopefully this fix will last!

Thanks for reminding me to check the basics.

Christine

 

[deeno]

Let me jump in for a second. First, all of the stuff gacollier is having you do is good. If it still doesn't work after testing it on the WIRED port, though, try something for me.

Try connecting the laptop directly to the cable modem, bypassing the router completely. You may need to register your laptop to the cable connection (actually the MAC addy, but that's done behind the scenes) by providing a username and password. You should have that information, though. If the VPN connection succeeds then you can bet that the router is actually the problem. If the connection has the same problems as if it were behind the router then you can bet that it's your laptop with the problem. We need to establish which of these is actually the culprit.

There are a couple other things to try, but they depend on the results of what you come up with from the test above. Just post back with the results.

I may not be able to post as frequently as I normally would be able to since I'll be traveling the next few days, but I'll try to check in and post as I'm able. You're in good hands here in this forum though... There are plenty of other people who will be more than happy to help!

deeno

 

[gacollier]

Good deal Christine. Post back if something changes.

 

[deeno]

Oops, sorry, guess we posted at the same time or so...

Glad you got it!