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Hello everyone.

I need to set my computer up as a VPN server so i can remotely access it via VNC.

I have the VNC side of things working just fine - but doesn't work outside of my local network (obviously)

Could anyone help me set my computer up as a VPN server that uses either L2TP PPTP or IPSec (although i think this is only Cisco? if so then this isn't an option )

My computer is sitting behind a router so i will also need help with any port mapping/forwarding required.

Many Thanks.

Edit: It is more than likely going to be worth mentioning i am running XP home edition.

What make and model and is your router?

What will you be using the VNC for? For transferring files or just to access your desktop remotely? Please provide a little more information on your requirements so we can assist you better.

The VNC will be used just for accessing my desktop remotely.

The router is a D-Link DSL 2740-B

The server side VNC software is Real VNC and the client side is Mocha VNC lite on an iPhone.

What VNC software are you using?

Have you thought about using Remote Desktop instead if you don't need to transfer files? Then you'll just have to setup port forwarding for port 3389 on the router. Please post back if you'd like more information on this.

Also another quick, simple way to provide access if you need to be able to transfer files is to use Hamachi. It creates a secure vpn connection that does not require you to forward any ports. You can then map network drives to be able to access and transfer files quickly.

Hamachi is free, you can download it from the link below. If you use Hamachi you will also be able to connect via vnc through the Hamachi link.

https://secure.logmein.com/products/...pn.asp?lang=en

I am using Real VNC on the server and Mocha VNC lite (iPhone app) on the client.

Because i am using an iPhone on the client side i don't think i can use Hamachi as it doesn't use the L2TP, PPTP or IPSec protocols.

Remote desktop isn't an option either... I would need to be at my server to allow the client to take control.

You don't need to be at the server the allow control from Remote Desktop. You didn't say you were using an iphone to connect so I assumed you were using a pc.

OK to setup VPN on the XP pc.

Click Start > Control Panel > Network Connections
On the left click Create a new connection > Click Next
Select Setup an advanced connection > Click Next
Select Accept incoming connections > Click Next > Click Next
Select Allow virtual private connections > Click Next
Tick the users you want to allow to connect via VPN > Click Next
Highlight Internet Protocol TCP/IP > Click Properties
Select Specify TCP/IP addresses. Put in a range on the same subnet as your current network that won't conflict with any other pc's you have at home. e.g. 192.168.1.150 to 192.168.1.200
Click OK > Click Next > Click Finish

Now you need to setup your router forward all VPN traffic to your PC.

Your router has these rules builtin, so it's just a matter of enabling them and setting to forward traffic to your pc's ip address. In your routers setup page > click Advanced > Virtual Server. Click Add a Rule > Select VPN from the list > type your pc's ip address into the ip address field > Click Add Rules.

You should now be able to connect to your pc via VPN. Please post back if you have any problems.

thanks a lot!

It isn't quite working but i know where to take it from here

You have been a great help, Thanks.