VPN Connection Problems
As of 9/05 there is a known problem with VPN connections, the symptoms are these: The VPN connection is established, then Outlook or some other program requiring the VPN connection is started and the VPN connection fails. The user starts VPN repeatedly and it repeatedly fails, to possibly start working at some point and it may keep working for the rest of the current session.
 
FIX
There is a temporary fix for this problem.
  • Choose Start,  Settings,  Network Connections,  New Connection Wizard
  • Choose Connect to the Network at my Workplace
  • Choose Virtual Private Network Connection
  • Type in   IU PPTP    for the Company Name
  • Choose "Do Not Dial the initial Connection" for wireless, DSL or Cable Modems.
  • Type exactly   vpn.indiana.edu   for the "host name or IP address"
  • Choose "Anyone's Use" unless you would prefer this to be available only for you
  • Click in the box to "Add a shortcut to the desktop" for your convenience
  • When the VPN logon window appears:
  • click on Properties
  • click the Networking Tab
  • change the "Type of VPN" choice to "PPTP VPN" then click OK
  • you should be back to the VPN logon window
  • fill in your username and password.
  • If you are at home and your logon is rejected, change your username to "ADS\yourusername"

In case you are asked, this will create a PPTP connection instead of the newer IPSEC. The VPN installation utility available on IUWare creates an IPSEC connection and this is the protocol that seems to be causing the problem.

Apparently the PPTP protocol will be discontinued in Spring or Summer 2006; let's hope the IPSEC problem is fixed before this happens.