cannot create vpn incoming connection

I am trying to create a VPN incoming connection on an XP MCE computer and I
get the following error that the Routing and Remote service cannot start.
Looking in the event viewer I see the following error.

Event Type: Error
Event Source: Service Control Manager
Event Category: None
Event ID: 7024
Date: 2/26/2006
Time: 8:12:23 PM
Description:
The Routing and Remote Access service terminated with service-specific error
340 (0x154).


I also get errors on a different XP Pro computer related to the Routing and
Remote Service.
EventID: 20152 "authentication provider failed to load - system cannot find
path specified'
EventID: 7024

Both computers have all the latest updates installed and work fine with
other networked computers.
I just can't create this advanced connection.. checking out the
troubleshooters on the web were no help..

I tried MS Article ID 840686 (You cannot start the Routing and Remote Access
service on a Windows 2000 Server-based computer or on a Windows Server
2003-based computer).. that didn't work either..

Any help appreciated..
TIA
JIM