XP VPN can't find network

[John Farrar]

Hi,

I set up a VPN between 2 machines, both running XP pro. They connect
via VPN beautifully but I can't seem to be able to actually network
them. The server and client can't find each other if you do a search
on computers. I ran the network connection wizard on both machines,
made sure they have the same workgroup, I shared the drives, it's
frustrating because the the client connects but how do I get them
actually networked?

There's probably something really obvious that I'm overlooking.
Please help

Thanks,

J

 

[Robert L [MS-MVP]]

this may help. quoted from http://www.ChicagoTech.net
Unable to browse through PPTP/VPN connection
Symptoms: 1. If the WINS server is on the same computer as the PPTP/VPN
server, and you attempt to connect to a computer using a PPTP/VPN client,
you may experience following problem: 1) The NetBIOS name of the computer to
which you are attempting to connect is not resolved. 2) You may receive an
error message similar to the following error message: "System error 53 has
occurred. The network path was not found" when using net view or opening
Network Knighthood.
2. If the WINS server is not on the same computer as the PPTP server and you
attempt to connect to a computer using a PPTP client, you may be able to
connect to computers on your local area network (LAN), but you may be unable
to connect to network shares or resources on the PPTP server.
Resolutions: Inability to browse often means the client can't resolve
NetBIOS names.
1. If this is a workgroup network, enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP on the server
and clients.
2. If this is domain network and the WINS server is on the same computer as
the PPTP/VPN server, move the WINS server to a different computer.
3. Add the NetBEUI protocol for your PPTP tunnel instead of, or in addition
to, TCP/IP.
4. By default, most routers and firewalls prevent the transmission of
NetBIOS names unless you enable UDP ports 137 and 138 and TCP port 139. Try
to enable UDP ports 137 and 138 and TCP port 139 across all routers and
firewalls between the PPTP/VPN client and PPTP/VPN server.
5. Make sure the client has correct DNS, WINS and Master Browser settings.
6. Make sure the default gateway points to the remote network rather than to
the ISP.
7. Some ISP might block ports required for NetBIOS name broadcasts.
8. If WINS address is not distributed upon connection to VPN, LMHOSTS should
be configured to enable Domain to be located.
9. If you try these techniques and the client still can't browse, try to use
UNC to connect to the remote resources by ip, for example, use the net use
h: \\serverip\sharename command.

--
For more and other information, go to http://www.ChicagoTech.net

Don't send e-mail or reply to me except you need consulting services.
Posting on MS newsgroup will benefit all readers and you may get more help.

Bob Lin, MS-MVP, MCSE & CNE
Networking, Internet, Routing, VPN, Anti-Virus, Tips & Troubleshooting on
http://www.ChicagoTech.net
Networking Solutions, http://www.chicagotech.net/networksolutions.htm
VPN Solutions, http://www.chicagotech.net/vpnsolutions.htm
VPN Process and Error Analysis, http://www.chicagotech.net/VPN process.htm
VPN Troubleshooting, http://www.chicagotech.net/vpn.htm
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties.

 

[John Farrar]

Hi Bob,

Thanks for your suggestions.

I don't know what WINS is or how it works so I really don't know how
to implement some of your suggestions. As for the others...

1. When I enable netbios over tcp/ip the client can no longer connect
to the VPN.
3. Netbeui was already added.
4. The only firewall is XP Pro (sp2) Internet Connection Firewall.
It shows exeptions for the VPN connection but I don't know ho to
actually open up the ports you've specified. When I tried to make a
new exception I get a message that says 'settings for this port
already exist.'
7. I spoke with my ISP and they assured me that it should work. I'm
using a Westell dsl modem with ipsec passthrough enabled on both
sides.

So, maybe it is a WINS issue. How do I determine which (if either)
machine
is the WINS server? Does VPN require WINS? What is the difference
between a workgroup and a domain network? I assume it's a workgroup.
The server is just a standalone desktop sitting in the spare bedroom--
there are no other local machines. Same with the client machine at
the accountant's house. I did run network setup wizards on both
sides-- was this a bad idea?