I need to create a internet VPN between a Windows 7 (Ultimate) PC and another using XP. "7"s set up is expecting it to be at a static IP - this from a home to a home. Please help.

To add to Bharath's [MSFT] comments here are pages that detail how to setup a PPTP VPN server and client on a Windows XP box. Ignore the comments about IPsec and ports 500 and 50/51 at the end of the server how-to.

http://www.onecomputerguy.com/networking/xp_vpn_server.htm

http://www.onecomputerguy.com/networking/xp_vpn.htm

Also remember you need TCP Port 1723 open on any firewall/router your server PC is behind. The firewall/router also needs to pass GRE Protocol 47 traffic. That is sometimes called PPTP Pass Through. Some consumer grade routers have problems doing that. You can test all this using the PPTP Ping and VPN Traffic sections on this page...

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb877965.aspx

Remember to use a strong password...

http://www.microsoft.com/protect/fraud/passwords/checker.aspx

If the PPTP VPN does not work for you then you might consider Secure Shell [SSH]. SSH is pretty easy to setup on Windows 7 or XP. You can safely access shared files and/or use Remote Desktop or VNC to remotely access/control multiple PCs through the SSH tunnel. In addition you can use a public/private key pair for strong authentication. Here is a small page that talks about this...

http://theillustratednetwork.mvps.org/Ssh/SecureShell.html

MS-MVP Windows Desktop Experience, "When all else fails, read the instructions"

Hi Yogi1,

Welcome to Microsoft Answers

Following are the steps for configuring Incoming VPN Connection in Windows 7

1. First go to Control Panel and open Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click on Change adapter settings.
3. Press Alt+F and select New Incoming connection
4. Put a check on who you’d like to give access to this computer or you can configure a new account by clicking on Add someone,after that click on Next.
5. Put a check mark on Through the Internet. Click on Next.
6. Select the protocols you want to enable for this connection. Click on Allow access.
7. Make a note of the Computer name as this will be used by the client to connect to this computer and after that Click on Close.

Following are the steps for configuring Outgoing VPN Connection in Windows 7

1. First go to Control Panel and open Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click on Set up a new connection or network.
3. Select Connect to a workplace then click on Next.
4. Select Use my internet connection (VPN).
5. Type the IP address or computer name where you wish to connect and your connection name under the Destination name field.
6. Enter a User name and password that has been granted access to the host computer.
7. For getting connected through created VPN connection, you can either right-click on the Network icon in the system tray and select Network and Sharing Center or go to Control Panel and open Network and Sharing Center, and click on Connect to a network.
8. Now connect VPN Connection windows will appears.

I would also suggest you to please note that this how-to use the built-in network setup right in Windows 7, so it works the best if VPN server on the other side is also from Windows Server.

Open up network and sharing center from Control Panel, and choose Set up a new connection or network.

There are two options in the Connect to a Workplace window. 99% of the time you just need to pick the first option, unless your company only allows you to dial in using a phone line.

Type in the address in either domain name or IP address, and name the connection in the destination name box. And click Next.

You can leave all user login info blank if you feel safe that way in the next window. And click Create*.* You’re all set if you see the next window as below.

To launch it, simply click the small network icon on the system tray at the bottom right corner, and pick the connection we just created from the popup list, and connect.

Type in your user name and password, and you are on your way connecting your Windows 7 to your company network.

Additional Information: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Set-up-an-incoming-VPN-or-dial-up-connection

Hope this helps you

Regards

Bharath

Microsoft Support