Dial-up, broadband, and VPN connections can be established manually or automatically. The manual method lets users choose when to connect. The automatic method connects when users start a program that requires network access, such as Internet Explorer.
Dial-up uses a telephone line to establish connections between two modems. To establish a dial-up connection, follow these steps:
Click Start and then click Connect To. In Connect To A Network, click the dialup connection you want to use and then click Connect.
Confirm that the user name is correct and enter the password for the account if it doesn't already appear.
To use the user name and password whenever you attempt to establish this connection, select Save This User Name And Password For The Following Users and then select Me Only.
To use the user name and password when any user attempts to establish this connection, select Save This User Name And Password For The Following Users and then select Anyone Who Uses This Computer. Don't use this option if you plan to distribute this connection through Group Policy because you don't want to give out your connection password.
The Dial drop-down list shows the number that will be dialed. The primary number is selected by default. To choose an alternate number, click the drop-down list and then select the number you want to use.
Click Dial. When the modem connects to the ISP or office network, you'll see a connection speed. The connection speed is negotiated on a per call basis and depends on the maximum speed of the calling modem and the modem being called, the compression algorithms available, and the quality of the connection.
If you have problems connecting with dial-up, use these tips to help you troubleshoot:
Problem: Modem dials and reaches the other modem but cannot connect. It continues to make connection noises until you cancel the operation.
Resolution: The phone lines are usually the source of the problem. Static or noise on the line can cause connection failures. Check your connections between the modem and the wall. Check with the phone company to see whether they can test the line and resolve the problem.
Problem: Modem dials and seems to connect; then the service provider or office network connection is dropped unexpectedly. The connection doesn't seem to complete successfully.
Resolution: Check your networking protocols and components / If this seems to be okay, determine whether you are passing Windows logon and domain information, because this might be required.
Problem: Cannot access resources in the Windows domain.
Resolution: Client For Microsoft Networks might be required to access resources on the office network. Enable this component and ensure that the domain information is being passed as necessary.
Problem: User can never get through. The modem seems to be dialing the number incorrectly. You can hear it dialing too many or too few numbers.
Resolution: Check the dialing rules for the connection as well as the currently selected dialing location. Make sure these are configured properly for the user's current location.
Problem: A No Dial Tone message is displayed but the modem is installed correctly and seems to be okay.
Resolution: Check the phone cord and ensure that it is connected properly. Some modems have two line jacks, one labeled Phone/In and one labeled Line/Out. The phone cord from the wall jack should be plugged into the Line/Out jack. Some phone jacks are configured for data only, indicating a plug-in for a high-speed line rather than a phone or modem. Try a different plug.
Problem: The computer freezes when the user tries to use the modem.
Resolution: This is most likely caused by a device conflict.
Problem: Some services freeze or don't work.
Resolution: Check the proxy and firewall settings. These settings can restrict the services that are available.
Broadband connections are established using a cable modem and a cable line, or a DSL router and a telephone line. To establish a broadband connection, follow these steps:
Click Start and then click Connect To. In Connect To A Network, click the broadband connection you want to use and then click Connect.
To use the user name and password when any user attempts to establish this connection, select Save This User Name And Password For The Following Users and then select Anyone Who Uses This Computer.
Click Connect.
If you have problems connecting with broadband, use these tips to help you troubleshoot:
Problem: Cannot connect. Connection doesn't seem to work at all.
Resolution: Check your network connections. Ensure that the lines connecting the DSL router or cable modem and the computer are plugged in properly.
Problem: Connection is dropped unexpectedly. The connection doesn't seem to complete successfully.
Resolution: Check your networking protocols and components . If this seems to be okay, determine whether you are passing Windows logon and domain information, as this might be required.
A VPN connection is made over an existing local area connection, dial-up connection, or broadband connection.
VPN connections are displayed separately from dial-up, broadband, and local area network (LAN) connections. To establish a VPN connection, follow these steps:
Click Start and then click Connect To. In Connect To A Network, click the VPN connection you want to use and then click Connect.
If the connection is configured to first dial another type of connection, Windows Vista tries to establish this connection before attempting the VPN connection. If prompted to establish this connection, click Yes. Then dial the connection as discussed in the "Connecting with Dial-Up" section of this chapter.
Once the necessary connection is established, you'll see the Connect dialog box. After you confirm that the user name is correct and enter the password for the account if it doesn't already appear, click Connect.
If you have problems establishing the connection, use these tips to help you troubleshoot:
Problem: Returns error message regarding the host name.
Resolution: The host name might be incorrectly specified. Check the settings to ensure the host name is fully expressed, such as http://www.external01.microsoft.com rather than simply external01. DNS resolutions might not be working properly either. If this is the case, enter the IP address for the host rather than the host name.
Problem: Returns error message regarding a bad IP address.
Resolution: Check or reenter the IP address. If the IP address was correct, TCP /IP networking might be improperly configured. Check your networking protocols and components . You might need to set a default gateway and a static IP address for the connection.
Problem: Message stating that the protocol isn't supported is displayed, and the connection doesn't seem to complete successfully.
Resolution: Set the protocol to automatic rather than to a specific setting of either PPTP or L2TP. Check the secure logon settings. They might be set to require a secure password instead of smart card or vice versa. If this seems to be okay, determine whether you are passing Windows logon and domain information, as this might be required.
Problem: Cannot map network drives or access printers.
Resolution: File And Printer Sharing For Microsoft Networks is required to map drives and printers.
