Can I create a VPN to my computer?

[Zucarita9000]

My setup at home is pretty basic: dsl modem, linksys router and a couple of pcs running XP Pro SP2.

I already managed to get Remote Desktop working, signing up for a DynDSN account and forwarding the 3389 port to my computer I can now access my desktop from anywhere over the internet.

But if I want to get some file from my own computer, I can't do it using Remote Desktop. I was wondering if there's a way I can somehow create a VPN connection to be able to access my network shares from the internet via an encrypted connection.

Thanks!

 

[dphantom]

You can use this link EZ LAN as a start. I recommend using some sort of VNC app such as Real VNC or UltraVNC to do what you are wanting to do. The above link provides informaiton on how to access files on your home PC from an external locaiton.

 

[Zucarita9000]

Thanks for the info. However, I'm still having some problems enabling incoming connections on my computer (so I can connect from the outside). It seems that the RRAS service cannot be started. Is this a security measure in XP SP2?

 

[mleonard]

Which model is your Linksys router? Does it have VPN passthrough and has that been set up?

 

[Brazen]

You can share files through remote desktop. When initiating the connection, on the Local Resources tab, check "disk drives" and your local drives will show up under My Computer on the remote machine and you can copy files through there.

Another easy option would be to use UltraVNC instead of Remote Desktop. UltraVNC has a file transfer feature. All you need is port 5900 (or a custom port if you so choose) forwarded from your home router to your home computer (and of course, the server component installed on your home computer, and the client program, does not need installed, on the client you are initiating the connection from).

 

[Zucarita9000]

It a BEFSR41 and yes, I have set up VPN passthrough and it's enabled.
I've seen the option of sharing disk drives using Remote Desktop but I fear that it is not very secure. A VPN however would be much safer, right?

 

[Rafael]

You might try this.

That will setup the VPN server in Windows XP.
But you might have to forward some ports and check if your DSL service does not block the VPN port.

 

[Zucarita9000]

I've tried that already, but I can't pass the Accept Incoming Connections screen. Windows just frozes for a few minutes and then it says that I cannot start the service. I've looked it up and it seems after SP2 XP this doesn't work anymore. Is this correct?

 

[vorgusa]

You could always get a router that would do the VPN for you... The RV042 works well and you can use the linksys program to connect without dealing with a lot of setup.

 

[Brazen]

Originally posted by: Zucarita9000
I've seen the option of sharing disk drives using Remote Desktop but I fear that it is not very secure. A VPN however would be much safer, right?

I don't know if there are any security measures in Remote Desktop to protect your data or your desktop session (I don't think there is any). VPN would be safer, assuming you use a protected protocol and not just pptp. UltraVNC does, however, have an encryption option.

 

[vorgusa]

other then security are there any benefits to UltraVNC?

 

[shamans]

Simplest method for now: Use hamachi on both computers.

It will have all the features you need: security, encryption, passing through firewalls/proxy, etc.

Hamachi has been bought out recently by LogMeIn, Inc so who knows how long it will last as a limited-free edition. But for now, it will work.

 

[Zucarita9000]

Good call. I'd lik to try XP's built-in VPN first thou...

 

[Aarondeep]

Originally posted by: Zucarita9000
Good call. I'd lik to try XP's built-in VPN first thou...

I don't think the built in VPN for XP works as well and is as easy as most other 3rd party solutions.

 

[JackMDS]

There are few solutions but you need to first the basic in order to make a choice.

VPN - Virtual Private Networks for small settings.

In addition, if all is too much you can alternatively use VNC with encryption ( Ultr@VNC (Remote Control for your Network/Internet) - Installation, and Settings ), which is a fast simple solution and all free.

:sun:

 

[Brazen]

Originally posted by: vorgusa
other then security are there any benefits to UltraVNC?

benefits compared to what? Compared to VPN? Well it's hard to say. UltraVNC would definately be easier to set up, and you can use the viewer without installing anything. It's just an exe and a couple other files, so a limited user can use it without having anything installed, and you can just delete the files when you're done, so it doesn't leave anything behind other than a couple of current user registry keys to remember your settings.

Here is a very non-extensive list of it's features.

 

[Brazen]

You could try OpenVPN. It's very mature and stable, and widely used on Linux, but it will run on Windows, too. The only downside is you will need admin priveleges to install it on whatever client machines you want to use it on.

Really though, I think for your situation you will be happiest with UltraVNC. You can download and use the veiwer executable from ANY computer and delete it when you are done so you don't leave anything behind, or need admin priveleges. The only thing you will need to have with you is the key file if you use the optional encryption plugin.

 

[vorgusa]

Originally posted by: Brazen

Originally posted by: vorgusa
other then security are there any benefits to UltraVNC?

benefits compared to what? Compared to VPN? Well it's hard to say. UltraVNC would definately be easier to set up, and you can use the viewer without installing anything. It's just an exe and a couple other files, so a limited user can use it without having anything installed, and you can just delete the files when you're done, so it doesn't leave anything behind other than a couple of current user registry keys to remember your settings.

Here is a very non-extensive list of it's features.

Benefits compared to Remote Desktop that comes with Windows XP pro

 

[Brazen]

Originally posted by: vorgusa

Benefits compared to Remote Desktop that comes with Windows XP pro

Well, it's hard to say. Really they are both very similar. The main difference is that you can access the console connection with UltraVNC. This means if you are remoting into another person's computer to help with a problem, then you can work together and both see the screen. UltraVNC even has a chat functionality to facilitate this.

The file transfer function in UltraVNC also works MUCH better than transferring files through Remote Desktop. I've also had issues with certain programs not working correctly if run in a terminal session because they are expecting access to the console.

There is one thing I have to nod in favor or Remote Desktop though. I think the graphical session feels a little smoother compared to UltraVNC. Personally, I use Remote Desktop to remote into my home computer. I have a linux file server at home though, so if I ever want to transfer files, I use ssh.

 

[Zucarita9000]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
There are few solutions but you need to first the basic in order to make a choice.

VPN - Virtual Private Networks for small settings.

In addition, if all is too much you can alternatively use VNC with encryption ( Ultr@VNC (Remote Control for your Network/Internet) - Installation, and Settings ), which is a fast simple solution and all free.

:sun:

I've tried that already and it doesn't work. Windows refuses to start the RRAS service, so I cannot get pass the "Accept Incoming Connections" screen. This is really weird, but I've tried it on both my PCs and none of them work.