VPN problems on Windows XP

The build in VPN in windows XP had 2 problems when I run VPN (both server and clients are windows XP)
1. Is there a way to change windows Xp registry to allow multiple VPN connections simultaneuously?

2.The Web browser and instant messenging services shut down several minuates after I connected to VPN. They were restored immmediately after I disconnected from VPN. I use cable internet via a NIC card from Earthlink.