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IE connection problem over VPN

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11 replies

by alanb

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I have a remote user who is unable to open web pages on our netwrok via a VPN on Windows 98. I am unsure of the the OS build etc, but can confirm that the user connected to the network via VPN.

Zone Alarm is installed on the Win98 box, but this is closed prior to making the connection.

I am hoping that someone will have had similiar experiences, and can offer advice on toubleshooting further. As the user is 'computer challenged' I have not gone through standard netwrok troubleshooting assuch (ping etc).

I am unsure of the Internet Explorer version, and am wondering if there could be conflicts with IE.

As this is URGENT I would appreciate a prompt response.

Thanks,

Alan

11 replies

by saihib

Instead of using, for example, vpnserver.yourcompanyname.com when you create the connection use the vpn server's IP address instead.

by techkid

Geez, you're probly really smart if you believe a 'computer challenged' individual over your expert networking knowledge. I mean, c'mon, why would anyone even bother to do basic diagnostic tests before posting to a forum!

by alanb

Not sure what your crass comments are referring to, but is of no help whatsoever.

by tech support

(Feb. 24, 2003) The problem does not look to be resolved as yet. I did not see some basic answers as posted. Did the user ever connect successfully? If yes, then what happened prior to the connection failure? If no, (new user), then back to scratch and re-establish the VPN. IE should be 5.0 or higher with updates. Microsoft issued performance warnings on versions earlier than 5.0 (admin@republicresource.net)

by choppit

Check that you have valid DNS and gateway settings assigned on the client system (either manual or by DHCP). Try connecting using IP addresses to see if this is the case.

by churdoo

Finally someone's leading you down the right road, as Choppit is above;

I don't want to bogart Choppit's points, and please if we do end up causing you to fix this problem, he can have the points ... like I said, I just want to expand. Based onthe info you've given, it sounds like classic name resolution problem.

With even a computer challenged user, while he is connected to the VPN, you can walk him through an IPCONFIG /all command, or winipcfg and read you the results. The defaultgateway is a non-issue with the VPN, but what is of prime importance here is DNS and WINS. Is he gaining his VPN settings statically or by DHCP upon connecting?

What will also confirm that it is a name resolution issue is if the user can launch IE and browse some of your network webpages by reading him what IP to type in the address bar of IE.

If all else fails, and you just can't break the communication barrier with the computer-challenged user, then it's possible to have the user install a simple remote control server, like VNC (GPU/freeware, and it's easy to install) or something, and then you can simply remote to his workstation when he connects and figure out the problem yourself.
--c

by alanb

Thanks for your efforts. We have tried to have the user connect directly via IP, thus working around any name resolution problems. The main problem lies in the fact that the user is located on the other side of the world, and the PC set up for the Dutch Language set (ever tried deciphering error messages in Dutch?).
There is also the time/priority issue - the user does not wish to spend a lot of time on something he does not understand, and can use workarounds to gain the information he needs from the network (fax details etc).
I have suggested he get a consultant in who can work with us - we can considered the VNC/PC Anywhere solution, but feel the installation/setup would be more distressing to the user.
Due to your obvious desire to help, the points are yours.

by info

Dear Alan,

I had the sane problem. I did uncheck the "use defaultgateway on remote network" box at the remote computer. This is under advanced TCP/IP setting in VPN Properties at the remote computer. It works good.

Thanks
Moe

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