University of Plymouth Virtual
Private Network (VPN)
Windows XP Setup Instructions
In this guide you will learn how to:
 Create your VPN connection
 Configure your Internet settings
 Connect to your VPN connection
Windows XP VPN Setup
Create your VPN connection
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection is needed in order to securely connect to the
University network.

Now Do This …
1. Click the Start button and go to
Control Panel, open the Network
Connections.
2. Click on Create a New Connection
in the left hand menu
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Windows XP VPN Setup
3. The New Connection Wizard will
start. Click Next to continue.
4. Click the Connect to the network
at my workplace radio button.
Click Next to continue.
5. Click on the Virtual Private
Network connection button.
Click Next to continue.
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Windows XP VPN Setup
6. In the Company Name text box
type University of Plymouth VPN.
Click Next to continue.
7. If you have an existing dial-up or VPN connection you may be directed to the Public
Network page. If this is the case, select Do not dial the initial connection, then click
Next.
Otherwise continue to step 8.
8. In the Host name or IP address
text box type
vpn.plymouth.ac.uk.
Click Next to continue
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9. Click on the My use only radio
button. Click Next to continue.
10. Click Finish to end the New
Connection Wizard.
The VPN has now been created.
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Windows XP VPN Setup
11. If the Connect to University of
Plymouth VPN box appears click
Cancel.
Configure your Internet settings
In order to access the Internet you need to configure Internet Explorer to use the University of
Plymouth proxy server.

Now Do This …
1. Open Internet Explorer and go to Tools, then Internet Options and click on the
Connections tab.
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Windows XP VPN Setup
2. In the Dial up and Virtual Private
Network settings area click on the
University of Plymouth VPN then
click on the Settings button.
3. You need to make sure that only
the option Use automatic
configuration script box is
checked, then in the address field
type:
http://wpad.plymouth.ac.uk/wpad
.dat, then click OK twice to apply
the changes.
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© ILS University of Plymouth, 2008
Windows XP VPN Setup
Get connected
Your computer is now configured to connect to the University network using the VPN.
You must remember to activate the VPN connection in order to access the Internet.

Now Do This …
1. Activate the VPN connection by
double-clicking Start, Connect To,
and then University of Plymouth
VPN
2. Enter your University username
and password and click Connect.
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Windows XP VPN Setup

Tips …
Once the VPN has connected, an additional network icon will appear in the system tray at
bottom right hand corner of the screen.
To Disconnect
Once you have finished accessing the University network it is highly recommended that you
disconnect from the VPN

Now Do This …
1. If you are unsure which icon is the
University VPN hover over each
icon until the University of
Plymouth VPN appears
2. Double Click on this icon
Click Disconnect
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Windows XP VPN Setup
Troubleshooting

Error 691: Access denied because username and/or password is invalid on the
domain.
This error can occur if you use an incorrect username or password; remember the password is
case-sensitive - you will not see the password, so if CAPS LOCK is not the way you expect it,
you may have a problem with upper/lower-case.

Error 800: Unable to establish the VPN connection. The VPN server may be unreachable, or security parameters may not be configured properly for this connection.
This error may occur if a Virtual Private Network connection is specified, but fails to connect.
This can be caused by a variety of reasons, but the most likely is because you have 3rd party
security software. Consult with the manual for this software or manufacturers to find out how to
allow a VPN Connection through the security software.
I have connected to the VPN but cannot connect to any website
This is because there is a problem with the Internet Setting you specified earlier. This is
probably caused by one of the following reasons
1. Check the settings you entered from the Configure your Internet settings section of
this guide
2. You have 3rd party security software. Consult with the manual for this software or
manufacturers to find out how to allow Proxy Server information through the security
software.

How can I contact technical support for VPN use?
It is very hard to provide full technical support for use of the VPN at home as there are many
factors outside the University’s control. But if you require some assistance please use the
details below
Staff
Phone: 01752 588588
E-mail: Support@plymouth.ac.uk
Students
Phone: 01752 58900
E-mail: openaccess@plymouth.ac.uk
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