The University of Sheffield
Corporate Information and Computing Services

Window Client (XP)

Microsoft PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunnelling Protocol) client is built in to Windows XP.

  1. You will need to click and run the New Connection Wizard. From the START menu,select All Programs, then Accessories, then Communications and then New Connection Wizard - click Next
  2. Select the Connect to the network at my workplace button - click Next
  3. Select the Virtual Private Network connection button - click Next
  4. Enter a Connection Name eg VPN - click Next
  5. Select Do not dial the initial connection - click Next
  6. In the VPN Server Selection window type vpn.shef.ac.uk as the host name - click Next
  7. Select Add a shortcut to this connection to my desktop - click Finish.

Connecting via PPTP

  1. Ensure that you are already connected to the Internet through your Network or Internet Service Provider (ISP).
  2. Start the PPTP client by double clicking the Shortcut you have created on your desktop.
  3. Enter your Remote Access username and password and click OK.

    [If you are unsuccessful in making a connection check that you have typed your Remote Access user name and password correctly.]
  4. If you connect successfully the Internet connection icon - two networked computers - will appear on the right hand side of the taskbar at the bottom of your screen.

    You can click on the connection icon at any time to check the status of your connection or to disconnect.