Windows 7

This page will tell you how to create and connect to the University Virtual Private Network (VPN) with your Windows 7 computer.

Creating a VPN connection

• Click on the Start menu in the bottom left.
• Type "set up a virtual" in the search box (highlighted red).
• Now click on the item marked Set up a virtual private network (VPN) connection.

• You should now see the Create a VPN connection settings screen
• Enter the Internet address as vpn.shef.ac.uk and the Destination name as University VPN
• Tick the box marked "Don't connect now; just set it up so I can connect later"
• Click Next

• When prompted enter your user name and your Remote Access Password. Note that your Remote Access Password is different to your usual University password, for further information see the link on the right.
• Only select Remember this password if you are confident that your computer is secure and will not be shared with other people.
• Click Create.

• Click on the Start menu in the bottom left.
• Type "view network connections" in the search box (highlighted red).
• Now click on the item marked View Network Connections.

• You should now see the View Network Connections window.
• Right click on the connection you have just created (hightlighted red) and select Properties.

• You should now see the University VPN Properties settings screen.
• Select the tab marked Security.
• Click on the drop down box marked "Type of VPN: and select Point to Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP).
• Click OK.

Adding a shortcut to your desktop

• Whilst in the View Network Connections window right click on the connection you have just created and select Create Shortcut.
• You will be asked if you want to add a shortcut to your desktop, select Yes.

Connecting to VPN

• Double click on the shortcut you have created (this will be called "University VPN - Shortcut").
• If necessary enter your user name and your Remote Access Password. Note that your Remote Access Password is different to your usual University password, for further information see the link on the right.
• Click Connect.