How to setup PPTP server with your Windows XP

Note: If you just need a quick look of how to setup the PPTP server with WinXP, just skip the introduction part and start with the pictures.

I need to access my home desktop through a secure communication channel, what can I do?

If you want to setup a VPN server at home, you can consider to choose either PPTP or SSL VPN. Setting up a SSL VPN server involves maintaining a Certificate Authority (CA), Registration Authority (RA), Certificate Revocation List (CRL) and Digital Certificates. These names are scary and are not friendly to many people......

Therefore, we will go for an easier way, which is setting up a PPTP VPN server. But now, we have come up with another question, what platform should we build on, this can be either

• Windows
• Linux
• Dedicated firmware (DD-WRT)

Linux is powerful but not many people will build a linux server or VM at home.
DD-WRT is easy for user to setup but it requires the user to modify the firmware of their router.
Windows is popular and user can deploy the setting with just a few minutes. Therefore, it makes the ideal choice to do the job.

Step 1. OPEN the Network Connection

Step 2. BUILD a new connection

Step 3. CLICK "Next" 

Step 4. SELECT advanced connection

Step 5. SELEC accept incoming connection

Step 6. SELEC allow virtual private connection

Step 7. CLICK "Property" to make advanced setting

Step 8. INPUT the IP range that is free of your current network

Optional: You may check the property of this profile if encryption is enabled, you can also maintain a list of PPTP users at the same page. 

At this point, your computer is ready to provide PPTP VPN service to yourself and others.