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Q173527: Automating PPTP Connection Via ISP Connection

Article: Q173527
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): WinNT:4.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbhowto kbinfo kbArtTypeINF
Last Modified: 09-AUG-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0 
- Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0 
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SUMMARY
=======

Windows NT version 4.0 introduced a new feature called Point-to-Point Tunneling
Protocol (PPTP). After you have connected to the Internet, you can make a PPTP
connection to your corporate network and access corporate resources. This
article discusses how to use one simple batch file to automate the process of
connecting to your Internet service provider (ISP) and then connecting to your
corporate PPTP server.

MORE INFORMATION
================

To connect to your ISP and then connect to your corporate PPTP server without
needing to launch two phone book entries, create a batch file using the
following steps:

NOTE: These steps assume that you have already created two phone book entries,
one for your ISP and one for your PPTP Server.

1. Using a text editor such as Notepad.exe or Edit.com, type the following
  lines, substituting your personal information for the items in brackets:

  rasdial.exe <ISP Phonebook Entry> <username1> <password1>
  rasdial.exe <PPTP Phonebook Entry> <username2> <password2>
  /DOMAIN:<domain>

  NOTE: The /DOMAIN option should be on the same line as the second Rasdial
  command and is only required if your PPTP server requires Microsoft
  encryption.

2. Save the file with a name like Pptp.bat, then exit the text editor.

3. To connect to your PPTP server, run the batch file Pptp.bat.

NOTE: The command "Rasdial /?" will display the correct syntax to use with this
command.

WARNING: The passwords in such a batch file are in plain text and can be seen by
anyone viewing the file.

Additional query words: Dial-Up Networking
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Keywords          : kbhowto kbinfo kbArtTypeINF 
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNTW400 kbWinNTW400search kbWinNT400search kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400
Version           : WinNT:4.0
Issue type        : kbhowto

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