Automating PPTP Connection Via ISP Connection

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0

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.

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