Question

VERY Strange Windows VPN Problem

Asked by: vtgtn

I have a VERY strange VPN issue I have been working on for weeks with no resolution.  I will describe what I know to be true and hopefully someone will have suggestions.

- Windows Small Biz Server 2003
- Running Routing and Remote Access for VPN connectivity
- Client computers running Windows XP Pro
- Connecting to VPN using Microsoft client connection

This VPN works solidly for several users from several locations.  Can browse and open files with no problem.  I have one particular user who is having the issue I cannot resolve.  He is using an HP laptop with XP Pro.  He can connect to and use the VPN from home (DSL) with no problem.  However, when he goes to an offsite job location is where he has problems.  Here are the facts about the problem:

- Job location running DSL
- Laptop can connect to VPN but CANNOT open files; can browse folders but times out when trying to open files then VPN eventually disconnects
- The frustrating part is that this laptop can connect to OTHER VPN's from this location and open files with no problem; it only has problems with that one certain VPN
- Basically it hangs up at a certain point in data transfer and stops

ANY suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  I can provide more info if necessary.

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Asked On
2007-07-10 at 10:56:22ID22686663
Tags

vpn

,

windows

Topics

Virtual Private Networking (VPN)

,

SBS Small Business Server

Participating Experts
4
Points
0
Comments
14

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Answers

 

by: Freya28Posted on 2007-07-10 at 11:08:09ID: 19456258

I would check his MTU's and also check the MTU's ont he vpn end device

 

by: vtgtnPosted on 2007-07-10 at 11:12:27ID: 19456290

I thought about that early on but wouldn't that affect all connections?  As I stated, the VPN works great from other locations just not that one.

 

by: Freya28Posted on 2007-07-10 at 11:13:41ID: 19456296

then checvk the MTU settings on his side.  you could also check some of the log files and see what is going on

 

by: vtgtnPosted on 2007-07-10 at 11:16:05ID: 19456311

He can successfully connect to and use other VPN's from that location with no problem.  Just not his own.

 

by: BrughPosted on 2007-07-10 at 11:17:41ID: 19456329

Using wirelss connection at offsite location?

Wired connection from home?

 

by: vtgtnPosted on 2007-07-10 at 11:20:33ID: 19456366

Wireless and wired work from home.  Neither work at job location.

 

by: BrughPosted on 2007-07-10 at 11:23:27ID: 19456390

Have you checked routing while he is at the offsite location?  Are they on the same subnet as the office?  Not that this would explain why he could connect to a share, just not transfer data across, but its something to check.

 

by: vtgtnPosted on 2007-07-10 at 11:25:13ID: 19456408

Already confirmed different subnets - as you said, he can connect and browse shares just not open files.

 

by: ABLComputersPosted on 2007-07-10 at 11:28:05ID: 19456429

This may be a bandwidth problem where the ISP is shutting him down because of traffic. What you can do is have him try and transfer a file of the same size or bigfer to one of the other VPN connection.

 

by: vtgtnPosted on 2007-07-10 at 15:54:01ID: 19458520

He can actually open and transfer files of any size on other VPN's but cannot open or transfer any size files on his own VPN.  Doesn't seem to be related to bandwidth - a 10kb file gives the same result as a 2mb file on his VPN.

 

by: ABLComputersPosted on 2007-07-11 at 12:16:28ID: 19465749

Make sure that there are no time restrictions on his account on the DC. Try creating a test account for him to test it from. If the problem persist you have him try it from another computer.

This is a strange problem so you will have to use process of elimination.

 

by: vtgtnPosted on 2007-07-14 at 09:13:36ID: 19487296

Problem resolved - turned out to Windows Firewall.  Not sure why but turning firewall off resolved the problem but strangely only applies to that one location.  Thanks for the suggestions.

 

by: Computer101Posted on 2009-03-20 at 19:30:14ID: 23945613

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