A VPN or Virtual Private Network connection allows your computer to appear it is part of the Virginia Tech network.  This allows you to use resources at Virginia Tech that require you to be on campus. 

First:

Set up your Remote Access Passphrase (your VPN password)

1. Log on to My VT (http://my.vt.edu/) using your PID and password.
2. On the upper right-hand side of your screen, select the Settings tab.
3. Click the Set Remote Access Passphrase link.
4. In the New Passphrase text box, type your new passphrase.
5. In the Confirm Passphrase text box, type your new passphrase again.
6. Click the Set Passphrase button.
7. Click the Log Off button.

Second:

Configure your VPN connection. 

1. From the Start button, select Connect To.
2. Choose Setup a Connection or Network.
3. Select Connect to a Workplace.
4. Click Next.
5. If prompted for "Do you want to use a connection that you already have?", select No.
6. To create a new connection, click Next.
7. Select Use My Internet Connection (VPN).
8. In the Internet Address text box, type the name of your VPN server: PPTP.CNS.VT.EDU
9. In the Destination Name text box, type a name for the connection: VT VPN.
10. Check Don't Connect Now, Just Set it Up So I Can Connect Later.
11. Click Next.
12. In the User Name: text box, type your PID.
13. Click the Create button.
14. Click the Close button.
15. From the Start button, select Connect To.
16. Right-click the VPN connection you just created.
17. Click on Properties.
18. Click the Networking tab.
19. Under Type of VPN, select PPTP VPN.
20. Click the Security tab.
21. Select the Advanced Radio button.
22. Under Data Encryption, select Optional Encryption (connect even if no encryption).
23. Click the Settings button.
24. Place a check in the MS-CHAP-V2 check box.
25. Place a check in the CHAP check box.
26. Click OK.
27. When asked: Do you want to keep these settings? Click the Yes button.
28. To close the Properties window, click OK.

Third:

Using the VPN connection

You will need to connect to VPN before you try to connect to resources at Virginia Tech such as Ensemble CMS.  Once you are finished working with the network resource, you should disconnect from the VPN.  While it is ok to leave VPN connected, it will slow down your internet connection.

To connect to VPN, go to the Start Menu, and choose Connect To, choose the VT VPN icon, and click Connect. Enter your PID and your Remote Access Passphrase.

To disconnect from VPN, go to the Start Menu, and choose Connect To, choose the VT VPN icon, and click Disconnect.