The Windows 98 VPN Bug

Symptom: Windows 98 client computers cannot connect to VPN server though the built-in VPN adapter, when the following conditions are met,

The client Windows 98 computer usually gives the error “Dial-up Networking cannot complete the connection, please check your settings and try again.” On the VPN server system log, an error with event ID 20073 is recorded, “The following error occurred in the Point to Point Protocol module on port VPN X. The computer does not support the required encryption type.”

Even computers that has working Windows 95 VPN (DUN 1.2B North American Version), after upgrading to Windows 98, the VPN stops working!!!

Reason: The Windows 98 setup/upgrade CDs do not contain the necessary 128-bit NDISWAN drivers to support “Strong Data Encryption,” even in the supposedly “North American version.”

Solution: NONE at this time. Degrade to Windows 95 then install the 128-bit DUN 1.2B or 1.3 may be a good idea! Or you can set up the VPN server to require only “Data Encryption,” or 40-bit security. BUT, you risk exposing the data to possible hackers, a 40-bit key can be broken in 3-4 days.