Windows VPN: Can't see remote computers

Recently, I setup a VPN server on a Windows XP machine at a friends house. After trying to connect from my house multiple times, using almost every setting available at both ends, I came up empty handed as far as reaching any remote computers over the VPN. Finally I found an article about the same problem and came across a method to make my computer on windows xp be able to see remote computers over a windows XP VPN.

Troubleshoot remote VPN computers problem

Some steps to take to troubleshoot not being able to view remote computers over windows XP VPN.

1. Make sure ports are open on your router and on windows firewall for the Windows XP VPN server
   1. port 1723 (tcp) - PPTP
   2. port 47 (tcp) - GRE
2. Enable local gateway use on client for windows xp VPN
   1. Right click the connection in Network Connections (the VPN connection) and go to properties
   2. Click the "Networking" tab and double click "internet protocol (tcp/ip) properties"
   3. Click advanced and uncheck "Use default gateway on remote network"
   4. Save and reconnect VPN

External Resources

Where solution 2 came from: http://en.kioskea.net/forum/affich-67204-vpn-connects-but-no-remote-lan-access Microsoft VPN troubleshooting: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314076