Member Avatar for Radio2006

I performed a clean full install of Windows 7 Ultimate. After the numerous updates and re-installing drivers, I attempted to set up a VPN, which I have been able to do in the past. However, when I click on "Connect to a network" under Network and Sharing Center, nothing happens. I would expect another window to appear where I make a selection of what type of connection I would like to create, of which I would choose VPN. The drivers are direct the manufacturer of the mobo, but still not having any luck...even after another clean install. Has anyone seen anything like this before? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Specs are as follows:
Windows 7 Ultimate x64 Build 7601
Mobo: GA-990FXA-UD3
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 955 3.2 Ghz

Thanks in advance
v/r

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Dani AI

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This thread shows a fresh Windows 7 install where the Network and Sharing Center link for creating a connection behaved like a UI shortcut failure. As suggested, an alternate entry point let the OP () continue — that’s a useful quick workaround — but the steps below focus on finding the root cause so the system doesn’t keep needing a bypass.

Run basic system checks from an elevated prompt: sfc /scannow to repair system files and review Event Viewer (Windows Logs → System) for errors that occur when the link is clicked. Open services.msc and confirm the core networking/VPN services are running — Remote Access Connection Manager (RasMan), Telephony (TapiSrv), Network Connections (Netman) and Network Location Awareness (NlaSvc). Service start failures usually leave useful entries in the System log.

Inspect Device Manager (View → Show hidden devices) and expand Network adapters to look for the WAN Miniport entries (PPTP/L2TP/SSTP). Ghosted or missing miniports can prevent VPN creation; uninstall any broken miniports and reboot so Windows recreates them, or reinstall chipset/network drivers. Temporarily disable third‑party firewall or security software during testing because some suites hook the networking UI and block wizards.

If the wizard opens but the VPN still fails, remember protocol specifics: PPTP requires TCP 1723 plus GRE (IP protocol 47) to traverse routers; NAT/ISP restrictions or router firmware can break PPTP even when the client is fine. PPTP is dated and less secure — consider L2TP/IPsec or an SSL/OpenVPN option if reliability or security is a concern. If problems persist after the checks above, capture the relevant System event entries before pursuing a repair install.

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Member Avatar for rubberman

What kind of VPN server are you trying to connect with?

Member Avatar for Radio2006

Its a PPTP VPN server run by StrongVPN.

Member Avatar for cgeier
  • Click "Start"
  • Select "Control Panel"

If "View by" is "Category":

  • Click "Network and Internet"
  • Click "Network and Sharing Center"
  • Click on "Set up a new connection or network"

If "View by" is "Large icons" or "Small icons":

  • Click "Network and Sharing Center"
  • Click on "Set up a new connection or network"

or

  • Click "Start" and type "vpn" in the "search programs and files" box.
Member Avatar for Radio2006

You rock bro. Typing "vpn" in the search box did the trick. Not sure why it didn't open through Network and Sharing Center, but whatevs.

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