DNS address applying itself

[Nachopapa]

Not sure how to start off the issue but here goes...

I have AT&T VPN software to log on to my company's intranet. Somehow the DNS and WINS addresses are applying themselves to the LAN settings.

I would look in my Local Area Connection Properties > Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) > Properties. I'm supposed to have both settings set to obtain addresses automatically for normal internet connectivity. Somehow my VPN DNS and WINS addresses are being applied in here. I would have to go to the Advanced button and clear, from the DNS and WINS tab, the addresses that are used in VPN. I would then use the OK buttons to make sure that the application of the settings are saved.

It is at this point I can view the internet without issue, but when I reboot, the DNS and WINS settings come back.

Any thoughts on where to check next?

[deddard]

Do you log on to the domain normally?
I'm not familiar with the workings of the VPN software, but it could be that when you are logging onto an account within the company domain.
The admins could have set this up so that this account automatically connects using the VPN settings.
Can you log on using a different account?

[Nachopapa]

I understand what you are saying, but as I mentioned earlier, VPN is only utilized when using the company's intranet is needed. (Mobile use)

I guess what I forgot to mention is that the computer being used is a laptop and while it is docked at home, VPN rides on the back of a local ISP instead of dial up. I only use dial up only when broadband is not available. So this is not of any concern.

Also, this laptop is used by other people so you can only image how frustrating it is to keep fixing all the settings to allow me to go where I need to go. It's just this time, I don't know where to check. The only thing I could think of is what I mentioned on my first post.

I can use someone else's laptop and everything is fine. (This person is lucky. He is the only one using it.)

[Nachopapa]

I just wanted to post a very short detail of what is happening. Sorry for the double post.

1. I can authenticate via VPN normally.
2. I cannot view external websites while not authenticated via VPN due to manual DNS settings in LAN.
3. I clear these settings but they will not stay clear after a reboot.

[deddard]

My main point was to find out which account you use to log onto the laptop.
If you log on to the laptop whilst you wish to use the company intranet, I am assuming that the account is a domain account - it allows you to be authenticated as usual through the company's dns.

Whilst you are away, and don't want to access the intranet, are you using the same account to log on to the laptop? If so, then whatever was configured to run automatically for vpns will always cut in.

There are two main types of accounts (apart from the difference between admin and limited user) which are local accounts, and domain accounts. THe domain account logs you onto a domain, and the settings for this will have been set up by your administrator, including setting the vpn software to jump in and take over when you log on.
A local account is purely based on the host - this is the type of account you will need if you are to ignore all the vpn stuff (although you could ask your admins to create another account which doesn't use vpn etc - this should prevent the vpn software automatically jumping in.

[Nachopapa]

I only use VPN to log in to the the company's intranet. I have normal use if I use dial up. I have sufficient priviledges using broadband as a connection method to access the company's intranet.

At any other time, I don't use the VPN connection to view regular websites.

I understand the automatic settings that you are referring to, but this is not the case due to mobile use. Since the laptop is never physically connected to the domain network, there will be no automatic settings applied when booting the laptop.

VPN has its own separate DNS and WINS configuration that does not (supposed to...hmmm Microsoft) affect LAN settings. VPN creates an encrypted tunnel to allow my connection to the company's intranet that is totally separate to local LAN settings.

Your thought on the VPN applying itself to local LAN settings was my thought when I first troubleshot this issue. Thats how I came across that the DNS and WINS are applying themselves without my intervention.

As I mentioned earlier, I can use another laptop without this issue. Local LAN settings are set to obtain IP and DNS automatically on that laptop...not mine. I'll just add that I use the same login info, same location on the good laptop from the same company.

The laptop that I use does not hold that configuration after a reboot. Please refer to my first post on how I attempted to remove the manual settings on the laptop I'm trying to fix. I know I'm missing a place to check or that Internet Explorer has gotten corrupt somehow. I would hate to re-image the laptop cuz it's a hassle to go through that process with the hardware department.

As of right now, I uninstalled the VPN then re-installed it...same problem.

[Nachopapa]

I just re-read your post, deddard. I apologize I didn't answer your question.

I logon to Windows with a domain account and VPN does not start automatically.

Thanks for the responses.