Exchange mailbox access on Windows 2000 and Outlook 2000

We recommend you use Outlook 2003, on an up to date version of Windows XP, to connect directly to your Exchange mailbox.

However, if you're running an older version of Outlook or Windows, you need to create a virtual private networking (VPN) connection to our Exchange servers.

How to create a VPN to our Exchange servers

Note: This guide assumes you are running Windows 2000. We recommend you download your free copy of Outlook 2003 if you are using Windows XP or later.

Step 1: Click the Windows Start button, then Settings, followed by Network and Dialup connections.

Step 2: Click Make new connection and the Network Connection Wizard will start.

Step 3: Select Connect to a private network through the internet, then click Next.

Step 4: Select Do not dial the initial connection, then click Next.

Step 5: Use the Host name or IP address text box to enter vpn.exchange.livemail.co.uk, then click Next.

Step 6: At the Connection Availability stage, select Only for myself, then click Next. You should set up individual VPN connections for other users of this computer, if they also need access to an Exchange mailbox.

Step 7: Enter a name for the VPN connection. This can be anything that you choose. Ensure that the Add a shortcut to my desktop check box is selected, then click the Finish button.

Step 8: A Dialogue connection window will appear. Enter your email address in the Username text box and your mailbox password in the Password text box. Select the Save password check box.

Step 9: Click Properties, then click the Networking tab. Select TCP/IP, click Properties, click Advanced and then click the General tab.

Important: Ensure the Use default gateway on remote network check box is unselected. If you do not, your web access and other internet functions will not work whilst you are using the VPN connection. Click the OK button.

Step 10: Click the Connect button and the VPN connection will be made to our servers.

Once connected, the VPN connection will minimise to your System Tray.

Automatic Outlook configuration

To automatically configure Outlook to connect to our email servers, you need to download and run a small configuration file from your Fasthosts control panel.

Step 1: Log into your Fasthosts control panel and click Domains.

Step 2: A list of the domains set up in your Reseller account will be displayed. Click the relevant domain name.

Step 3: The mailboxes that you have set up will be shown. Click the name of the mailbox that you want to use with Outlook.

Step 4: Click the All email options button in the Email overview section.

Step 5: Click Mail access details.

Step 6: Scroll to the Outlook using a virtual private network over the internet (VPN) section and click the config file link.

Step 7: Save the file to your desktop

Step 8: Double click the config file and follow the on-screen instructions.

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