Windows 7: Browse Network over PPTP VPN problem

Hello,

I am having problems browsing a domain network from a PPTP VPN client Win 7 x86 Ultimate). The VPN server is RRAS on Server 2008 R2. The same server also has the AD DC, DNS, WINS and file sharing server roles.

From the client, I can access file shares by Netbios name, IP, UNC and FQDN. I can map network shares using the above. Network neighbourhood gives me access to Active directory.

This leads me to believe that the VPN is configured properly, as are WINS and DNS. The computer is also properly registered in AD. I believe that credentials and permissions are ok because the proper credentials show up in the session manager for file shares on the server. The client can access the exchange server by TCP/IP when the VPN is connected (and HTTPS otherwise). This leads me to believe that certificates are in order The only thing that does not seem to work is browsing in network neighbourhood.



This fails 95% of the time - occasionally starting to work mysteriously sometime (15 to 60 minutes) after the VPN is connected. It will then work until the VPN is disconnected. Usually, however, nothing shows up in the Net Neighborhood (or NET View).

I think it might be a browser problem so I disabled the computer browser on the client (with no effect).

using the LMHOSTS file is not really an option as DHCP is used to assign IPs to some hosts on the network.

I am also wondering about the overall setup of the networks. Network A has the server. It is 192.168.11.XXX and DHCP is provided by the router/firewall. It is run as a domain.

Network B (containing the client) is 192.168.1.XXX based. Most of the machines are workgroup based. The exception being the client which is domain based, but can still access the local workgroup. DHCP is provided its router/firewall.

Any help would be appreciated.

Mtp