Windows 7 default VPN - Single Click to Connect

The default way to connect to a VPN (standard includedd MS client) seems to be to click on the network icon in the system tray to expand it, then pick the VPN connection, and click the connect button. This brings up a dialog where you can enter your username and password.

I have told the VPN connection to remember my credentials. Is there some way I can skip that dialog and just have it connect?

I have tried using rasdial.exe, and I can connect as long as I pass the username and password as arguments. It doesn't seem to want to use the stored credentials for some reason, maybe I need to store them with an elevated account.

Solution 1:

You can use rasphone.exe to dial a connection using stored credentials:

rasphone -d "VPN NAME"

Hangup with:

rasphone -h "VPN NAME"

You'll also need to go into the option tab of the properties for your VPN connection and uncheck "Prompt for name and password, certificate, etc."

Solution 2:

Create a .bat file with following command:

%windir%\system32\rasdial.exe "VPN NAME" /DOMAIN:

"VPN Name" would be the VPN connection name that you have given under Networking and Sharing Center. Quotes are required.

UserID and Password are required even if you have set the option to save your credentials.

Once the batch file is created you can assign a keyboard shortcut for instant access.

For disconnection, create another batch file with below command:

%windir%\system32\rasdial.exe "VPN NAME" /DISCONNECT