Or at least, I think that is the problem. There's not a lot of documentation on Vista being able to perform that simple function from the prior NT OS's where you could simply check "Logon using dial-up network" and connect via a VPN connection (dial-up or otherwise). I found some docs on how to get that "hidden" button to appear when you get to the login screen, and I could get that button to show up 99% of the time. Now, I can't get it to come back at all. Being an IT person, the first thing I ask myself is "What's changed?" The only thing I can think of is that I have created a second VPN connection to a different network. I'm not trying to login using the new VPN (I still want to use the original one as always), and I didn't change any properties on the first. Anyone have ideas?

Hi Isaac, When more than one VPN or dial-up connections are created, the button should be available. After clicking on it, the connections are all listed and you can choose to log on. To make the button available, we need to: 1. Set the VPN connections to allow any user to access. 2. Make sure that the computer is in a domain. Additionally, when startup, we need to wait for about 20 seconds to wait for the button appeared. If the issue persists, please let me know how you made it worked before. Hope it helps.

I've been having some wierd problems of late where Vista would take FOREVER to boot. It would go through the main OS load just fine, but the part where it gets to the "Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete" screen would be delayed by about 5 minutes of "Please Wait", and this had nothing to do with updates being installed before the last shutdown or anything. Anyway, I had that problem 99% of the time on a brand new laptop at my last job. A month ago I changed jobs, bought another brand new laptop (same model), and within a couple of weeks started having that problem again. Why am I telling you this? I work from home. The delay was getting so bad that I got to a point to where I would turn on my laptop before I got in the shower in the morning, then come back half an hour later because it was FINALLY ready to login. Maybe that was giving it that extra time, because in those cases I was always able to get the button. Semi-recently, that problem went away. Maybe, coincidentally, I started having this problem on the first day that I watched my computer boot, saw the delay had disappeared just as mysteriously as it had appeared, and tried to login without waiting long enough for the button. This morning I let the computer boot while I made breakfast. I came to my office, and the button was there. Was it because I gave it more time? The only other thing I could think of is that I did install a 3rd VPN connection last night, but again that is not theconnection I use to login. On a final note, I really wish Microsoft had made it a static button or choice like in the prior operating systems. I am a big Vista fan and think Apple, Linux, and the rest are running on hot air. That being said, some constructive criticism to Microsoft: Don't hide (semi) mission critical functions! I'll monitor this and let you know what happens. Maybe tomorrow I'll watch it boot and try to get the button right away. If I don't, I'll wait a few seconds before trying again. Thanks, Isaac Shloss, MCSE

The wait was the real key. I had to wait a full minute, not 20 seconds, but eventually I was able to get the button. I really wish MS would have this button ready from the second it says "Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to Login" like in prior OS's, but at least I know what to do now. Thanks for the help!