Why does my VPN connection give me an Unable to Establish Connection message?

A. This problem occurs when you configure Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) 5.5 running on Windows 2000 to prompt you to start your VPN connection. Clicking Connect results in the error message. Start your VPN connection before starting your IE dial-up connection to solve the problem.

You can also use the following batch file:

REM Switch to preferred download directory
CD /D C:
REM Dial your ISP
c:winntsystem32rasphone -d EntryName
REM Run your browser
"c:program filesinternet explorerIEXPLORE.EXE"
REM When you exit, hang up
c:winntsystem32rasdial EntryName /DISCONNECT
exit

You can use a minimized shortcut to the batch file and create a HotKey, or place the shortcut on the Start Menu.