As part of troubleshooting connection errors in a Windows based VPN connection, you need to review logs to identify authentication, tunnel negotiation, and security related issues. Which logging location should you examine first to obtain detailed error information about VPN connection failures?

Introduction / Context:
This question checks your knowledge of where to look for diagnostic information when a VPN connection fails in a Windows environment. While VPNs may use protocols such as PPTP, L2TP, or IPSec, Windows records many connection related events in standard logs. Understanding that Event Viewer is a primary source of troubleshooting information is essential for effective support.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• A VPN connection is failing or experiencing errors.
• The environment uses Windows server and client components.
• You want to review logs to understand what is going wrong.
• You have access to standard Windows administrative tools.

Concept / Approach:
Windows records connection attempts, authentication successes and failures, and many remote access related diagnostics in the System and Security logs within Event Viewer. These logs are accessible on servers and sometimes on client machines, depending on configuration. Although IPSec logging can provide additional detail when enabled, the first and most common place to check is Event Viewer. There is no special VPNSec log created by default, and ignoring logging will make troubleshooting much harder.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Open the Event Viewer tool from Administrative Tools on the relevant computer.Step 2: Review the System log for events related to Remote Access Service, RRAS, or VPN adapter issues.Step 3: Review the Security log for logon attempts, authentication failures, and policy related denials.Step 4: Use event details and error codes found in these logs to guide further troubleshooting steps.

Verification / Alternative check:
Microsoft documentation on troubleshooting VPN connections consistently refers administrators to Event Viewer as a primary source of diagnostic information. The System and Security logs contain structured events, each with IDs and descriptions that can be looked up in knowledge base articles. Additional logs, such as RRAS logging or IPSec diagnostics, can then supplement this information once initial clues have been gathered.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a suggests relying only on IPSec logging, which may not be enabled and is not always required, especially for non IPSec VPN types. Option c refers to a VPNSec log, which is not a standard Windows feature. Option d ignores logging entirely, which is contrary to best practice. Option e limits you to the Application log, which may contain some related entries but is not the primary log for connection level events.

Common Pitfalls:
Some administrators forget to look at the System and Security logs and instead rely only on on screen error messages, which may be vague. Others spend time enabling advanced logging before reviewing the basic event information that is already available. By starting with Event Viewer, you can quickly identify common issues such as authentication failures, certificate problems, or policy misconfigurations.

Final Answer:
You should open Event Viewer and examine the System and Security logs for VPN and remote access related events to troubleshoot the VPN connection errors.