How to properly Install & Configure Cisco VPN

I have installed a Cisco VPN, v. 4.0.5 (D), on Windows side running Parallels. I have tried to configure the network adapter as both shared and as a bridged ethernet. When trying to connect to the network, the VPN gets stuck "initializing the connection" and does not allow me to establish the remote desktop connection. I am using Windows XP but it does NOT have SP2 (in case that has something to do with it). How should I properly configure the VPN? Do I need to make changes in Windows, in Parallels, or on my MAC side to get this to work properly? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Is SP2 a requirement of the Cisco VPN?

You will want to use Bridged Networking. What is timing the VPN connection out on? Connection, Auth?

 

I currently have bridged networking selected. I'm not sure what other settings you're asking about. I'm a novice as far as network connections are concerned - other than changing the network adpator on the VM, I don't know what else I need to do or check into.

 

You might want to ask your network admins when you are trying to log-in as to what is timing out, or check your logs. I don't do much with Cisco so I can't point you directly at the right things without 'fooling around' on the computer, which I don't have access to.