Problem with Microsoft VPN

I am hoping someone can point me in the right direction. I want to be
able to
create a VPN using the Microsoft XP client (L2TP with preshared key).
I have installed as reported by the system properties:

Microsoft Windows XP
Professional
Version 2002
Service Pack 2


When I create the VPN with the wizard I see a few problems.

1. I am unable to select "Save this user name and password for the
following users:"

Not a big deal, I can enter that each time.


2. If I go into properties -> Security -> IPSec Settings and select
"Use pre-shared key for authentication" and enter a password, then save
everything. When I
return the check box still is correct but the key is gone. On other XP
systems the key
is changed to a series of "**********".


Of course I cannot connect to the server at the other end since I
cannot get the key to
take. Everything else seems to stick except for this. Any help is
greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Robin