My windows VPN software seems to be stuck on using MODEM as opposed to network card and no matter what I do I cannot change this to use NIC, any ideas appreciated
You may have already tried this - in the VPN client software on your connection entry properties - VPN client 5 - Highlight connection entry - select Modify - click Dial-up tab - make sure Connect to Ineternet using dial-up is not enabled (ticked).