Reducing configuration errors for managed services in computer networks

A method for configuring a network element that is in a restricted mode to an unrestricted mode and connecting an interface of the network element to a virtual private network, comprising:

• receiving authentication data from the virtual private network and a request to connect to the interface of the network element;
• modifying the authentication data to include an interface name, the interface name corresponding to the interface to which the virtual private network is requesting connection;
• forwarding the authentication data that is modified to a configuration server;
• receiving a response from the configuration server as to an authentication of the virtual private network;
• if the virtual private network is authenticated, receiving an activation request from the virtual private network;
• and
• forwarding the activation request to the configuration server, the activation request comprising the interface name, wherein if the configuration server approves the activation request, the network element is configured in the unrestricted mode for allowing the virtual private network to connect to the interface.