Ask a Tech: How do I setup Remote Desktop Connection
This question comes to us from Jason Bean from Office 12 Watch.
How Do I connect to another Windows XP or Server via Remote Desktop Connection?
Hey Jason,
Remote Desktop Connection is the service built into Windows XP that allows user to connect to a Windows XP or Server 2000/2003 Terminal Services service. In order to use it there must be a properly configured destination. In other words, the Server or Workstation must have a connection available. Windows XP allows for two simultaneous connections - a directly logged in user and one connection via Remote Desktop. Server products are different as the number of concurrent connections is based on Terminal Services Licenses assigned to the server. In either case, the Terminal Services service must be started in order to be connected to.
On a Windows XP machine (which is what we will talk about here), you must enable the computer to be connected to. Besides starting the Terminal Services servie, right click on the “My Computer” icon and select Properties. Choose the “Remote” tab and ensure that the “Allow Users to connect remotely to this computer” checkbox is checked. If you want to add additional users (local or domain) to the allowed users, you can do so via the “Select Remote Users” button.
If you have a firewall on the destination box, you will need to make sure it will allow remote connections. Windows firewall will automatically configure itself to allow connections unless it is configured to allow no exceptions. You can find out by opening Windows Firewall from the Control Panel.
From the source machine, make sure you have Remote Desktop installed. If it is not, you will need to install it from the Windows CD. More information on that here.
In order to make a RDP connection, open a Remote Desktop from Start > All Programs > Accessories > Communications. Expand the panel by clicking on the Options panel.
Typical information will be required here. The IP address or domain node, the username used to connect and its password, and the name of the domain (if applicable).
In the event you need to do port forwarding through a router, you’ll need to configure the router to passthrough port 3389. A little fiddling should get you there.
Hope this helps, Jason.
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10 opinions for Ask a Tech: How do I setup Remote Desktop Connection
Duncan
Aug 2, 2006 at 10:44 pm
You’ve left out how to obtain the IP address…which for my liking would be the hardest stage for many.
Personally I’d recommend RealVNC, much easier and quicker to use.
Aaron
Aug 2, 2006 at 10:46 pm
I also left out how to configure a router to port forward 3389. Somethings are outside the scope. :)
Duncan
Aug 2, 2006 at 10:48 pm
I forward through a Router (with firewall) and I’ve never had the need to tweek the settings, it just works for me.
Aaron
Aug 2, 2006 at 10:49 pm
I’m talking about accessing the destination box behind a router.
Duncan
Aug 2, 2006 at 10:52 pm
That’s where my other computer is? :-)
Aaron
Aug 2, 2006 at 10:53 pm
Yes, Duncan. :)
Duncan
Aug 2, 2006 at 11:02 pm
So why the need to play with the Router settings? :-)
Jim
Aug 3, 2006 at 6:53 am
For the ip address you could suggest whatismyip.com, or whatever it is called.
Other than that it is a reasonable guide.
Dave
Aug 4, 2006 at 10:50 am
Or you could just use the package from logmein.com. Nice tool for quick and dirty remote access.
Matthew
Jan 26, 2007 at 1:22 am
This is the next step in VNC. It is so easy my parents can use it. Freebieeeeeeeeee so try it
http://www.crossloop.com
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