How do I use Remote Desktop Connection?

Man, I have no idea...

Published on January 31, 2006 By CerebroJD In Windows XP

I'm interested in remotely connecting to my computer using Remote Desktop Connection, but I really dont know why I'm having problems. I'm going to ask some n00bish questions, because I really have no clue where to go from here. I've opened port 3389 on my router and pointed it at my computer's ip address, and I also have RDC enabled on my system. I'm using Windows XP Professional, with Service Pack 2. Now for questions!

Do I need to be logged off of my user in order to remotely connect?
Do I need to be logged out of ALL users in order to connect?
Is the username I log in with the same as the user on the computer, or is the computer name somewhere in there? (i.e. Justin and not [computername]/Justin or something)
If I carry around a .rdp file on my jump drive, will that make it easier to connect from other computers?
What files do I need to install RDC on another computer? Is mstsc.exe all I need?

Thanks in advance for any input you might be able to offer!

Comments

MountainDragon

on Jan 31, 2006

Not sure exactly what you need, but for remote access I've been using LogMeIn, which has worked very well, easy setup and access from anywhere with a browser.

Link

I tried this after looking into alternatives, including RDC. The free version of LogMeIn may do what you need, or if not, the price is pretty reasonble. It saved my butt on a trip during the holidays when I needed to handle some work stuff that was only accessible on my desktop at home.

ZubaZ

on Jan 31, 2006

Do I need to be logged off of my user in order to remotely connect?

Do I need to be logged out of ALL users in order to connect?

No, they will be logged off.

Is the username I log in with the same as the user on the computer, or is the computer name somewhere in there? (i.e. Justin and not [computername]/Justin or something)

I have never needed the computer name.

If I carry around a .rdp file on my jump drive, will that make it easier to connect from other computers?

Yes

What files do I need to install RDC on another computer? Is mstsc.exe all I need?

Yes, for the client (in not XP) you can use this: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/tools/rdclientdl.mspx

Good information: http://labmice.techtarget.com/windowsxp/NetworkingXP/remote_desktop.htm

TightVNC is a good alternative. And it works with Mac and Linux.

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Dr Guy

on Jan 31, 2006

Yes, for the client (in not XP) you can use this: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/tools/rdclientdl.mspx[/quote]

Thanks for the link. I have been looking for that.

Phoon

on Jan 31, 2006

If you are connecting with another XP Pro system you don't need a client. What you DO need is a password set up for your account on your client PC. You also might disable simple file sharing.
When you connect, it will log off the user that is logged on.
Also, if you are connecting from another network you might want to check that RDP is open for outgoing traffic.

on Jan 31, 2006

You also have to add your user to remote users group. Otherwise you will never be able to connect. Of course, Administrators group is already member of remote users group.

Did you allow remote connections to your computer? (Right click My computer, click Properties, click Remote, then check "Allow users to connect remotely to this computer" )

This feature requires Xp Pro. In least, to use remote desktop to another computers. I'm not sure about home allowing remote desktop users to connect to it?

*edit*

Oh yeah.. you have to allow 3389 port though your computer's firewall, and SP2 has those on by default. Or simply disable your firewall.

CerebroJD

on Feb 01, 2006

Thanks for the posts guys! Loads of info! I'll look into it

on Feb 03, 2006

Have this issue been resolved?

What was the problem?

CerebroJD

on Feb 03, 2006

I havent been able to test it from another computer yet.

ZubaZ

on Feb 03, 2006

I havent been able to test it from another computer yet.

I thought it was obvious . . . but maybe it needs to be said . . .

In addition to all of the above . . . .

You need two computers.

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