Remote Desktop changes icons, res, taskbar on host 1

[Happo]

I use Remote Desktop (XP Pro-XP Pro) to access my work computer from home quite regularly but can't stop this annoying problem. Whenever I get back to my work comp. (host) the resolution has been changed (reduced), icons moved around desktop, quick launch and system tray moved and/or not displayed correctly, e.g. black spots where there should be icons. Is this a known issue? I have a slower connection at home so I run RD in 'no-frills' dial-up modem mode, I suspect this has something to do with it. Have had a look around but haven't found a solution yet. There are plenty of programs which can store your settings for quick reconfiguration to the way it was but I have heard these can be more than troublesome sometimes and don't want to risk messing up my work pc. If anyone has tried any of these apps, feedback would be appreciated, assuming of course the actual problem can't be addressed.

Thank you.
Daniel.

 

[bcastner]

Icons - Lock on Desktop (from notes by Kelly Theriot):

In Windows 95/98/NT/2000/ME/XP you can lock down the position of the Desktop icons using a couple of files from the MS Windows NT 4.0 Resource Kit.

Unzip and place it here: C:\Windows\System32 then double click the Layout.reg file. You will now have a new right click option on My Computer and the Recycle Bin to save your icon placements, and restore them.

http://users.rcn.com/taylotr/icon_restore.html

As to your specific issue:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307078

 

[Happo]

Thanks bill, I will try locking the icons on desktop but from the way I understand it, that only corrects that specific issue, the res and taskbar are still a problem are they not?

I should have mentioned I did find that mskb but it makes no attempt to help me with the issue other than saying to manually correct it, duh! I can manually correct it, it doesn't really bother me but I am now setting up RD for coworkers as well and don't want them messing with these things, particularly the res/graphics settings.

Also, so far I have been unable to get the taskbar, q/l and s/tray back to 'normal' without logging off then on again. As I said above, an app to restore all settings would be the go but I am a little wary of them at this stage.
Any other ideas anyone?

 

[bcastner]

I believe the issue is explained (in the way that they explain things): if you remote in as yourself (the same username as you would use if logging in locally) then the changes are saved at the end of the RD session -- just as they would be with a local logon -- and your desktop can be trashed.

Create a new local username identity, logon locally once (to create the profile), and then copy your existing local profile data to this new username. Set it through local Group Policy not to save changes (under User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Desktop, 'Do not save settings on exit.')

This combination will ensure you true local logon desktop is not messed with, but can still be modified as you wish; and your remote session desktop cannot make a persistent change.

 

[Happo]

I believe the issue is explained (in the way that they explain things): if you remote in as yourself (the same username as you would use if logging in locally) then the changes are saved at the end of the RD session -- just as they would be with a local logon -- and your desktop can be trashed.

Now that I understand, however, I see no reference to remoting in as yourself in the article. Anyways, I know what to do now, thanks.

 

[linney]

Windows XP Theme Is Not Available in Remote Desktop Session

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;300802&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

"To change the color settings for connections
In the Remote Desktop Connection window, click Options.

On the Display tab, in the Colors list, click the color resolution you want.
Click Connect."