XP Pro Remote Desktop

[insipid1991]

Am I able to log on to my home computer running Windows XP Pro through my work computer running Windows 2000? They are not on the same network, so I don't know how all that works. I do know I have to download a program on my work machine to connect remotely, but that's about as far as I get.

Also, my dad's computer is running Windows XP Home in a different city and through a different ISP. Can I connect to his machine or he to mine?

Thanks!


Doug

 

[gpalmer711]

Here are the answers to your questions.

1)Yes you can connect to your computer from your works W2K computer. You will need to download the Remote Desktop Client from the MS Site.
(You might need to speak to teh admin of your network as there may be routers or proxies that need configuring)

2) You will not be able to connect to your Fathers machine as only Windows Xp Pro machines can act as remote desktop hosts. However he should be able to connect to your machine after downloading the client.

You can get the client from here

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/downloads/rdclientdl.asp

You will also need to make sure that any firewalls that are installed on the machines are either switched off or configured to allow access. This includes the inbuilt Windows XP Firewall.


Greg Palmer

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Any feed back is appreciated.

 

[bcastner]

You will also need to make sure that any firewalls that are installed on the machines are either switched off or configured to allow access. This includes the inbuilt Windows XP Firewall.[/quuote]

Yikes!
Configure the firewalls to allow port 3389 TCP traffic inbound to get through. Never disable the firewalls. It is just too dangerous to do so anymore.

 

[gpalmer711]

I totally agree Bill, you can't configure the Windows XP Firewall though can you? or am I wrong?

Greg Palmer

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Any feed back is appreciated.

 

[aznluvsmc]

You can configure the XP Firewall to let in any port number you want. Also, take a look at VNC for your remote desktop solution. It's free!

http://www.realvnc.com

Steven S.
MCSA
A+, Network+, Server+, i-Net+

 

[tviman]

I use VNC (actually, tightVNC). Even though it requires some user interaction on the remote computer, it's very easy to set up and use, is free, and you don't have to worry about firewall configuration.

There's always a better way. The fun is trying to find it!

 

[gpalmer711]

Well you learn something new everyday. I have never had reason to look at the XP ICF. Thanks for the Info.

Greg Palmer

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Any feed back is appreciated.

 

[bcastner]

http://support.microsoft.com/defaul...port/kb/articles/q308/1/27.ASP&NoWebContent=1

 

[bcastner]

This process of configuring Remote Desktop ports is even easier to configure with Service Pack 2. You just check a little box.

 

[linney]

Also, my dad's computer is running Windows XP Home in a different city and through a different ISP. Can I connect to his machine or he to mine?"

300546 - Overview of Remote Assistance in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;300546

Q. What is the difference between Remote Desktop and Remote Assistance?

http://www.horizons.bc.ca/faq/winxp.html#015

 

[insipid1991]

Thanks for the input guys!

 

[Rick998]

I would also suggest using VNC instead of Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection or NetMeeting. Our experience (of 1200+ PC's) is that both are much slower to make the initial connection to remote PC's (especially Win XP) than VNC.

Once connected, remote screen updating is not quite as responsive with RDC or NetMeeting as it is with VNC. If any of the PC's are connected via dial-up then use TightVNC instead. If you need to send/receive files you could also look at UltraVNC or TightVNC's recent beta release (instead of the stable version).

Hope this helps...

 

[bcastner]

Even the staunchest VNC developers will tell you that RD is significantly faster in operation than VNC.