Guide: Setting Up Windows XP Remote Desktop

This is a guide I wrote for the support staff at Journeys Travel Insurance on how to setup the Windows Remote Desktop.

Connecting to a Remote Desktop

To connect to a Windows XP machine running Remote Desktop follow either of these steps.-> means 'then'.

1. Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> Communication -> Remote Desktop Connection

2. Start -> Run -> type in "mstsc /console" (but without the  quotes)

In the box that appears, enter the IP address or host name of the computer you wish to connect to.

Click connect and you will try to connect to the remote machine. If successful you will see the normal windows login prompt, from which you can login with your normal details.

Warning: If a user is currently using the computer, then only that user or an administrator can unlock the computer.

Which Port is used

Windows Remote Desktop uses port 3389

Granting access to Remote Users

By default, the user that is currently logged into the computer has access to connect remotely. To give other users remote access, go to System Properties -> Remote and choose Select Remote Users.... In the Remote Users dialog, click Add. Click Locations and choose the domain for which the user is a part of (or choose the local computer for a local user account). Then type the name of the object into the box and press Check Name to make sure that it is found. Once found, the name will be underlined. Click Okay twice to accept.

Now, that user can also make a remote login. Please note, that if another user is logged in, then that user will only be able to take remote control of the machine if they are an administrator of the domain.

Changing the Remote Desktop Port

For instructions on changing the port that Windows Remote Desktop uses, please see http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;306759

The port must be set from within the registry

1. Start Registry Editor.
2. Locate and then click the following registry subkey:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\TerminalServer\WinStations\RDP-Tcp\PortNumber
3. On the Edit menu, click Modify, and then click Decimal.
4. Type the newport number, and then click OK.
5. Quit Registry Editor.

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