How to Set Up Remote Desktop on XP

Remote desktop for XP is one of those cool little tools that I use daily to control multiple workstations at home or at work. Amazing as it is, most people don’t know how to set it up or have no idea it even existed. When I show them how easy it is to get up and running they’re productivity shoots through the roof. This is a short and dirty how to set up remote desktop on XP for people of all skill sets. Enjoy

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. To get started using remote desktop you need XP installed on the pc that you want to access from a remote computer. That pc must be part of a network that allows remote desktop connections. If your connecting into a work pc you need connect through a virtual private network connection, which is often set up by your network admin, however if its at home you can just enable the option on each computer and take them over with ease. Below are the instructions to enable this feature and use it.

2. 
   CLICK TO ENLARGE

   First make sure that you are signed on with an account that is allowed to make changes on your network. CLICK START, CONTROL PANEL, THEN PERFORMANCE MAINTAINANCE, SYSTEM. A systems properties box will appear similar to the image on your left. Make sure you CLICK THE REMOTE TAB, CLICK ALLOW USERS TO CONNECT REMOTELY, THEN CLICK OK.

3. 
   CLICK TO ENLARGE

   Next you go to START, CONTROL PANEL, SECURITY CENTER, CLICK MANAGE SECURITY SETTINGS FOR, CLICK WINDOWS FIREWALL. Under the GENERAL TAB, make sure that the only radio button that should be checked is, “ON RECCOMENDED”. The box should look like the one on the left.

4. 
   CLICK TO ENLARGE

   Then click on the EXCEPTIONS TAB, and verify that the remote desktop box is selected. Please view the picture on the left to get a better idea.

5. 
   CLICK TO ENLARGE

   From here your remote desktop should feature should be enabled. Now you need the pc name. CLICK START, CONTROL PANEL, PERFORMANCE MAINTANCE, CLICK SYSTEM AND CLICK THE TAB COMPUTER NAME. Make sure your write this name down. View image example on the left.

6. 
   CLICK TO ENLARGE

   From here lock the pc down using CTRL+ALT+ DELETE. Now go to another computer in your house or in your office and PUSH THE WINDOWS BUTTON+R then type in ‘MSTSC’, you should get a box like the one in the image on the left. From there you type in the computer name you wrote down earlier, then CLICK CONNECT. You should then be prompted with a log on window, please sign in with the user name and password that you used to lock out the other computer. You can do this with multiple computers and it’s a great way to save you a long walk across your house or office. If you have any issues, please message me.

Resources

• HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT ANY PC
• HOW TO REFORMAT AND REINSTALL WINDOWS XP
• HOW TO FIND YOUR PC SPECS
• HOW TO FIND YOUR IP ADDRESS

[TheMuse]

on 12/7/2008 Very well written. I have two pc's and one laptop. All three of my computers serve a seperate function for me. Now I have access to all three. Great article. 5 stars.