How to Configure a Remote Desktop on a Home Computer for Remote Access
Enjoy the flexibility of accessing your home computer anytime you're away from home by setting up remote access to your computer. Remote access to your home computer also allows you to easily share documents and other information with co-workers, friends and family. You can learn how to configure a remote desktop on a home computer for remote access by following a few basic steps.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer installed with Windows XP Professional
- VPN Connection or IP address of home computer
- Administrator access to home computer
Instructions
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Instructions
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1
Turn on the home computer you'd like to set up for remote access. If your home computer is set up with different users, be sure to sign on as the administrator.
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2
Place your cursor over "Start" and click to access the menu. From the "Settings" options choose "Control Panel." From the options shown, select "Performance and Maintenance" and "System." A window will appear showing the system properties. Seven tabs of options will appear at the top of the window.
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Pick the "Remote" tab. In the Remote Desktop window, click on the box in front of "Allow users to connect remotely to this computer" so a green check mark appears in the box and click "OK."
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4
Review the Windows Firewall setting. From the Control Panel window choose the "Security Center" from the options. The window for the Windows Security Center will open. Select "Windows Firewall" to launch the Windows Firewall window. On the "General" tab, uncheck the box in front of "Don't allow exceptions" by clicking on the box. Review the settings on the "Exceptions" tab and make sure the "Remote Desktop" check box has a check mark in the box. Select "OK."
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5
Find out your home computer a name by selecting "Performance and Maintenance" and "System" from the "Control Panel" menu. Choose the "Computer Name" tab by clicking on the tab. The name for your home computer is displayed in the "Full computer name" row. Write down the name of the computer as shown on the screen. Click on "OK" and then close the control panel window. Your computer is now ready to be accessed remotely. To access your home computer remotely, leave your home computer on and connected to the Internet.
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6
Turn on the other computer or device that will be used to access your home computer remotely. From the "Start" menu, choose "Accessories" from the options shown. Then select "Communications" and "Remote Desktop Connection." A Remote Desktop Connection window will appear with a "Computer" box. Type the name of your home computer into the text box. Select the "Connect" button. If the Windows logon window appears, type in your user name and password. Click "OK" to access your home computer.
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