How to Set Up a Remote Desktop for XP Home

According to Microsoft, the hosting portion of Remote Desktop is "not included with Windows XP Home Edition." However, if you have a computer running Windows XP Professional that is set up to receive connections, you can use Remote Desktop as a client with Windows XP Home Edition. The Remote Desktop Client is installed by default on Windows XP Home Edition. You will need to set up the connection to the host computer using this client.

Instructions

1. Push "Start" and highlight "Accessories." Point to "Communications" and click on "Remote Desktop Connection."

2. Type the IP address of the Windows XP Professional System that you are connecting to. Press "Options" to modify the connection settings.

3. Enter the user name and password for the remote system on the "General" tab.

4. Select the "Display" tab. Choose a smaller Remote Desktop display size and a lower color setting if you are connecting via a low speed connection.

5. Click "Local Resources." Pick "Bring to this Computer" under "Remote Computer Sound." Check all three boxes below the "Local Devices" heading.

6. Pick the "Experience" tab. Choose your connection speed from the drop-down menu. Uncheck animation and other options that will use extra bandwidth to help optimize the connection.

7. Press "Connect" when you are ready to use the connection.

References

• Windows XP: Set Up Remote Desktop Web Connection with Windows XP
• Windows Networking: How to Use Remote Desktop Access in Windows XP