How To Set Up Remote Desktop on Windows 2000 Pro

Computers connected via a local network or over the Internet can interface with each other with Remote Desktop.

With Windows XP, Microsoft introduced Remote Desktop, which lets users access the Windows desktop remotely, gaining full control over a machine from a distant location. While acting as a remote desktop server is beyond the power of earlier versions of Windows, Microsoft has provided a free download that allows any Windows version from 95 to the present to connect to an XP remote desktop server.

Instructions

1. Download and run the Remote Desktop Connection software from Microsoft's website. This will install the client software on your machine.

2. Obtain the IP address of the computer you want to connect to. If you are on a local network with this computer, you can also simply use its host name. If you have access to the XP computer you're connecting to, click "Start," then "Run," then enter "sysdm.cpl." Click "Computer Name" to find the host name.

3. Return to the client computer. Open the "Start" menu, then click "Programs," "Accessories," "Communications" and finally "Remote Desktop Connection."

4. Enter the name or IP address of the host and click "Connect." This will bring up a standard Windows login prompt. If you have a username and password for the host computer, you can now operate it remotely as if you were sitting in front of it.

References

• Windows: Get started using Remote Desktop with Windows XP Professional
• Toolbox: Remote Desktop Connection in Windows 2000
• My PC Hell: 156 Useful Run Commands

Resources

• Microsoft: Remote Desktop Connection software