Windows XP Professional includes a utility called Remote Desktop. This allows you to display the monitor screen of another computer on the computer you are using. The client to access Remote Desktop can be downloaded from this link on the Microsoft web site. The client will run on any 32-bit version of Windows.
Configuration
Information here is based on this link on the Microsoft web site.
Enable the Remote Desktop Server on the local (non-remote) computer:
Open the System folder in Control Panel. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double–click the System icon.
On the Remote tab, select the Allow users to connect remotely to this computer check box, as shown below.
Ensure that you have the proper permissions to connect to your computer remotely, and click OK.
Leave your computer running and connected to the company network with Internet access. Lock your computer, and leave your office.
Install the Remote Desktop Client on the remote PC:
The remote desktop client is included by default in Windows XP Professional installations. For other Win32 platforms (Win95 and newer), download and install the client from the Microsoft web site.
Firewall/Router Configuration
You will have to enable your Firewall/Router to pass port 3389 (default) on to the Windows machine that will be hosting the Remote Desktop Session. A different port can be used -- see below.
Changing the TCP/IP Port used by the Remote Desktop Server
Start Registry Editor by going to the Start menu, selecting Run, and typing Regedt32.exe .
Perform a search to locate the following key in the registry:
Open Remote Desktop Connection. (Click Start, point to Programs or All Programs, point to Accessories, point to Communications, and then click Remote Desktop Connection.)
In Computer, type the IP address (xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx) or DNS name (my_dns_name.dnydns.org) of the computer to which you want to connect. If you are using a nonstard port, follow the IP address or DNS name with a colon and the port number (xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx:yyyy). Alternatively, if you are at home on your private LAN, you can type the computer name for your computer running Windows XP Professional that has Remote Desktop enabled.
Click Connect.
The "Log On to Windows" dialog box appears. In the Log On to Windows dialog box, type your user name, password, and domain (if required), and then click OK. The Remote Desktop window will open and you will see the desktop settings, files, and programs that are on your office computer. Your office computer will remain locked. Nobody will be able to work at your office computer without a password, nor will anyone see the work you are doing on your office computer remotely.
To End the Session:
Close the window for the Remote Desktop Client. The host PC will remain in the exact state that your leave it in when you exit the client software.
To End the Session and Log-off the User:
In the Remote Desktop Connection window, click Start, and then click Shut Down.
The Shut Down Windows dialog box appears.
In the drop–down menu, select Log Off , and then click OK.
Corrections or updates for this page: Note: Do not post questions, unrelated comments, or information of which your are uncertain. This section is reserved for corrections and updates only.
