Remote Desktop Setup Question

DropKick74 · 12-09-2010, 09:51 PM

I want to set up a remote desktop connection between my laptop which runs windows 7 and my work computer running windows xp. I want full control of the computer. How can I do this over the internet when I am at home. do i need a server? What is the safest, most secure route? Will I need to set up a VPN? Any help would be awesome. Preferably I would like to be able log into my work computer from any network but mostly just my home one. Can you guys point me to some walkthroughs or tutorials.

Thanks in advanced

MountainDew · 12-10-2010, 07:20 AM

I've had very good success with Teamviewer. TeamViewer - Free Remote Access and Remote Desktop Sharing over the Internet It also works across all platforms. Last night I was logged on to my friend's Linux computer from OSX. Only problem is you can't take control unless someone is there to initialize a session on the computer you want to remote into.

Edit: I think however, that you can setup a session and just leave it running though. Depends on what you want to do with it.

**redbaron** · 12-10-2010, 12:17 PM

you'll need to set up some sort of dynDNS type situation if you don't have a static IP. Logging into XP from Win7 is pretty easy, you just need to use the remote desktop client (it's on the start menu somewhere, or you can just type MSTSC in the search/run box). The other thing is to go into the system properties on the destination computer, go to the remote tab, and enable remote desktop. Assuming you're an admin on the computer and have a password, you'll automatically be allowed to connect, assuming you turn on the remote access.

The one other thing, is that if you're going through a router at work, you'd need to set up a port forward on the router on port 3389 to your computer.

Connecting to win7 is mostly the same, but if you're connecting from something other than 7/Vista/2008, you can't use the Network Level Authentication, since the XP/2003 clients don't support that.

If you don't have control of the router, and can't use the integrated stuff with windows, you'll want to look into something like webex/gotomypc/pcanywhere, etc

DropKick74 · 12-10-2010, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redbaron

you'll need to set up some sort of dynDNS type situation if you don't have a static IP. Logging into XP from Win7 is pretty easy, you just need to use the remote desktop client (it's on the start menu somewhere, or you can just type MSTSC in the search/run box). The other thing is to go into the system properties on the destination computer, go to the remote tab, and enable remote desktop. Assuming you're an admin on the computer and have a password, you'll automatically be allowed to connect, assuming you turn on the remote access.

The one other thing, is that if you're going through a router at work, you'd need to set up a port forward on the router on port 3389 to your computer.

THis was exactly what i was looking for. now I only plan on logging into the xp computer. I don't plan on doing the reverse. My work computer is not a fancy setup. It is the same as my setup at home. Just a computer then a router to a modem. Who's router needs to be set up for port forwarding. Also, What is the dyndns thing because neither computers have a static IP but I can set both up for that if that is needed. Also, how secure is this?

**redbaron** · 12-10-2010, 04:18 PM

remote desktop is decently secure, you can google for some MSKB's about security issues. I would definitely recommend you have a strong password in place before you consider opening up the port though.

You'd need the router on the work side set up with TCP 3389 pointed at the XP computer.

Dyndns is basically a way to type in (for instance) dropckick74.dyndns.org and have it point to whatever your external IP address is at the XP machine (go to something like www.whatismyip.com and it will tell you what your current IP is)

dyndns.com

that should at least help get you started.

Blayne Chastain · 12-11-2010, 09:49 PM

At one point I rolled my own solution but found either TeamViewer or LogMeIn to be the easiest and most reliable. LogMeIn even has an iphone app!

DropKick74 · 12-12-2010, 10:34 AM

are these free?

Blayne Chastain · 12-12-2010, 04:14 PM

There are free versions of both - they suffice for my needs.

DropKick74 · 12-12-2010, 04:47 PM

do you have to have someone on the other end to initialize the connection

Cam42 · 12-12-2010, 05:09 PM

Yes, but that could easily be you before you leave for work.

**Dwight Schrute** · 12-30-2010, 07:13 AM

I've been using Logmein / Hamachi for a long while, saves opening firewall ports and running the risk of someone bruting you. then I can use UltraVNC or RDP across the tunnel. all free programs, by the way.