Remote Desktop Connection

How To Connect To A Remote Desktop - You have more than one computer in your household, and they may even be located on different levels, such as one upstairs and one downstairs.

Wouldn't it be great to be able to turn that other computer on and access its files without physically going to it. Or it is late at night, and you want to turn that other computer off before you go to bed. No need for that extra trip up or down stairs, you can do it right from the computer you are using.

You can boot, reboot, shutdown, and use that other computer right from the one you are sitting at, just as if you were actually sitting right in front of its keyboard and monitor.

Things You Need For Remote Desktop Connection

This is my way of doing remote desktop connection. You may want to modify some aspects of it to suit your individual preferences. These ideas will get you started and show how easy it can be and will provide a lot of convenience.

• You will need a wired LAN system in your home. Remote desktop connection is not designed to be used over a wireless network due to reliability, and in some cases security.
• I suggest getting the free program Network Scanner from SoftPertect. This program makes it easy for you to find the MAC addresses of each piece of equipment on your LAN, and allows you to verify that the remote computer has booted or shutdown once you have sent a request such as "Wake On Lan" from it. It has a wealth of other information such as the folders shared, and needs no installation - just run it.
• Your computers need to be running Windows XP Pro (or Media Edition) or Windows Home Premium or above. Windows XP Home causes problems in that it will connect to some machines remotely, but others cannot connect to it or vice versa.
• With the exception of a recommended freeware program we are using only what is built into the above operating systems.
• Another good suggestion, although not absolutely necessary is to lock in each of your computers to a static IP address. This is done through your routers DHCP settings.

Set Up Your Computers For Remote Desktop Connection

You will need to set up each and every computer you want to connect to. The following instructions will guide you through the entire remote desktop connection process.

Step 1 - Settings that must be done for every computer you want to remotely connect to.

Step 2 - Wake On Lan (WOL) settings. Must be done for every computer you want to boot or shutdown remotely.

Step 3 - Remote Desktop Connection, Making the connection happen.

Step 4 - Network Scanner, Why did you say get this? What has this got to do with Remote Desktop Connections?

Windows 7 Remote Desktop Connection

Please note: Windows 7 Home Premium does not have full remote desktop capability. It can accept remote connections, but cannot initiate (connect) to remote computers.

Quote from Microsoft site:

Alternative: Use Teamviewer