Remote Desktop

Question

Hi

I have a problem with connecting to my remote desktop.

Informations about my sytem and network:

DELL XPS 400 Desktop(custom build)

Wireless Router Linksys WRT54G v.5

Comcast internet

I have a McAfee Security Center .

I set up the whole things with remote desktop.Also enable a port 3389 on my router,but still I can't connect to my PC via internet or remote desktop.

My operating system is Windows XP Media Center v.2002 service pack 2

jdelidc · Answer

are both machines XP MCE??

wickpika · Answer

PysiekPL,

The Windows user name you are using to connect with remote desktop must have a password.

Be sure remote desktop connections are enabled. Right-click on my computer and go to the remote tab. Ensure that "allow users to connect remotely to this computer" is checked.

You also have to forward port 3389 to the ip address of your PC (i.e. 192.168.1.___). Port range forwarding is in the Applications and Gaming section on the router.

You also may need to add the ip address you will be connecting from to the trusted ip addresses in the McAfee firewall. Actually, since your pc is behind the router (which serves as a firewall), the McAfee firewall is redundant and really not needed (unless your are forwarding all ports to your PC).

Lastly, go to whatismyip.com. This will show you your external ip address. This is the ip address you will use to connect to your PC remotely. This is likely a dynamic ip address, unless you have a business account or otherwise pay for a static ip address. Therefore, your external ip address may change periodically. I have mediacom cable internet, and the only time my external ip address changes is if I power off the cable modem.

You can also easily set up a VPN on your PC. Then, when you need to connect remotely, you can simply connect to your vpn, and you will be able to remote desktop to your PC using the internal ip address (192.168.1.___). This would require forwarding ports 47 and 1723 to the PC where you have set up the vpn, but not port 3389.

Hope this helps!

Message Edited by wickpika on 02-03-2008 04:21 AM

PysiekPL · Answer

Yes.Both machines are XP MCE

PysiekPL · Answer

wickpika I have done eveyrthing u said except the VPN adress.How to set it up?? What i have to enable in my router??

And also,if I go to the other computer and open remote desktop connection,I have to type my external ip adress from my router or internal ip adress from my PC?? One time I get connected to my router from the other computer but I can't connect to my PC.....

Thank U

PysiekPL · Answer

Also If I Want to connect did I have to first type my external IP adress and then internal IP adress

wickpika · Answer

It is possible that the remote desktop connection is being blocked by your ISP, or by a firewall at the remote PC you are using to connect to your home PC. Also, is Windows firewall disabled on your PC at home?

Here is a good article that provides detailed instructions for setting up a vpn host and vpn remote connection.

Setting Up a Virtual Private Network
by Wei-Meng Lee, author of Windows XP Unwired

When connecting from a remote PC, you will use your home PC's external ip address to connect to the vpn. Once you are connected to the vpn, you will use your home PC's internal ip address to establish the remote desktop connection.

Message Edited by wickpika on 02-04-2008 07:47 PM

PysiekPL · Answer

Ok.I set up the VPN network on my PC.What I have to do right now to get connected to my PC from my girlfriend house??

PysiekPL · Answer

Also what about if when I set up the VPN network I put my external IP adress.It is fine??

wickpika · Answer

Follow the directions for setting up the vpn client to set up the vpn connection on your girlfriend's PC. When setting up the vpn client, you will use the external ip address of your home PC to connect to the vpn. Then, remote desktop to your home PC using its internal ip address. Message Edited by wickpika on 02-04-2008 07:58 PM

PysiekPL · Answer

Ok.I will try it Today.

One more question.I want to manage my home network for ex.put an hours when my little brother can go on the internet,what kind of websites he can go to.DO u know any software for that??

Thank U

wickpika · Answer

You can set up internet access policies on the router. You can either allow or deny internet access by the PC's internal ip address or MAC address, and by day of the week and time range. It is great for setting specific times when your brother can or can not access the internet.

However, it is lacking when it comes to content control. It has a limited ability to block sites by url or keyword. You would be better off using a software solution for this purpose, but I have never used this type of software so I cannot make a recommendation in this area.

Google found this 2008 internet filter software review
http://internet-filter-review.toptenreviews.com

and this Texas ISP Association Internet Content Filtering Information site
http://www.tispa.org/info/kinnaman/filtering.htm

as well as many other resources. You should have no problems finding a software solution that fits your needs.

Message Edited by wickpika on 02-04-2008 07:46 PM

PysiekPL · Answer

Okay.I set up a host and client, like the wbesite what u provide me,but nothing works.Except: I set up a host on my desktop PC and then I set up a client on my laptop(bot are connected to the same network) ,but he thing is that the IP what I put in client was a internal IP,and I get connected to host but nithing happened,its just was connected(its says "WAN Miniport(PPTP)").

I think I'm just to stupid to do it by myself.Do u know any good specialist??

wickpika · Answer

PysiekPL, Also, I just realized that McAfee Security Center has parental control options.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Remote Desktop

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