Why is Remote Desktop so difficult?

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  1. saltire1954
    Posts : 5
    7 32-bit
       New #1

    Why is Remote Desktop so difficult?


    I am trying to get remote desktop to work consistently, primarily so I can use it to access computers at home when I am on the road - I do this through Windows Home Server. Here's a brief summary:



    I have four computers on a workgroup (NOT a homegroup) called 'RACECAR', as follows:
    • Aston-Martin: laptop running Win7 Pro
    • Jaguar: desktop running XP Pro SP3
    • Mirage: headless server running Windows Home Server
    • Ferrari: desktop running Win7 Pro, upgraded from Home Premium with Anytime upgrade.
    All machines are connected by Cat6 Ethernet and a gigabit switch to a Draytek router and thence to the ISP.


    I can attempt login to any computer from any other in one of two ways:
    1. Remote Desktop Connection (MSTSC)
    2. Home server remote access (https://<mydomain>.homeserver.com)
    Here's the problem:
    • I can access Aston-Martin, Jaguar and Mirage from any of the other computers using either 1 or 2
    • I can also access any machine FROM Ferrari
    • Ferrari shows up in Windows Explorer, and I can copy and paste files to and from it
    • Ferrari shows as 'available for connection' in the WHS remote access 'Computers' list
    • I cannot access Ferrari from any other machine. I receive the message:

      "Remote Desktop can't connect to the remote computer for one of these reasons:
      1) Remote access to the server is not enabled
      2) The remote computer is turned off
      3) The remote computer is not available on the network
      Make sure the remote computer is turned on and connected to the network, and that remote access is enabled."
    As an experiment, I tried using Remote Assistance between Aston-Martin and Ferrari. This works in both directions, in that I can see the remote machine's desktop - though not control it with the keyboard.

    I have port 3389 open in the firewall (Windows Firewall), and have set the relvant permissions in the Remote tab of Properties.

    I'm wondering if the problem is to do with the fact that the machine was upgraded, rather than having an original copy of 7 Pro (I know remote access is one of the limitations of HP). Anyway, I am really at my wits' end with this, and can't find any obvious pointers on the web. If anyone has any thoughts, they would be very much appreciated.
    Last edited by saltire1954; 01 Jun 2011 at 05:03.
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  3. DocBrown
    Posts : 9,606
    Win7 Enterprise, Win7 x86 (Ult 7600), Win7 x64 Ult 7600, TechNet RTM on AMD x64 (2.8Ghz)
       New #2

    Welcome saltire1954


    Why not try TeamViewer (Free Version). It works so easily & simply. I can access all my work computers or my home computers quickly, when ever I need to.


    Tutorial

    TeamViewer
    Last edited by DocBrown; 29 May 2011 at 09:34.
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  4. TheReaper
    Posts : 1,088
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       New #3

    +1 TeamViewer is indeed the easiest to use.
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  6. saltire1954
    Posts : 5
    7 32-bit
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    Thanks, I had heard of Team Viewer. However, as I understand it, TV needs to be pre-installed on any computer I might use to access one of the others. The advantage of the WHS approach is that I can use it through a secure web page, so nothing needs to be pre-installed. For logistical reasons when I am away from home, this is a big benefit for me. Also, TV does not work with Windows 7 libraries.

    I may go that route if I absolutely have to, but I'd rather fix the problem in the first place. After all, if it works fine with another W7 machine, why shouldn't it work with Ferrari - the one I'm having problems with?

    Many thanks again for the suggestion
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  7. TheReaper
    Posts : 1,088
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       New #5

    You might want to take a look at this: remote-desktop-connection-rdc-network,
    Troubleshoot-Remote-Desktop-problems.
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  8. DocBrown
    Posts : 9,606
    Win7 Enterprise, Win7 x86 (Ult 7600), Win7 x64 Ult 7600, TechNet RTM on AMD x64 (2.8Ghz)
       New #6

    I have TeamViewer installed on at least 24 of my computers :) Yes, I can access the libraries if I have them marked shared properly.
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  10. saltire1954
    Posts : 5
    7 32-bit
    Thread Starter
       New #7

    TheReaper said:
    You might want to take a look at this: remote-desktop-connection-rdc-network,
    Troubleshoot-Remote-Desktop-problems.
    Thanks, Reaper; admirably clear tutorial. And I have followed it to the letter, but my Ferrari machine still won't connect, although the others all will.

    As a matter of interest, I have tried Ferrari both using a computer name, and also the IP address on the LAN, with a qualifying port number. Doesn't make any difference, fails either way.
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  11. JaidynM
    Posts : 8,398
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64/Windows 8 Consumer Preview x64/Ubuntu 11.04
       New #8

    I agree, TeamViewer is great. Another good one is LogMeIn.

    LogMeIn Free - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Downloads
    LogMeIn Official Site
    Also check out these alternatives:
    TeamViewer Alternatives and Similar Software - AlternativeTo.net
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  12. mckillwashere
    Posts : 1,849
    Windows 7 x86/x64, Server 2008r2, Web Server 2008
       New #9

    Check to make sure Remote desktop is enabled and the second bubble is selected not the first or third. (on Ferrari)
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  13. saltire1954
    Posts : 5
    7 32-bit
    Thread Starter
       New #10

    mckillwashere said:
    Check to make sure Remote desktop is enabled and the second bubble is selected not the first or third. (on Ferrari)
    Many thanks, mckillwashere. Remote Desktop is enabled on Ferrari, and the second bubble is selected. I wish it were that simple
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