Can't use remote desktop connection - Need help

By the way, should I have a static IP configured in my router? I use cable modem and I'm always connected, no need to use dial-up.
I was thinking that if I have a static IP I can then use the NAT to open a port for remote desktop.

Update: it's 1AM and I found the solution. In the router settings I had to go to Advanced Settings->NAT->Special applications
1. Enable special applications
2. Select the remote computer from a list
3. type-in IP address and the port for remote desktop connection 3389
that's it.
Thanks for all your help :)
Hope this info will be useful for others.

Gil.

Gil said:

By the way, should I have a static IP configured in my router? I use cable modem and I'm always connected, no need to use dial-up.
I was thinking that if I have a static IP I can then use the NAT to open a port for remote desktop.

Ok, one last kick at the can!

I just went to Edimax website and got the manual for your router...
Here's how I would do this, based on your Router's manual.


Step 1... Hooking up.
Using Ethernet cables, connect both your machines to the router directly...
No wireless. (We'll get to the wirless in a bit.)
Connect router to modem, modem to cable...


Step 2... Computer Names and Workgroups
In Control Panel-> System -> Advanced -> Computer Name -> Change
Enter a computer name (11 characters or less) Be cute, it's fun...
Enter a workgroup name... (11 characters or less). This has to be the same on every computer in your network.
Click OK.
Now back on the main dialog enter a brief comment... "Kitchen", "Laptop" whatever.
Click OK...
Reboot the machines.


Step 3 ... Network adaptor settings.
Control Panel-> Network and Sharing-> Adaptor settings-> Local Area Connection-> Right click-> properties-> TCPIP v4 -> Properties... (whew)
Set both your machine's network connections to "Obtain IP address automatically". and "Obtain DNS server address automatically".
While you are in there, uncheck IPv6 in both your network setup panels.
Reboot both machines.


Step 4... Work Network setup.
Control Panel -> Network and Sharing ->
Under Network it should say "Work Network"...
If it doesn't click on what it does say and select Work Network from the dialog.
Apply the changes.


Step 5... File Sharing Setup
Still in Control Panel -> Network and Sharing click "Change advanced sharing settings"
Expand the "home or work" section...
Turn ON network discovery
Turn ON File and printer sharing
Turn OFF Public Folder Sharing
TURN ON "Enable File and Printer sharing for devices that use 40 or 56 bit encryption"
Turn OFF password protected sharing.
Turn ON "Use user accounts and passwords to connect to other computers"
Apply your changes
Reboot your computers.


Step 6 ... Check the connections...
On each computer you will have a little box shaped network icon in your taskbar. Click on that and it should say "Internet access" with the boxy, Work Network icon.
If you click Network in any file browser it should show you all your machines.
As a convenience you can click on "Network" and just drag it to your desktop this will create a "My Network" icon...


Step 7.... Go get a coffee...
Then we'll tackle the router.


Step 8... Router Setup...
Without using any of the supplied software...
Open your internet browser and in the Address bar (NOT search) type 192.168.2.1 and hit enter.
You should now be looking at your Router's login screen. If you've already entered a name and password for this use them now. If not, the default is User and 1234.
Now you should see the router's main menu...
Click on Quick Setup...
Set your time zone etc. and apply.
When you get to the next page select Cable Modem and apply.
In this panel click apply.
The router should reset...


Step 9... Testing the connection again...
After the router reset finishes again click the network icons in your task bars and see if it says "Internet Access" ... if so all is well.
If not contact your ISP and get setup information about host name and MAC address from him. Put it in the quick setup and don't change anything else, no matter what he says!


Step 10... Testing the router firewall...
Once you have Internet Access on both machines...
Open your web browser and go to http://security.symantec.com/
Run the security check NOT the virus scan.
If all is good you should see it pass all tests except the one that tries to sell you their anti-virus software (that one always fails).


Step 11... Windows Firewall setup
In Control Panel->Windows Firewall->Advanced Settings->Monitoring-> Firewall
Confirm that all rules associated with File and printer sharing and remote desktop are active and private.
Alternatively, since you are behind the router's firewall anyway you can just go into:
Control Panel-> Administrative Tools -> Services -> Windows Firewall and disable it.
(FWIW... That thing's a friggin' nightmare... I just killed it on my systems)


Step 12 ... Sharing a folder...
On both computers, in Control Panel -> Folder Options -> View uncheck the "Use Sharing Wizard" box.
Now pick any unimportant folder to use for a sharing test... Make one if you have to.
NEVER share the root of a disk drive!
Right click on the folder, select Share With -> Advanced Sharing -> Advanced Sharing
In this dialog click "Share This Folder"
Now Click Permissions... It should say "Everyone" and "Read". that's good enough for a test.
Now do the same on the other machine.
Wait a minute or two for network discovery to find your shares then click on the Network shortcut we made...
You should see both your computers, in both computers. (i.e. they see each other and themselves)
Clicking on the computers should show you the shares.
Clicking on the shares should show you the contents of the folder.


Ok... now you have a functional LAN!


Step 13 ... Remote Desktop Setup...
Control Panel-> System -> Remote Settings...
Uncheck allow Remote Assistance Connections ... massive security risk, more trouble than it's worth.
Click "Allow connections from computer running any version of remote desktop"
Click Select Users... you should see your username --for that computer-- and it should say "already has access"... just below the blank entry panel.
This is good enough for testing... click OK
Click OK again.
Now do the same on the other computer.


Step 14... Testing Remote Desktop...
On one of the machines go into Start->All Programs -> Accessories and click Remote Desktop Connection.
Enter the other computer's name.
Under options... crank some of the stuff back a bit... you don't need Aero or sound, etc on a remote connection. This is to save bandwidth.
As soon as you click "Connect" you should see the username and password prompt...
Enter the username and password **for the other machine** and click OK.
The other machine should lock it's desktop and you should be looking at the remote machine on your monitor.
Now log off and unlock the other machine by entering your password.
Reverse the test... using the other machine.
They should connect to each other flawlessly.


Ok... now you have working Remote Desktop...


Step 15 ... Router WiFi setup...
Back to the router...
On your wired machine, open your browser, enter 192.168.2.1 and put in the username and password.
Click on General Setup...
Click on Wireless...
In Basic Settings ...
Select AP mode
Enter your ESSID (up to 32 characters) which is what people see when scanning. Try not to pick something the invites hackers... "Personal Netork" or such.
The default band is 2.4ghz... which should be fine.
Pick a channel number... Most people pick 1 or 11... pick something else. Note that if you run into problems it could be because you picked the same channel as your neighbor... you may have to change this.
Click Apply.
Now in the security settings...
Select WPA - Pre-shared key. WPA2 might work but this is a lot more reliable for testing.
Set the pre-shared key mode to "Passphrase"...
For your passphrase pick something very out there... "Eurostyle Modernists" or such. You don't want some fool guessing it!
And apply.
The rest should be good on defaults.
The router should reset.
Close your browser.

Step 16.... Computer WiFi setup...
Disconnect the cable from the computer you're going to use for wireless.
Ok... I didn't look up your Wifi adapter so you're going to have to muddle this one on your own... just set the Security, Router Name and Passphrase to match what we did above...


Step 17 ... Testing Wifi...
Ok... now the big moment...
Can you connect to wireless?
Can you surf the internet?
Can the computers see each other?
Can you access file shares?

Can you do remote desktop?

Now if both machines are going to be wireless connections you need to finish these last steps for the other machine...

Can you still do Remote Desktop?

Oh lord I hope so!

Some things to keep in mind... minimizing the bandwidth of remote desktop, especially on wireless is a good thing... you don't need Aero effect or sound or 32 bit video... using all options can and will saturate your connection and might lead to disconnects. Also range is an issue... Remote Desktop is going to be very flakey with low signal strengths...

But if all went well... it should be working.