Need Remote Desktop Help over LAN

[SJMaye]

I have Win 7 on both my PC in my home. They are on the same network connected via wire thru a WRT54G linksys router. They are within 20 feet of each other and I cannot get them to connect.

I cannot get Remote Desktop to connect. I have tried port forwarded of port 3389 and many other things. Nothing seems to work.

This thing seems amazingly simple. Why doesn't it work for me?

FWIW- I have used LogMeIn on this, but would rpefer to get Remote Desktop working.

Can someone please give me some pointers or point me to a good post for troubleshooting?

 

[jbarr]

Likely, you are using Windows 7 Home Premium. Windows 7 Home Premium includes the client, but DOES NOT ALLOW CONNECTIONS. See the Windows 7 Comparison here.

For connectivity INSIDE your LAN, use VNC. For connectivity OUTSIDE your LAN, continue to use LogMeIn.com.

 

[SJMaye]

You are correct. I am using Windows 7 Home Premium. Thank you for the link. I see my problem now.

I was unaware there were so many different ways to connect remotely. As far as free versions rdesktop seems to have the most features, but it is client only just like what I have now. What would really be nice would be a free server app that would allow me to connect using the Remote Desktop built in to Win 7.

Truthfully, I am a neophyte with all this. Do you also have a link for "Remote Desktop 101?"

 

[jbarr]

The simplest way to connect is to just use VNC for local LAN connections. It's easy to set up, the performance is great, and depending on the flavor of VNC you use, there are lots of options and featurs to make the session more productive.

I personally use UltraVNC and it works like a charm, however other versions should work just aas well. You basically install VNC server on each Windows 7 PC, configure a password, and then run the client on another PC to connect.

Do a GOogle search on VNC or VNC Windows 7 and you will get lots of good info. If you still need help, just let me know.

 

[SJMaye]

I personally use UltraVNC and it works like a charm, however other versions should work just as well.

I have installed UltraVNC on two of my PCs. Both are on Win7. I see the WinVNC icon in the tray on both. I cannot seem to connect. I keep getting "Failed to connect to server"

I could use some pointers to getting this to work. I am opening the UltraVNC Viewer. The settings are at auto. I type in the IP address of the other PC, but will not connect.

Can you help?

 

[Barman58]

I personally prefer Teamviewer for remote assistance of users - It uses a link server on the net so does need net access even for LAN work but comes as an installable Client/Server, (for the main support PC), Installable Server( use for regular clients, or unattended remote control applications), and a simple .EXE that may be emailed to one off remote clients to enable support.

The advantage I find is once you learn the system you can use the same system for all remote access needs. I also like the dual control system that allows both you and the client to interact with the system at the same time

This is all available for free to non commercial users

TeamViewer - Free Remote Access and Remote Desktop Sharing over the Internet

 

[SJMaye]

FWIW- I had something out of sorts. Seems UltraVNC is working fine now after a reboot of each of the computers.