Troubleshooting remote computer requires specialized set of tools and skills. Fortunately Windows XP Professional provides a built-in utility known as “Remote Desktop Utility”, which enables you to troubleshoot the remote computers from your home, office or while traveling. Remote desktop feature in the Windows XP Professional is like the terminal service client in the Windows 2000 Professional. Virtually you can connect to any other computer through this utility and once connected you get the mouse and keyboard control of the remote computer.
How to use Remote Desktop Utility
- Microsoft Windows XP Professional must be installed on the remote computer from where you want to access the files and troubleshoot the problems.
- Remote desktop utility must be installed and enabled on the remote computer.
- Both computers must be connected with each other through internet connection. (High speed internet connection is preferable for faster access).
Setting up Remote Desktop Utility on the Host Computer
- The first step in setting up the “Remote Desktop Utility” on the host computer is to sign in as Administrator.
- Go to control Panel and click on “Performance and Maintenance” and next click “System”.
In the next screen, after clicking the “Remote” tab, click “allow users to connect remotely to this computer”
Windows Firewall Settings
Firewall may block the connectivity so set it up to allow the few exceptions.
Click “security center” and under the “Manage Security Settings For”, click the Windows Firewall. Make sure that the “Don’t Allow Exceptions” is not selected.
Next click the Exceptions tab and select the “Remote Desktop” check box.
Click OK and close all the open windows.
Your computer has been setup to allow remote access and connections.
To start communication you need the hostname of the remote computer.
Click start > Run > Type CMD.
At the command prompt, type “Hostname” without quotes and you will get the hostname.
After you know the hostname of the remote computer go to:
Start > Programs > Accessories > Communication > Remote Desktop Connection and type the name or IP address of the remote computer.
To end the remote desktop session Click Start > Log Off
Now after connecting the remote computer you can perform literally all the troubleshooting related tasks such as troubleshooting printing related problems, disabling faulty hardware, installing device drivers, getting the Windows log files to analyze the problems, configuring and troubleshooting the router, installing applications, sharing files, restarting the system, configuring local or network applications and lot of other actions.
There are a large number of web based third party applications and utilities that provide you the access to the remote computers such as Logmein, GoToMyComputer, NetSupportManager, Radmin, VNC and Teamviewer etc.