How to set up remote desktop on XP

Following a previous post on a remote desktop issue I was having, I have decided to put up a post on how to set up remote desktop.

First of all - How to enable Remote Desktop on the host computer (the computer you wish to connect to)
To use Remote Desktop, you need WinXP Professional rather than Home edition. To enable remote access right-click on My Computer in the start menu and choose properties. Choose the "Remote Tab" and tick the box next to "Allow users to connect remotely to this computer" Under this you have the option to choose which users can connect remotely - Remember though that User accounts wishing to connect remotely must be User accounts with a password enabled.

Now that the host allows incoming remote connections we must ensure that the client computer can connect to the host. In order to connect to an XP professional computer remotely the client computer must have the remote desktop connection client software installed. This is installed by default on most windows computers - however if you find yourself in a situation where you do not have the client software installed you will find the setup file called MSRDPCLI.exe on your windows XP CD in the folders \support\tools.

Ok now that our host and clients are set up how do we connect? You will find the remote connection software in the accessories folder of the all programs list. To specify the computer you wish to connect to you can simply types in the computer name or the I.P. address of the computer. You have to enter the Username and Password of a user that you set up with permissions to access remotely as discussed earlier.

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