How do I get the Remote Web Desktop working?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kirstin Frosheiser
  • Start date Start date
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Kirstin Frosheiser

Hi. I am able at home to use my laptop to control my
desktop computer, through remote desktop. I am trying to
get the web version to work for me. I followed the
instructions on the Microsoft help pages on how to install
it on the server. I thought I did this, but I cannot
connect. First of all, I don't think those directions are
at all clear, and some of the windows I've been asked to
go to do not exist as they are listed in my computer. For
example, point to start, all programs, administrative
tools, internet services manager. Nor is there anything
in internet services manager in my administrative tools
through the control panel.

I don't know what the server name is...unless it is the
same name as I would use to connect at home via my remote
desktop connection. Do I need VPN for this? Can someone
please direct me to some much more thorough instructions
on how to accomplish this? When I move my computer to my
workplace, I cannot simply use the remote desktop. It
won't connect. I have no idea why, no idea how to
configure this properly, though I've followed the
instructions as they are listed. Please help.

When I try to type in http://name of computer at
home/tsweb, nothing but a can't find server page comes on.

There must be more to it than the instructions within the
Microsoft help and support included on the disc.

And, now that I've begun these remote web desktop
connection steps, will my other home remote desktop
connection that worked so well last night still work when
I get home? I would like to be able to access my desktop
computer from my laptop in more places than home.

It also might help to know that I work in a University
setting, where there is a LAN connection present, and
maybe this is part of the problem? I want to know how to
do this, and none of the info seems thorough or complete
enough to me, and I've been searching all over the web for
an answer.

Thanks,
Kirstin
 
Hello Kirstin,
I am not to sure why you cannot get back to the RDW
connect page, but i should think the IP has changed on
your LAN, so cannot find your machine. Also having a
static IP will help you, dhcp will change in a set time.

Hope this helps
 
I think the short answer is to simply use the Remote Desktop client on your laptop to access the
home XP Pro PC. Look at these pages for help...

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/gomobile/remotedesktop/default.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/focuson/remotedesktop.asp

Call your home PC using the public IP of the PC or if your behind a firewall/NAT/router the public
IP of that device. Forward TCP Port 3389 through the firewall/NAT/router to the home PCs LAN IP
address. Note that if your at work and trying to connect to home its possible your work system
administrators may have blocked TCP Port 3389 outbound.

As far as the web based method is concerned, that is setup on the home XP Pro PC that your trying to
access remotely. Use "Add/Remove Windows Components" to install IIS. When you do this you also need
to install the "Remote Desktop Web Connection" functionality. In the IIS install window click on
"World Wide Web Services -> Details" and check the checkbox for "Remote Desktop Web Connection".
Note that if your behind a firewall/NAT/router at home then you also need to open TCP Port 80 (IIS)
for this to work. Its also possible your ISP blocks TCP Port 80.

--
Al Jarvi (MS-MVP Windows Networking)

Please post *ALL* questions and replies to the news group for the mutual benefit of all of us...
The MS MVP Program - http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights...
 
Actually, if you go to "Start -> Help and Support" on your home XP Pro PC and search on "remote
desktop" there is a very nice writeup on what you need to do to install IIS and the Remote Desktop
Web access functionality...

--
Al Jarvi (MS-MVP Windows Networking)

Please post *ALL* questions and replies to the news group for the mutual benefit of all of us...
The MS MVP Program - http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights...
 
well, do I need to install the remote desktop web setup on
both computers? I only did that on the "server"
computer. I tried to do my laptop here, but my Windows XP
disc is at home. I'll have to do that tonight.

If I am at home, and want to test this through the
internet connection, does it matter that we're both
connected through the same router? Or, could the router
be a problem...with firewall and such implemented in the
router?

I don't know much about static v. dynamic addressing. I
have TCP/IP set to automatically detect addresses, if I'm
saying this properly. Any other way is confusing to me,
who has never tried to use any networking features before
LAST night. It took me forever to get RDC working and
still be able to use the internet properly on each
computer when not using RDC. It was trying to share my
connection, but I'm using a router, and so it wouldn't
work properly without fussing around in network settings
forever. If I have my home internet connection using
different addresses than my LAN at work, is there a way to
make them work together? I'm sorry I'm such a newbie on
such matters!
Thanks again to anyone who has an answer!
 
Hey Al,

Sorry, I didn't even notice your posts before I replied.
I thought there was only one reply.

I did go to Help and Support, and did the steps listed
there this morning on my home computer. The one I'm using
to connect (or not :)) is actually my laptop that I take
back and forth.

I am using a router, so those steps you mentioned there
are what I will look into when I get home.

Incidentally, I did try to connect using regular remote
desktop...as I was able to do last night. I wasn't sure
what I needed to do, so I tried both. I get this
message...the client could not connect to the remote
computer...remote connections might not be enabled or the
computer might be too busy to accept new connections. It
is also possible that network problems are preventing your
connection. Please try connecting again later. If the
problem continues, contact your administrator.

So, would it seem that the network here doesn't allow? I
could also try using my laptop wirelessly from another
location I suppose to see if, in fact, it might just be
the network here. I won't have time today, though,
bummer, as it's Halloween, and I have to rush home to get
the kids ready.

Thanks again Al et al.

-----Original Message-----
Actually, if you go to "Start -> Help and Support" on
Click to expand...
your home XP Pro PC and search on "remote
desktop" there is a very nice writeup on what you need to
Click to expand...
do to install IIS and the Remote Desktop
Web access functionality...
Click to expand...
for the mutual benefit of all of us...
 
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