How do I Connect to a Remote Desktop in Windows XP?

Windows XP Professional comes with a remote access utility, which enables you to set up remote PC access with any other Windows-based computer. It enables you to access to all of the files, software, accessories and network resources that you have on your system, just as if you were sitting at your PC. Read on to learn how:

• Your computer or the computer that you want to access remotely must have Microsoft Windows XP Professional installed on it. This is referred to as the host computer. It should also have remote access enabled.
• The computer that you want to use to access the host computer should be running Windows 95 or later. This remote PC is referred to as the client. It should also have the Remote Desktop Connection client software already installed on it.
• Both the host and the client computers should be connected to the Internet via a VPN connection.

1. Set up the Host Computer for Remote Access

1. Sign into your computer as administrator.
2. Click on the Start button and then click on Control Panel
3. Click on the Performance and Maintenance icon, and then click on System.
4. Select the Remote tab, and then check the checkbox for: Allow users to connect remotely to this computer.
5. Click on the OK button.

2. Set up the Windows Firewall to Allow Exceptions

1. Click on the Start button and then click on Control Panel. Click on Security Center.
   
2. Under “Manage security settings for” click on Windows Firewall. Make sure that the “Don't allow exceptions” checkbox is unchecked.
3. Click on the Exceptions tab, and then verify the Remote Desktop checkbox is checked.
4. Click on the OK button to close the window.

The host computer is now configured to allow remote access.

3. Note Down The Name of Your Host Computer

1. Click on the Start button and then click on Control Panel.
2. Click on Performance and Maintenance and then click System
3. Next, click on the Computer Name tab.
4. Note down the full computer name.
5. Click on the OK button and then close the Control Panel.
6. Leave this host PC running and connected to the Internet.

4. Connect Remotely to the Host PC

1. Log onto the client computer. Click the Start button then click All Programs in the Start menu.
2. Click on Accessories and then select Communications from the Accessories menu.
3. Next, click on Remote Desktop Connection.
4. Type in the host computer name in the window that opens and then click Connect.
5. This opens the Log On to Windows dialog box. Type in your User Name and password. If prompted to, enter the domain.
   
6. Click on the OK button.

The Remote Desktop window will open, and you will have remote access to the host computer.