How to Access a Remote Desktop
For systems administrators and people who need to access their computer files from a distant location, Remote Desktop is a useful way to access files, documents and programs. While there are some limits to what Remote Desktop can do, it’s a nice way to retrieve data from a host computer through one or more desktops, smartphones, laptops, or other devices. Here’s how you can set up and access Remote Desktop on a computer with Windows XP
Tools
To set up and access Remote Desktop, you need the following tools:
A host computer with Windows XP Professional and configured for Remote Desktop connections.
Client computer running Windows 95 or higher (it’s best to have Windows XP installed on that computer).
Both computers should be connected via a virtual private network (VPN) connection.
Setting Up Remote Desktop
Follow these steps to set up the Remote Desktop function:
Enabling the Remote Desktop
Sign into the host computer as the administrator.
Right-click the “My Computer” icon on the Desktop or the Start menu.
Click the “Remote” tab.
Click the option for “Allow Remote Assistance invitations to be sent to this computer.”
To enable Remote Desktop, click the option for “Allow users to connect remotely to this computer.”
Managing the Firewall
Go to the Control Panel, and access Windows Security Center.
Manage the security settings for Windows Firewall. You should enable the firewall, but the “Don’t allow exceptions” check box must remain unchecked.
Set an exception for Remote Desktop.
Finishing Up Remote Desktop
Right-click the “My Computer” icon.
Select the “Computer Name” tab, and take note of the full computer name.
Accessing Remote Desktop
Remote Desktop only works if the host computer is turned on, so make sure that the host computer is locked and not set on standby or hibernate when you access it remotely.
Click the Start menu and point to the “Accessories” group.
Highlight “Communications,” and click “Remote Desktop Connection.”
Enter the name of the host computer and click OK. You will then be prompted to the Windows login screen.
Log into the Remote Desktop connection by using the username and password of the host computer.
Remote Desktop is a very useful and convenient way of accessing files remotely from any computer connected to a host. With these steps, you can easily access important files and documents from a static computer from anywhere you may be.