HOW TO ACCESS TERMINAL SERVER 2003 via REMOTE DESKTOP CONNECTION

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Summary
Open RDC
Configure RDC for Maximum Performance
Configure RDC to Show More Colours
Configure RDC to Access your Local Printers
Configure RDC to Access Your Local Disks
Save RDC Configuration File
Test the Shortcut
Change Settings in the Shortcut

Summary

Windows XP Professional includes a program called "Remote Desktop Connection". It allows you to operate a server running "Terminal Services" from a remote location. This article describes how to configure and use the "Remote Desktop Connection" program in Windows XP. (top)

Open RDC

Click on "Start"
Click on "All Programs" (or "Programs" depending on how XP is configured)
Click on "Accessories"
Click on "Communications"
Click on "Remote Desktop Connection"
    or
Click on "Start"
Click on "Run"
Enter "mstsc.exe"
    or
Right Click on an RDC configuration file (filename ends with ".RDP")
Click "Edit"

You should see a window like this:

Click the "Options" button to show a window like this:

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Configure RDC for Maximum Performance

In order to use the program to operate a remote computer, you need to change some default settings. The settings below give you maximum performance while using minimum bandwidth and should be used if you connect to the Internet via a modem or PDA.

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Configure RDC to Show More Colours

If you connect to the Internet via Broadband, you may like to use the following settings. Please note that performance will decrease if the following settings are used. I prefer the above settings and the increased performance.

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Configure RDC to Access your Local Printers

If you connect to the Internet via Broadband, you may like to use the following settings. Please note that performance will decrease if the following settings are used. I prefer the above settings and the increased performance.

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Configure RDC to Access Your Local Disks

If you connect to the Internet via Broadband, you may like to use the following settings. Please note that performance will decrease if the following settings are used. I prefer the above settings and the increased performance.

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Enter the URL (or IP Address) of the computer you want to control in the “Computer:” space. In the example above "mail.domain.com.au" is used. Substitute the URL of the computer you want to control for "mail.domain.com.au".

Enter your Logon Name in the “User name:” space. In the example above "UserName" is used. Substitute your logon name.

Enter your password in the “Password:” space.

Enter the name of your Domain in the “Domain:” space. In the example above "Domain" is used. Substitute the name of your domain.

If you have any questions, please call our friendly support staff on 0755924733.

Save RDC Configuration File

Click on the "General" Tab
Click on "Save As"
Select "Desktop" and enter a meaningful file name

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Test the Shortcut

To run the "Remote Desktop Connection" program with the settings you saved, double-click the shortcut you saved on your Desktop. (top)

Change Settings in the Shortcut

If you need to change settings, right-click on the shortcut on your Desktop then click "Edit". (top)