How to Setup a Remote Desktop on a LAN

Windows Remote Desktop (also known as Terminal Services) allows a network user to access a remote PC's Windows desktop as if he were actually sitting in front of that PC. All that is required is network connectivity and the Remote Desktop software. The server portion of Remote Desktop is already installed for Windows XP/Vista machines, and the client can be downloaded free of charge from Microsoft. Remote Desktop is a convenient and time-saving feature for users with multiple PCs. A powerful stationary desktop server is often used to provide files, printer applications, or other services to multiple client PCs, which are usually notebooks. Sometimes problems arise that require configuration or even rebooting of the server PC. With terminal services, users with access on the LAN can quickly remedy such issues without physically working with the server machine.

Step 1 Decide which PC you wish to remotely control and which PC(s) you wish to use as your controllers. The Remote Desktop server will be installed and configured on the controlled box, and the Remote Desktop client will be installed on each of the controlling PCs.

Step 2 For each PC(s) that will be controlling the remote machine, download and install the Windows Terminal Services Client software.

Step 3 On the computer to be remotely controlled, go to My Computer, then to Control Panel, then to Administrative Tools, and then to Services.

Step 4 Select the Terminal Services entry. A new configuration dialog will appear. Select the General tab. For the option that says Startup type, select Automatic. This will ensure remote desktop services will always be running even if you need to reboot your computer. In the option that says Service Status, click the Start button to immediately start the service.

Step 5 As an optional step for advanced users, select the Log On tab. If Local System Account (i.e., the default) is selected, remote users will log in as SYSTEM using whatever password (if any) you have already set for the administrator's account. The option titled This Account causes remote users to log in under another existing account that you specify. To confirm this option, supply and confirm the password for this account.

Step 6 Click OK to close the configuration dialogue.

Step 7 Remote terminal services are now set up for this PC, and other PCs running the Terminal Services Client can now connect to it and run its applications.