Remote Desktop Connection question

I can access my desktop from my laptop over my local network but I cannot connect to it over the internet. I am running vista on both machines the one I'm trying to connect to is running ultimate. I am able to get to the login screen but it tells me its unable to connect. When I read the help file it tells me to add a local user/group, i tried that but im not sure exactly what to do. I added an administrator account but how do I find my laptop (add its name) when it only lets me add names from my desktop. I'm confused :confused

 

Have you portfowarded 3389 in your router to point to your correct local machines ip. Also to connect from the net you would need to use your public internet ip to connect, not the local ip.

 

Yeah I opened the port on my router and i am using my internet ip address. I can get to the login of the desktop but when i put in the login it says cannot connect. I guess I need to figure out how to allow my laptop to connect remotely from the internet on my desktop.

 

But i thought you said inside your network it works fine? start there.

 

I am at home right now. the laptop and the desktop are on the same network but i'm trying to connect through the internet. Do you think there is a conflict because I am trying to connect from the same ip address as the desktop?

 

I am trying to get this set up to use it over the internet when I go on vacation. right now im at home and i can connect through the lan with no problem. I just want to be able to set this up before i leave to make sure it works.

 

From an outside link. I.E. outside your network, I'd try to ping your router, which should have the IP your ISP would give you.

BTW, this should have been under the networking section.