Remotely accessing a P.C.

Hi,
Does anyone know if it's possible to access an out-of-state friends P.C. using Remote Desktop? We are both using XP and I heard it could be done similarly to P.C. Anywhere, but in the program it seems to be only for local P.C.'s.
Thanks

 

you have to use his external IP address. How is he connected to the internet?
If it's cable or DSL then have him use ipconfig to retrieve his IP address, this is what you need to use to connect to him. It will work over the internet, as it uses the same RDP that terminal services uses. If he has a router then you need to open port 3389 or make him DMZ for it to work.

 

Thanks FW190. I'm not sure where to type in his I.P. though and he's not behind a router, but I am so do I need to forward that port?
Also, it asks for a computer name and domain, but I don't even see where to put the IP address. Sorry I'm kind of a noob and I just heard about this in a Net+ class.

 

Oh yeah, also when I try to browse for a local P.C. (it's Windows 98) it doesn't show up and it says the "MSHome workgroup does not contain any terminal servers". Do I have to forward that port # to acess a local machine, or will it not work because it's '98?

 

Have you downloaded and installed the Remote Desktop Client?

 

Do you mean install the client on the 98 machine? I thought XP came with it, but do I need that on the 98 P.C. for it to work locally?

 

I just use Remote Assistance in Windows Messenger.

 

If you're connecting FROM the 98 machine TO the winxp machine then you need the RDP client.

 

I've installed the client on the Win98 machine. I also opened port 80 on my router. I was told I needed to instal "Internet info services" in the add/remove progs on the XP machine. It is'nt even listed in the windows components. Anyone have a clue? I'm getting fed up.

 

you're making this harder than it needs to be.

RDP requires that port 3389 be opened on the computers doing the transaction. You DON'T need IIS installed and port 80 is ONLY for HTTP not Terminal Services (RDP).

Terminal Services is installed BY DEFAULT on winxp PRO and you MUST have the RDP client installed on the computer in which you need to connect FROM.

So, if you installed the RDP client on your 98 machine, all you need to do is open it and type in the IP address in the box and hit connect. If you get an error saying failed to connect, make sure that Remote Desktop service is started on your XP machine and that you've allowed connections (right click properties on my computer, choose remote tab).

 

I've forwarded 3389, and it still won't work. On the M$ database, it said I have to:

MORE INFORMATION
With the Remote Desktop Web Connection, you can start a Remote Desktop Connection from your Web browser. To do so, point your browser to a server that has been configured with Remote Desktop Web Connection, download an ActiveX control, and then connect to a Windows XP-based server with Remote Desktop. Client computers may also connect to a Microsoft Windows 2000-based server or a server that is running Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Terminal Server Edition.

To enable Remote Desktop Web Connection:
Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
Double-click Add/Remove Programs.
Click Add/Remove Windows Components.
Click Internet Information Services, and then click Details.
Click World Wide Web Service, and then click Details.
Click to select the Remote Desktop Web Connection check box, and then click OK.
Click OK on the Internet Information Services screen.
Click Next on the Windows Components Wizard screen.

This DOES NOT work because Internet Info services is not listed in add windows components.

 

You need the TSW for it to run over IIS. You DO NOT NEED IIS INSTALLED please please please trust me on this.

If you've opened port 3389 and it won't connect, then it must be something on your XP box. Did you check to make sure the service is running? did you make sure you're allowing remote connections?

 

Yep, the service is running and I have remote connections allowed. I am also able to share files and a printer without a problem.

 

ok, if you can share files then your network connection is good. Something is blocking port 3389. What kind of router are you using?

 

it's a linksys and I've forwarded 3389 to both PC.'s tcp and udp.

 

forward 3389 ONLY to the XP machine.

 

Damn, i tried that and it still won't work. I'm about to smash something....

 

I just went back and re-read this thread.. I was providing you information on connecting from your local 98 box to your local XP box...

if you're trying to connect to your buddies box then he has to have port 3389 forwarded to his XP box or it won't work either.

 

Actually, both are in my house and networked. I wanted to get that working before I tried an out-of-state friend. Also, I've been trying to work it both ways; 98-XP and XP-98. Neither works.

 

if it's on your own network technically you don't even need the port forwarded because you're on the same subnet.

You should have no problems getting to it. Without being there, I have reached my limits of assistance.

 

Oh well, thanks a lot for your help Kodo. It will probably turn out to be something stupid I forgot, but I've triple checked and I can't imagine what.
Thanks again