Connect To Remote Computer Using Remote Desktop

Hi Friends,

This article is in response to query by Sreekanth K.

Here we will learn how to connect to your machine from any remote location(say your friends location). So lets get started

I will use the abbreviations
1. RM: denotes the Remote Machine to which to want access
2. UM: denotes your currently User Machine i.e. the machine which will be used to access RM

Follow the steps in the mentioned order:

#1: Both the machines should be turned on [This is most important.. ;P ]

#2: Both the machines should be on network (even if it is internet!)

#3: a) Remote desktop must be enabled in RM
      b) user who wants to log in to the RM must have been granted access(or should be admin of RM) . Lets see, how this can be achieved with the screen shots:

[In the screen shot above, the radio buttons are disabled. But in your machine, they must be enabled, so select them]

RM should be able to communicate through your Firewall

Let's see how this can be achieved:

#1: Start -> Control Panel -> Search for Firewall -> Allow a program through Windows Firewall

Under Allowed programs and features, scroll down to Remote Desktop and ensure that the check boxes are selected

If you are using any other firewall, read the manual which came with it to replicate the same above mentioned steps.

Get the IP Address of your RM
Start-> cmd -> ipconfig

Note the IP address under your connection(Wireless or Local Area Connection). Above screen is for Local Area Connection. This IP will be used while turning on port forwarding.

Forward Port to RM

#1: On your web browser, type the internal IP address of your router(generally: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, 198.168.2.1). If none of this works, see the manual which came with the router to find out the internal IP address.

#2: Enter the credentials

#3: In the configuration screen, search for place to turn on port forwarding

#4: Forward TCP port 3389, the default port for Remote Desktop Connection, to RM. You can also forward other ports[ that enhances security, as using default value for anything is not advisable!]. Lets say the port forwarded is 3395
-->>So we have a mapping between the RM to the port on your router

Find your Routers' Public IP Address

You can search internet to 'find ip address' and you can find many results. Use any one to get your routers' IP address. Lets suppose it is 202.168.21.36

Use UM to Connect to RM

On your UM, use Start-> Run-> mstsc -> OK -> Give the public IP address found in previous step:[colon] the port number

 

You will be asked to provide the credentials as you do in your normal system!

Start Working....

Feel free to drop a comment.