How to Use Windows XP Built in Remote Desktop Utility

This explains how to connect to another computer on your local network through Windows XP's built-in remote desktop utility.

Steps

1. Remote Desktop must be enabled on all the computers to which you wish to connect. To ensure that it is enabled, follow these steps:
2. Right click the My Computer icon on your desktop or start menu and click properties.
3. Click the Remote tab at the top of the system properties window and check the box next to "Allow users to connect remotely to this computer."
4. After you have completed these steps, you are ready to connect to another computer. Before you start, make sure both computers are turned on and connected to your Local Area Network (LAN). It also helps if you both have configured the same workgroup as your default, if you are not on a domain configuration. Most home networks are not on a domain.
5. On the computer you will be connecting from click Start-->Run and type 'mstsc.' Press ENTER.
6. Type the name of the computer you wish to connect to in the connection window.
7. Log in using the username and password supplied by the computer owner. You can not sign into a Limited Account using Remote Desktop.

Tips

• To find the name of the computer you wish to connect to log onto that computer and right click My Computer, click properties, and click the Computer name tab.
• The computer you are connecting to must have a password (the login password cannot be blank).
• If the computer name does not work, try using its IP address (see How To article)
• Use Start/Settings/Control Panel/Systems icon if you don't have a My Computer icon on your desktop.