XP Pro to XP Pro Remote Desktop Problem

[DukeDiablo]

Dear Forum-

I've been messing around with the Remote Desktop feature of Windows XP Pro for a few days now with two PC's (Both XP Pro).

The only problem is, the I cannot remotely login until I first receive an invitiation from the remote system for "remote assistance."

At that point, I can then use the Remote Desktop feature and login as usual. Then I close down the MSN Messenger "Remote Assistance" feature and just use the "Remote Desktop."

Does this problem make any sense? Sorry if the answer is no, haha.

I just figured the advantage to the "Remote Desktop" feature was that you didn't need someone to "invite" you to connect to a remote system. You could just logon, and work.

Any assistance or information would be greatly appreciated.

Oh and both systems are using a cable modem only...no hubs or routers, just a straight connection.

[lil Jimmie]

Actually it is like that for security reasons.

[Mac Medic]

No thats not normal at all, make sure the remote users have been added to the allowed remote user list under system properties. If they have not, that may be your problem. There is absolutely no reason to have to fire up remote assistance to be able to use remote desktop, it is not a security feature.

[DukeDiablo]

Thanks for the responses...

I agree, that I must have some configuration problem and doubt I'm just running into a security issue. I have created a user profile on the remote system so I can login properly....I just don't get a connection unless I have a previous "Remote Assistance" session prior to trying to connect with the "Remote Desktop."

Thanks again and I'll keep plugging away at the problem.

[onyx]

You do realize that Remote Desktop and Remote Assistance are two different (and mutually exclusive) features, right?

To make a Remote Assistance connection requires that someone to be logged into the computer to issue a remote assistance invitation or to accept an offer of remote assistance. Once the connection is made, it is interactive--i.e. the console user can see what the remote user is doing.

Conversely, a Remote Desktop connection cannot be made while someone is logged in at the console. If you try, Windows XP will attempt to log off the console session. If an administrator is logged in at the console, this will fail. Could this perhaps be your problem?

[DukeDiablo]

Thanks for the response....

I understand (I suppose, haha) the details of the two different ways to connect, My problem is I cannot perform a successful remote desktop login unless I've "got my foot in the door" via remote assistance.

I'll just keep messing with it until I break something...that's how I always seem to learn.

Thanks again for the help.

[Mac Medic]

Just to clarify.

Not only do you need the user accounts set up on the PC, you also have to add each user to the list of permitted remote desktop users. This is in the "remote" tab of the system properties. Make sure your user account is added here and try again.

[DukeDiablo]

Thanks OEM-

I did add myself to the "list" of authorized users, so I must be doing some other hairbrained action!

Thanks again and have a great week.