This page explains the use of Remote Desktop for connecting to computers running Windows XP. Please see here for instructions on connecting to a machine running Windows 7
Scenario
You are a WBS staff member with a second computer at home who would like to do some work from home.
Explanation of Remote Desktop
Remote desktop allows you to connect to your office computer from a home computer. The office computer does all the work with the results showing on the home computer’s monitor. It is just as though you are sat in your office; you have access to all the same applications, all your drives (including your H drive and I drive) and to your printers.
Things work better if you have a broadband connection but even with a dial up connection it is possible to work from home.
Procedure
There are two stages to connecting to your office computer using Remote Desktop. First you need to set up your office computer (should only need doing once) and second you need to connect from your home computer (needs doing each time you want to connect).
Setting up your office computer (should only need to be done once)
- Log into your office computer and double-click the ‘Remote Desktop On b’ icon in WBS Applications
- You will then see a window with your office computer’s IP Address. Please write this down as you will need it later.
- Click OK and reboot the computer when requested to do so.
- You must leave your computer switched on (at the login screen or locked) before you go home. Please turn the screen off to save power.
Connecting from your home computer
The instructions assume your home computer is running Windows XP or Vista.
For other operating systems or if you are not sure – click here.
- To start the Remote Desktop program on your home computer click Start > All Programs > Accessories > Remote Desktop Connection (if you can't find it there have a look in the Communications folder at the same location).
- This opens the following window, into which you should type the IP address of your office computer that you noted previously.
- When you click OK you will see a regular Novell login box just as though you were in your office. Notice the bar at the top of the screen that shows you are looking at the screen on the remote (i.e. Office) computer.
- Enter your username and password in the usual way and click OK.
- Note: If you share a computer and another user is logged into your office computer you will receive a message informing you of this and asking if you would like to continue, even though this will disconnect the other user.
- Note 2: If you get an error message about there being no 'Domain controller' click the Options button and select your computer from the drop down next to the 'Log into' field.
- Assuming another user is not logged on you may receive a message saying that “Windows cannot locate the server copy…”. This message is due to having the Novell client installed; it can be safely ignored. You will now see your normal desktop and can use the computer just as you would if you were sat in your office.
- When you wish to close the remote session you have two options:
- Start > Disconnect. When you select this option any programs you have open on your office computer will continue to run. You may wish to use this option if it is likely you will want to connect to this sessions again from home as it will make it quicker to ‘log on’ again.
- Start > Log off. Selecting this will completely log you out of your office computer.
Extra Features
If you have any comments or questions about this tip sheet please contact the Helpdesk on help@wbs.ac.uk
