Remote Desktop Access from another location

I'd like to set up my Desktop so that i can access it from another location whilst I am on holiday.

Do I need to be on a domain or anything like that? I also have a laptop which i'd like to use to access my desktop as well as using other desktops to access my own. Is there a way to allow both?

How do i set it up. reading XP's help files seems to confuse it all the more.

Any suggestions?
Thanks

 

I don't know much about static or dynamic IP addresses but I'm guessing NO as I haven't done anything in that area.

From your question, I guess I would need a static Ip address on my laptop as well as any other desktop I use to connect to my computer.

I don't know if this helps but I gave my laptop a 192.168.0.2 whilst networking with my desktop.
Is this the same thing?

If not, what do I need to do?

 

Sorry but you need a public IP address. 192.168.x.x is private address range and can't be reached from outside your physical network.

However, if the desktop is used for internet access you will probably have an address assigned by the DHCP server at your ISP. The address will have a finite live span (called lease period) which is 24 hours for the typical ISP. But .... when the lease period expires, if your desktop is still on and still using the IP address (which it will be if connected to a DSL/cable modem), it will be given the same address again by the DHCP server.

So if you check the IP on the desktop before you leave and it stays up, you will be able to connect to that address.

Suggestion if this is really important to you. Have a good UPS for the PC since you don't want a momentary power blip at your house to cause the PC to shut down. That might cause it to get a new IP address when it started back up.

 

Thanks for the reply Newt,

Unfortunately I dont have BB in my area and my ISP (like most others) disconnect my dial up after 2 hours.

How would I go about getting a static public IP address then?

I take it by your post that the PC would need to remain on all the time and furthermore be connected to the net for the whole duration in order for me to gain access to my PC whilst on holiday.

Is this correct?

 

Since you use a dial-up connection for the Internet then connecting to your computer thru the Internet isn't practical.

I would suggest a program like pcAnywhere. With this you only need to leave your computer on and waiting for a phone call from your laptop.

 

"With this you only need to leave your computer on and waiting for a phone call from your laptop. "

Or have a NIC that can start up your PC if someone tries to say hello.

As to getting an IP, you gotta rent one. A few ISPs will let you have one they reserved (for a fee) but not many. Probably have to go elsewhere.

 

Good idea, Newt, hadn't thought of that.

Since you brought it up it can also be set to 'wake on ring' for dialing in with a program like pcAnywhere or Accuterm or anything like that.

The only problem there is, unless you have a dedicated phone line just for your modem, every time your phone rings the computer will turn itself on.

 

A few steps but it can be done.

Here is how I do it at work where remote stations only have a modem for out going. (calling into the system)

My terminal server is set up to take both broadband and modem calls. And this is what Remote desktop is Terminal Services in Admin mode.

Is the laptop XP also? Almost any OS can connect but each requires different setup.

Especially for this Netbeui needs to be in stalled. On 98 or 2k it is just an add-in. But for XP it has to be copied from the XP CD before it can then be added to the configuration.

So here is a link on how: http://www.tgisolutions.com/NB.htm

1. On the XP that is being called, go into Dialup and network connections and create a new connection select Accept incoming connections.

After it is created go into properties and make sure your modem is an allowed device. Also make sure that allow VPN connections is enabled.

Also edit the users list to add or exclude any that you want or don’t want. You should have a password for the allowed users.

2. Go into Control panel or it may be in Remote Desktop entry on the start menu. (I am at home on 2k so don’t have XP available now) I will confirm this tomorrow. But there is a function to create the terminal services client floppies so this can be installed on the laptop. Once these are created then install the Client on the laptop.

3. But the laptop needs more. I am assuming it is 98!? Add the netbeui protocol. Then go to add/remove, windows setup communications and add VPN. After rebooting from this install then go to Dialup networking and create a new connection put in the phone number of the XP.

Config it to use only tcp and netbeui protocols, uncheck logon to network.

If the laptop is 2K or XP the get netbeui on it. Then in Dial up and network connections create an outgoing connection for VPN. Thats it!

Using it!

Leave XP on. For a test on the first connect from laptop. Call the XP it will prompt for a Username and password. Put in the one allowed from the XP.

Once connected rt click the connection in the system tray and look at details. Make sure that both netbeui and tcp are listed as available.

Now rt click network neighborhood and find computer and search for the name of the XP. When found you now have a VPN connection. You can browse the shared folders even map a network drive or printers without Remote desktop even.

When the test above completes then go to the Client you installed and create a new connection, give it a name but in the bar that asks for name or IP put the name not IP of the XP.

Actually there is a browse here to find the XP over the VPN link. There are places to fill in the username and password. Fill it in and connect. Beats the heck out of PcAnywhere in performance and is free.

Let me know as you do it and I will fill in the needed details. I have done it a few dozens of times. So I may have left out something only because it is second nature to me.

Mike

 

ok, I've only got as far as trying to install netbeui from that link u gave me.

It says to right click on the adapter within "Network Connections ", but I have a wireless network card and no other.
Will this work?

I have Xp Pro on desktop and laptop.

 

Jet

Step1: The link just gives instructions only on how to get netbeui in to XP, this does not install it to the network. So do what the instructions say.

Step2: Then go to this NIC (wireless has no bearing) click Install-Protocol-Netbeui. When you finish netbeui will be there anong with TCP/IP.

If netbeui is not there to install you did the first part wrong.

Do this on both computers.

I am at work now I may or may not get a chance to look in again until this evening.

Mike

 

Jet

When I made my original post for some reason I thought the laptop was 98.

In rereading this with the updated knowledge that the laptop is XP also will simplify this, as the steps for 98 will work for XP, but Xp actually has this built in.

I found a link for you that gives details step by step and graphics on how to do this.

http://www.pclaw.com/faq/xp_remote/REMOTE.PDF

Let me know how it comes out.

Mike