How To Troubleshoot a Remote Computer

Remote Access refers to the ability to get access to a computer on a remote location.  Troubleshooting the remote computer requires the connectivity with it.  Windows XP provides the built-in “Remote Desktop” utility, which allows you to access the remote computer through internet.  Additionally there are many third party utilities that provide the remote computer access and management such as Radmin, Kaseya, Teamview, GoToMyPC, PCAnywhere, Real VNC and a web based utility logmein etc. 

Some of the common features of the remote desktop software include java viewer, built-in encryption, file transfer, audio support, multiple sessions, multi monitor support, all data stream, multilingual user interface, telnet and compatibility with all the versions of the Windows operating systems.  In this article we will learn that how to connect to the remote computer by using the Window’s Remote Desktop utility. 

Once you get connected with the remote computer you can perform multiple tasks such as files transfer, configurations, installations, technical support tasks, access network resources and perform troubleshooting tasks etc.  It is recommended that you use high speed internet connection such as DSL, ISDN and cable net to perform the various actions on the remote computer.

Accessing the Remote Computer with Remote Desktop Utility

The remote computer must install the Microsoft Windows XP Professional. To setup the Remote Desktop on a computer follow the following steps.

• Log on to your computer as an Administrator.
• Click start > control panel > performance and maintenance.
• Click system > click Remote Tab > Select “Allow users to connect remotely to this computer” check box and click ok.
• Next setup the Windows firewall to allow the exceptions.
• In the control panel > click security center > Windows Firewall.
• Do not select the “Don’t allow Exceptions” checkbox.
• In the Exceptions check the “Remote Desktop”.
• Click Ok and close the Windows Security center Window.
• Your host computer is now configured to allow the remote access.
• Get the name of your host computer by the following method because remote computer will require this name to connect to your computer.
• In the Control Panel > Performance Maintenance > System > Click Computer Name Tab.
• Write down the name close the control panel and other windows.

Now on your remote computer perform the following actions to connect to your host computer, which you just configured.

• On the Remote computer (your home computer) click start > Programs > Accessories.
• Click Communications in the Accessories menu and click Remote desktop connection.
• In the compute box, type the name of your host computer and click connect.
• In the Windows log on dialog box, type your user name and password and domain if required
• After providing the correct login/password information, the remote desktop Window will appear.  Now you will see the remote desktop screen at your own computer screen and you can perform any kind of action as you are working on your own computer.

Troubleshooting Remote Computer

After accessing the remote desktop screen, you can performance any maintenance, upgradation, installations, device setup, printer sharing, configurations, restarting the computer and performing troubleshooting related tasks.