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XP SP2 and computer management

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by doug m.

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I used to be able to right-click My Computer and select Manage, then Connect to another computer, but not after applying XPSP2. Does SP2 plug some sort of hole that affects connecting to another computer? Is there a fix for this?

9 replies

by doug m.

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I don't think I want to simply turn off the firewall, thanks anyway.

by ngage-online

I don't think simply turning off ANY firewall is a good advise!!! (IT-Consultant)?
I would rather check if the ports which you need are available. Especially on the remote computer.

I do know for a fact, that if you're LAN is using a subnetmask other then 255.255.255.0 (for example 255.255.255.255) you won't find the other systems unless you make some realy changes in your network configuration manually. Standard Wizard won't work!

DO USE FIREWALLs... at all times!!! and find the appropriate port(s) you need and open them in your firewall's settings, to gain access to the other system.
Mostly it's the remote system that's causing you the headache. So if you're on a LAN and you have access to the other system, you'll have to change the firewall settings there yourself. If it's beyond your LAN and the remote system is not within reach, you'll need somebody to do it for you. Make sure you have a well layed out instruction plan before having a novice alter system configurations on your behalf.

by ngage-online

...Oh... and don't forget to specify the AdminSystem's specific IP. Don't open up the port(s) for everybody! Make sure they're only available to the system from which you're actually doing your Admin work.

Regards and goodluck!

by zjbowma

You should be able to leave the Firewall on. Do goto the Firewall settings in control panel, Click the "Exceptions" tab, then add "Remote Desktop" as an exception. That should allow you to once again connect to other PCs. FYI, it is often a good idea if you are networked to also allow and exception for "File and Print Sharing" when sharing printers and files. Hope that helps!

by zjbowma

An afterthought... There may be another issue at work beyond the firewall. Can you run "mstsc" from the Run command? That should tell you right away if you are having remote desktop issues, or SP2 issues. Good luck!

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