Remote Desktop Protocol Reference

Remote Desktop Protocol Reference

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) allows you to connect to a remote Windows computer and interact with its desktop as if you were sitting in front of it. Windows XP Professional includes both the RDP client and server.

Enabling Remote Desktop

1. Right-click My Computer → Properties → Remote tab.
2. Check Allow users to connect remotely to this computer.
3. Click Select Remote Users to grant access to specific accounts (Administrators have access by default).

Connecting with the RDP Client

1. Open Remote Desktop Connection (Start → Programs → Accessories → Communications, or run mstsc.exe).
2. Enter the computer name or IP address.
3. Click Options to configure display, local resources, and performance settings.
4. Click Connect and enter your credentials.

RDP Technical Details

Changing the RDP Port

To change the default port (for security through obscurity):

REM Change RDP port via registry
reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp" /v PortNumber /t REG_DWORD /d 3390

Restart the "Terminal Services" service after the change. Connect using mstsc /v:hostname:3390.

RDP Security Best Practices

• Use strong passwords for all accounts with Remote Desktop access
• Enable Network Level Authentication (NLA) on Server 2003+ / Vista+
• Restrict RDP access at the firewall: allow only trusted IP ranges
• Use a VPN for RDP access over the internet
• Enable "Set client connection encryption level" in Group Policy to "High"
• Monitor the Security event log for logon events (Event ID 528, Logon Type 10)

.rdp File

Connection settings can be saved as .rdp files: plain text configuration files:

full address:s:192.168.1.50:3389
username:s:CORP\jsmith
screen mode id:i:2
desktopwidth:i:1280
desktopheight:i:1024
session bpp:i:24
redirectdrives:i:1
redirectprinters:i:1
redirectclipboard:i:1
audiomode:i:0