Remote Desktop Connection

[childofthe1980s]

Hello:

Everyone at the office can access a network's PC from home through Remote
Desktop except me. Why is that? I am using the same VPN connection that
they are. I cannot successfully to VPN but when I hit "Connect" on Remote
Desktop, a message comes up saying that my laptop cannot find the remote
computer.

childofthe1980s

 

[Ace Fekay [MCT]]

"childofthe1980s" wrote in
message news:2D2CE2F6-53FB-4458-B420-433DD8B569D1@microsoft.com...
> Hello:
>
> Everyone at the office can access a network's PC from home through Remote
> Desktop except me. Why is that? I am using the same VPN connection that
> they are. I cannot successfully to VPN but when I hit "Connect" on Remote
> Desktop, a message comes up saying that my laptop cannot find the remote
> computer.
>
> childofthe1980s
>
>


Can you ping any IP addresses on the company network after the VPN has
connected?

How are you trying to connect using RDP? NetBIOS (computer) name, FQDN or by
IP address?

Can you ping your dekstop by single name, FQDN or IP address?

Has your machine "fell asleep?"

Is your machine configured to allow remote connections?


--
Ace

This posting is provided "AS-IS" with no warranties or guarantees and
confers no rights.

Please reply back to the newsgroup or forum for collaboration benefit among
responding engineers, and to help others benefit from your resolution.

Ace Fekay, MCT, MCTS Exchange, MCSE, MCSA 2003 & 2000, MCSA Messaging
Microsoft Certified Trainer

For urgent issues, please contact Microsoft PSS directly. Please check
http://support.microsoft.com for regional support phone numbers.

 

[childofthe1980s]

Hi Ace:

Yes, I can get onto other servers and workstations on other networks except
this one.

I am using the computer name as the remote address. I do not know of any
other IP addresses or computer names other than this one. So, I have not
tried any others.

childofthe1980s

"Ace Fekay [MCT]" wrote:

> "childofthe1980s" wrote in
> message news:2D2CE2F6-53FB-4458-B420-433DD8B569D1@microsoft.com...
> > Hello:
> >
> > Everyone at the office can access a network's PC from home through Remote
> > Desktop except me. Why is that? I am using the same VPN connection that
> > they are. I cannot successfully to VPN but when I hit "Connect" on Remote
> > Desktop, a message comes up saying that my laptop cannot find the remote
> > computer.
> >
> > childofthe1980s
> >
> >
>
>
> Can you ping any IP addresses on the company network after the VPN has
> connected?
>
> How are you trying to connect using RDP? NetBIOS (computer) name, FQDN or by
> IP address?
>
> Can you ping your dekstop by single name, FQDN or IP address?
>
> Has your machine "fell asleep?"
>
> Is your machine configured to allow remote connections?
>
>
> --
> Ace
>
> This posting is provided "AS-IS" with no warranties or guarantees and
> confers no rights.
>
> Please reply back to the newsgroup or forum for collaboration benefit among
> responding engineers, and to help others benefit from your resolution.
>
> Ace Fekay, MCT, MCTS Exchange, MCSE, MCSA 2003 & 2000, MCSA Messaging
> Microsoft Certified Trainer
>
> For urgent issues, please contact Microsoft PSS directly. Please check
> http://support.microsoft.com for regional support phone numbers.
>
>
>

 

[Ace Fekay [MCT]]

"childofthe1980s" wrote in
message news:BA68B5AA-C2A2-4E0D-92A6-7A89A97F0E36@microsoft.com...
> Hi Ace:
>
> Yes, I can get onto other servers and workstations on other networks
> except
> this one.
>
> I am using the computer name as the remote address. I do not know of any
> other IP addresses or computer names other than this one. So, I have not
> tried any others.
>
> childofthe1980s

To clarify what you are saying so I understand, you are saying that you can
access other servers and workstations on other networks (subnets) but not
the subnet that your desktop is on?

If so, that would be a routing issue or a subnet allow rule in the VPN
configuration. I don't know what you are using for VPN, and if it's a
hardware based VPN (such as a Cisco firewall, Netscreen, etc), you need to
consult the documentation, or see how the current rules are applied and make
an adjustment for your subnet.

Also, you didn't state whether you can ping your desktop by single name,
FQDN or IP.

Ace

 

[childofthe1980s]

No.....let me see if I can explain.

I'm a software consultant. This is one of my clients. They are using my
software and I help them from time to time. Their employees can access their
network but I cannot. They use the same VPN and Remote Desktop computer name
that I am trying to use.

When I say other networks, I mean that I can access other clients' networks
remotely, but not this one.

I don't understand the pinging my laptop's desktop question, so I cannot
answer.

childofthe1980s

"Ace Fekay [MCT]" wrote:

> "childofthe1980s" wrote in
> message news:BA68B5AA-C2A2-4E0D-92A6-7A89A97F0E36@microsoft.com...
> > Hi Ace:
> >
> > Yes, I can get onto other servers and workstations on other networks
> > except
> > this one.
> >
> > I am using the computer name as the remote address. I do not know of any
> > other IP addresses or computer names other than this one. So, I have not
> > tried any others.
> >
> > childofthe1980s
>
> To clarify what you are saying so I understand, you are saying that you can
> access other servers and workstations on other networks (subnets) but not
> the subnet that your desktop is on?
>
> If so, that would be a routing issue or a subnet allow rule in the VPN
> configuration. I don't know what you are using for VPN, and if it's a
> hardware based VPN (such as a Cisco firewall, Netscreen, etc), you need to
> consult the documentation, or see how the current rules are applied and make
> an adjustment for your subnet.
>
> Also, you didn't state whether you can ping your desktop by single name,
> FQDN or IP.
>
> Ace
>
>
>

 

[Dave Patrick]

Once connected to VPN you can Start|Run|cmd.exe

then in the command window type

ping computername

(the one you're trying to connect to)

If it replies then write down the IP address. Then try typing the IP address
into the RDP "Computer:" box to see if you can connect.

Also while you still have the command window open type

ipconfig /all

and paste the unedited result into a reply to this thread.



--

Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect


"childofthe1980s" wrote:
> No.....let me see if I can explain.
>
> I'm a software consultant. This is one of my clients. They are using my
> software and I help them from time to time. Their employees can access
> their
> network but I cannot. They use the same VPN and Remote Desktop computer
> name
> that I am trying to use.
>
> When I say other networks, I mean that I can access other clients'
> networks
> remotely, but not this one.
>
> I don't understand the pinging my laptop's desktop question, so I cannot
> answer.
>
> childofthe1980s

 

[Ace Fekay [MCT]]

"childofthe1980s" wrote in
message news32F5CD3-1FDB-4E72-B750-2F3575BD3F79@microsoft.com...
> No.....let me see if I can explain.
>
> I'm a software consultant. This is one of my clients. They are using my
> software and I help them from time to time. Their employees can access
> their
> network but I cannot. They use the same VPN and Remote Desktop computer
> name
> that I am trying to use.
>
> When I say other networks, I mean that I can access other clients'
> networks
> remotely, but not this one.
>
> I don't understand the pinging my laptop's desktop question, so I cannot
> answer.
>
> childofthe1980s
>

I see.

The pinging question came about in reference to your very first sentence in
your original post:

"Everyone at the office can access a network's PC from home through Remote
Desktop except me. Why is that? "

So I *assumed* you were trying to access a desktop internally.

Now I understand. You are trying to access one of your customers' network.

Ok, let's look at it another way. You said you are using the same VPN client
and Remote Desktop computer name. Based on that, what type of VPN client are
you using? Is it the built-in Windows VPN or is it a VPN client for a
hardware VPN solution (such as a Cisco Client, Netscreen Client, etc)?

You indicated in your original post the quoted text below. I just want to
make sure I understand this sentence.

" I cannot successfully to VPN but when I hit "Connect" on Remote
Desktop, a message comes up saying that my laptop cannot find the remote
computer."

Does that mean you could not connect to the VPN successfully?

If you could not connect successfully, then there would be no possible way
to connect using Remote Desktop Connection, that is assuming that the
company has setup the firewall/VPN to not allow direct RDP, and that you
must have established a VPN connection first.

If that is my understanding, that is that you cannot connect successfully
using the VPN client (whichever type it is), does it give you an error
message?

I hope I understood what you were trying to say.

Ace

 

[childofthe1980s]

Hi Ace:

Actually, I figured it out. Instead of typing the computer's name in the
Remote Destkop connection, I typed in the IP address. Then, I was able to
get on!

Thanks for chiming in on a weekend, like you did!

childofthe1980s

"Ace Fekay [MCT]" wrote:

> "childofthe1980s" wrote in
> message news32F5CD3-1FDB-4E72-B750-2F3575BD3F79@microsoft.com...
> > No.....let me see if I can explain.
> >
> > I'm a software consultant. This is one of my clients. They are using my
> > software and I help them from time to time. Their employees can access
> > their
> > network but I cannot. They use the same VPN and Remote Desktop computer
> > name
> > that I am trying to use.
> >
> > When I say other networks, I mean that I can access other clients'
> > networks
> > remotely, but not this one.
> >
> > I don't understand the pinging my laptop's desktop question, so I cannot
> > answer.
> >
> > childofthe1980s
> >
>
> I see.
>
> The pinging question came about in reference to your very first sentence in
> your original post:
>
> "Everyone at the office can access a network's PC from home through Remote
> Desktop except me. Why is that? "
>
> So I *assumed* you were trying to access a desktop internally.
>
> Now I understand. You are trying to access one of your customers' network.
>
> Ok, let's look at it another way. You said you are using the same VPN client
> and Remote Desktop computer name. Based on that, what type of VPN client are
> you using? Is it the built-in Windows VPN or is it a VPN client for a
> hardware VPN solution (such as a Cisco Client, Netscreen Client, etc)?
>
> You indicated in your original post the quoted text below. I just want to
> make sure I understand this sentence.
>
> " I cannot successfully to VPN but when I hit "Connect" on Remote
> Desktop, a message comes up saying that my laptop cannot find the remote
> computer."
>
> Does that mean you could not connect to the VPN successfully?
>
> If you could not connect successfully, then there would be no possible way
> to connect using Remote Desktop Connection, that is assuming that the
> company has setup the firewall/VPN to not allow direct RDP, and that you
> must have established a VPN connection first.
>
> If that is my understanding, that is that you cannot connect successfully
> using the VPN client (whichever type it is), does it give you an error
> message?
>
> I hope I understood what you were trying to say.
>
> Ace
>
>
>

 

[childofthe1980s]

Hi Dave:

Yep, typing the IP address is what I did. Doing so, instead of typing the
computer name, into the Remote Desktop Connection was the solution.

Thank you!

childofthe1980s

"Dave Patrick" wrote:

> Once connected to VPN you can Start|Run|cmd.exe
>
> then in the command window type
>
> ping computername
>
> (the one you're trying to connect to)
>
> If it replies then write down the IP address. Then try typing the IP address
> into the RDP "Computer:" box to see if you can connect.
>
> Also while you still have the command window open type
>
> ipconfig /all
>
> and paste the unedited result into a reply to this thread.
>
>
>
> --
>
> Regards,
>
> Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
> Microsoft Certified Professional
> Microsoft MVP [Windows]
> http://www.microsoft.com/protect
>
>
> "childofthe1980s" wrote:
> > No.....let me see if I can explain.
> >
> > I'm a software consultant. This is one of my clients. They are using my
> > software and I help them from time to time. Their employees can access
> > their
> > network but I cannot. They use the same VPN and Remote Desktop computer
> > name
> > that I am trying to use.
> >
> > When I say other networks, I mean that I can access other clients'
> > networks
> > remotely, but not this one.
> >
> > I don't understand the pinging my laptop's desktop question, so I cannot
> > answer.
> >
> > childofthe1980s
>
>

 

[Ace Fekay [MCT]]

"childofthe1980s" wrote in
message news:0EA2917E-066D-4D42-B4B6-6E20C7C60896@microsoft.com...
> Hi Ace:
>
> Actually, I figured it out. Instead of typing the computer's name in the
> Remote Destkop connection, I typed in the IP address. Then, I was able to
> get on!
>
> Thanks for chiming in on a weekend, like you did!
>
> childofthe1980s
>


No problem, for the help. Glad it was an easy fix.

Ace

 

[Dave Patrick]

You're welcome. Must be a DNS issue.


--

Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect


"childofthe1980s" wrote:
> Hi Dave:
>
> Yep, typing the IP address is what I did. Doing so, instead of typing the
> computer name, into the Remote Desktop Connection was the solution.
>
> Thank you!

 

[Hank Arnold]

childofthe1980s wrote:
> Hi Dave:
>
> Yep, typing the IP address is what I did. Doing so, instead of typing the
> computer name, into the Remote Desktop Connection was the solution.
>
> Thank you!
>
> childofthe1980s
>
> "Dave Patrick" wrote:
>
>> Once connected to VPN you can Start|Run|cmd.exe
>>
>> then in the command window type
>>
>> ping computername
>>
>> (the one you're trying to connect to)
>>
>> If it replies then write down the IP address. Then try typing the IP address
>> into the RDP "Computer:" box to see if you can connect.
>>
>> Also while you still have the command window open type
>>
>> ipconfig /all
>>
>> and paste the unedited result into a reply to this thread.
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
>> Microsoft Certified Professional
>> Microsoft MVP [Windows]
>> http://www.microsoft.com/protect
>>
>>
>> "childofthe1980s" wrote:
>>> No.....let me see if I can explain.
>>>
>>> I'm a software consultant. This is one of my clients. They are using my
>>> software and I help them from time to time. Their employees can access
>>> their
>>> network but I cannot. They use the same VPN and Remote Desktop computer
>>> name
>>> that I am trying to use.
>>>
>>> When I say other networks, I mean that I can access other clients'
>>> networks
>>> remotely, but not this one.
>>>
>>> I don't understand the pinging my laptop's desktop question, so I cannot
>>> answer.
>>>
>>> childofthe1980s
>>

It's clearly a DNS issue. To be able to connect with the server name,
easiest way is to edit the HOSTS file to include the name and IP address
of the server. Problem with that is that if they change either one, you
have to know and edit the file again.

Also, depending on the VPN client, you could tell it to use the DNS
servers on the client network when the VPN tunnel is opened.

Glad to hear you fixed it...

--

Regards,
Hank Arnold
Microsoft MVP
Windows Server - Directory Services
http://mypcassistant.blogspot.com/

 

[Ace Fekay [MCT]]

"Hank Arnold" wrote in message
news:%23jlCKkdOKHA.1796@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> childofthe1980s wrote:
>> Hi Dave:
>>
>> Yep, typing the IP address is what I did. Doing so, instead of typing
>> the computer name, into the Remote Desktop Connection was the solution.
>>
>> Thank you!
>>
>> childofthe1980s
>>
>> "Dave Patrick" wrote:
>>
>>> Once connected to VPN you can Start|Run|cmd.exe
>>>
>>> then in the command window type
>>>
>>> ping computername
>>>
>>> (the one you're trying to connect to)
>>>
>>> If it replies then write down the IP address. Then try typing the IP
>>> address into the RDP "Computer:" box to see if you can connect.
>>>
>>> Also while you still have the command window open type
>>>
>>> ipconfig /all
>>>
>>> and paste the unedited result into a reply to this thread.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>>> Regards,
>>>
>>> Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
>>> Microsoft Certified Professional
>>> Microsoft MVP [Windows]
>>> http://www.microsoft.com/protect
>>>
>>>
>>> "childofthe1980s" wrote:
>>>> No.....let me see if I can explain.
>>>>
>>>> I'm a software consultant. This is one of my clients. They are using
>>>> my
>>>> software and I help them from time to time. Their employees can access
>>>> their
>>>> network but I cannot. They use the same VPN and Remote Desktop
>>>> computer name
>>>> that I am trying to use.
>>>>
>>>> When I say other networks, I mean that I can access other clients'
>>>> networks
>>>> remotely, but not this one.
>>>>
>>>> I don't understand the pinging my laptop's desktop question, so I
>>>> cannot
>>>> answer.
>>>>
>>>> childofthe1980s
>>>
>
> It's clearly a DNS issue. To be able to connect with the server name,
> easiest way is to edit the HOSTS file to include the name and IP address
> of the server. Problem with that is that if they change either one, you
> have to know and edit the file again.
>
> Also, depending on the VPN client, you could tell it to use the DNS
> servers on the client network when the VPN tunnel is opened.
>
> Glad to hear you fixed it...
>

It's possible that his customer did not provide him with the correct FQDN to
connect to, or it wasn't updated or even created under the public zone.

Ace