I’m having a problem connecting to my home laptop1 (XP Pro, wireless or direct connection) via RDP. I have a desktop (Win7 ultimate/direct connection) and another laptop2 (Win7 ultimate, wireless) that I connect to. Although I’m mentioning the OS’s involved, they have no relevance because both Win7 machines use to be XP and the same problem was present.I cannot connect to laptop1 unless I initiate a RDP connection or ping from laptop1 to either of the others. Once I connect I can then connect from laptop2 or the desktop to laptop1 without a problem. I also noticed I cannot ping laptop1 from laptop2 or desktop once they’re all booted up and running. Laptop1 does have connectivity to the internet once booted. I also use Laptop1 to connect to my job via VPN but not consistently. I’m using IP addresses for all connections. I have a Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router.I’m probably leaving an important fact out but I’ll stop here to see if anyone has suggestions.

The OS does has relevance because you are in a Vista forum (and none of these machines run Vista) and many of the procedures and links that work for Vista will not work for Windows7 or XP (and the setup processes vary with each OS). Since two of the machines involved are Windows7, I recommend you repost your question in the Windows7 Forum at:http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7network/threads where experts in Windows7 networking will be happy to assist you. If they determine the problem is the XP machine, they can refer you to the XP Forums for further assistance.I hope this helps and that they are able to help you in the correct Forum.Good luck!Lorien - MCSE/MCSA/Network+/A+ --- If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.

oops, thanks Lorien

I’m having a problem connecting to my home laptop1 (XP Pro, wireless or direct connection) via RDP. I have a desktop (Win7 ultimate/direct connection) and another laptop2 (Win7 ultimate, wireless) that I connect to. Although I’m mentioning the OS’s involved, they have no relevance because both Win7 machines use to be XP and the same problem was present. I cannot connect to laptop1 unless I initiate a RDP connection or ping from laptop1 to either of the others. Once I RDP connect or ping I can then connect from laptop2 or the desktop to laptop1 without a problem. I also noticed I cannot ping laptop1 from laptop2 or desktop once they’re all booted up and running. Laptop1 does have connectivity to the internet once booted. I also use Laptop1 to connect to my job via VPN but not consistently. I’m using IP addresses for all connections. I have a Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router. I’m probably leaving an important fact out but I’ll stop here to see if anyone has suggestions. 1 person needs an answerI do too