Hi there,I need to set up a remote desktop connection between two Vista Ult x64 machines. They are both very good hardware wise. I opened Control Panel, found Remote Connection window and made all necessery changes to set it up. Then I found Remote Dektop in All Programs. The computer name is a stumbling block. I do have two static IP addresses hooked up to two respective cable modems at each end, then there is a router at one machine but not the other. I also have two domains that I purchased at Discount.asp some time ago and am planning to use for my server. Still other dev problems do not allow me to activate them.I remember that some time ago I tried to establsih a connection by generating computer names at each end and publishing them. That was on my XP I believe. I am not sure the same technique is used in here.The computer name as suggested in the window that pops up when you go to All Programs=>Remote Dsktop must have a domain name. Does it mean that I have to set it up in IIS?I would appreciate if someone explains to me brefly how I shall go about setting up the computer name.Thanks.AlexB

The quickest option is to just use the IP Address for the computer name (By this of course I mean the computer name entry field on the remode desktop connection screen) until you have your domain names activated.

What do you mean by that? Could you be more specific? My static IP is at the Comcast modem. The IP address of my network card is 10.1.10.135 which is a standard way Comcast arranges things. I cannot use 10.1.10.135. Let say my static IP is 70.xxx.23.167 at one modem and 72.xxx.70.122 at the other a few blocks away. What shall I put in that window at both machines?This is what my original question was: what is the machine name for that purpose?You sort of rephrased my question and gave it to me as an answer.AlexB

Alex, You would enter 70.xxx.23.167 as the computer on one and 72.xxx.70.122 as the other. If the cable modem itself has the ip address then it must have a router built into it. You have to configure the router's at both ends to pass through the remote desktop port 3389 to your internal ip address. I do this exact setup from a computer that is connect through media com to my office computer. Each computer has the internet address (In my case I have domain names but did use just the internet IP address before I got the domain names setup). The routers at each end are then set to forward port 3389 to the computer on the internal network. For my home machine that is 192.168.2.2. The other more secure option is to use VPN to connect the two networks together. After the VPN connection is made you then connect by just using the internal IP address as the computer.

Thank you very much for the detailed explanation. I will try it tomorrow. Please stand by in case I goofed it up and will need more help:)Greatly appreciate it.AlexB

msspbm hi,So far you good will has been wasted:) I've been so busy I could not possibly get it done but now it is really pressing and I have more questions. Actually I tried to set it up once but it did not connect and I drifted to other things. I am a developer busy 18 hours a day. IT is not my specialty.Now I have more detailed questions. If you are not around I would appreciate if MSFT people answer them as well.Regarding my IP static address. I actually have two for each static IP. They differ by a unit. For instance 70.xxx.23.167 has and associated 70.xxx.23.168. They call it WAN IP. Which one shall I put into the window for Computer name? I presume the second one. I made a mistake putting the odd number.This is more serious: I am running Windows Live OneCare and it has a number of options I have to check. It has:Remote Desktop from local network (subnet)Remote desktop from subnet and InternetVirtual Private Network (IPSec or PPTP)When I tried to enter the port you recommended (3389) I entered simply Remote Desktop and found that OneCare simply added this to the three options already existing under Ports and Protocls Tab.Here are my questions: which one shall I choose? It is useful to write posts because while doing it I already figured that it should be the second option, however I am not sure what would be better: Remote Desktop from subnet and Intenet or Virtual Private network.What I need is to control one of my machines from another lcoation, run applications, see graphics, etc.What shall I do?Also, could I set up both? VPN and Remote Desktop to find out if they both have some advantaes. I've never done any of themDo I need to run any special software to instantiate Remote Dektop or it is enaled in Vista Ult?I've decided to actiavate IIS, set up Active Directory and use my IP Addresses and domains I have in a straightforward way but first I want to try using just IP addresses for that.Iwould appreciate if you or someone elseenlighten an ignorant person on all these issues:)Thanks.AlexB

Another thing is that in Windows Live OneCare when you open it up VNP Opton is off and there is no way to activate it. There is no option ofr Remote Desktop in Configure firewall front page where Advanced Settings button is located., only VNP. There is a chance that if I enter it in Advanced Settings window and add a prt to it it will be available but first I want to hear about the advisability for me to ahve it.Thanks.AlexB

1. First do this... confirm the ip you have to hit. Go this this address and it will tell you the IP address that the rest of the world sees. This is the one you will connect to. http://www.whatismyip.com/ 2. Make sure remote desktop is turned on. Go to Control Panel/System/Advanced System Settings/Remote In the bottom section make sure the second option is selected. This will open the regular windows firewall for remote desktop (I have never used live one care so I don't know if it will for that or not). 3. If you have a local computer to test with for basic operation do this now. (You will use your internal IP address for this test). This is just to make sure you can get past your firewall. If you cant I would disable the entire firewall until you get a remote desktop connection going just so that you are not trying to figure out two problems at once. Since you are behind a router which already acts as a firewall this is not dangerous. Once you have the connection working then reactivate you firewall and if it stops working then work on the firewall settings until it is going again. Here is the basic VPN Setup. Go to Control Panel/Network and Sharing Center/Manage Network Connections Then go to the file menu and pick New Incomming Connections. Follow the screen through and the computer will then be set to answer VPN calls. Set your router to forward port 1723 to the computer that is answering the VPN calls. On the other end go to Control Panel/Network and Sharing Center/Setup A Network Connection/Connect to a Workplace. Follow through the setup boxes there and you will be set

Yep, I've been there. My IP addresses show up. I know that. It is very educational what you've said. Grealy appreciate it. Will look into more detail of your post tomorrow morning.AlexB