So I'm trying to set it up so that my laptop (running Windows 7) will be able to control my desktop (Windows 8.1). When I try to connect, I get the error message:

Remote Desktop can't connect to the remote computer for one of these reasons:

1) Remote access to the server is not enabled

2) The remote computer is turned off

3) The remote computer is not available on the network

Make sure the remote computer is turned on and connected to the network, and that remote access is enabled.

I made sure that remote access is enabled on my desktop, it IS on, and it IS connected to the network. I've tried many possible solutions; I connected them to the same homegroup, set a static IP, I went into computer management to make sure remote desktop is actually turned on, I allowed remote desktop through the firewall (I even temporarily turned it off to check if it was something else, but to no avail).

I've been at this for quite a few hours now, and no luck on connecting. Is there anything else I'm forgetting that could be messing it up? Thanks!

http://windowsitpro.com/windows-7/windows-7-sp1-can-now-connect-remotely-windows-81-and-windows-server-2012-r2

Is the laptop running service pack 1?

http://www.7tutorials.com/connecting-remotely-windows-desktop-windows-7

Does this link help?

One thing that would be interesting to try is do an ipconfig /all in cmd prompt on your desktop......write down or just remember the ip........then type the ip in the computer name box on rdc in your laptop.

Are you using a vpn to gain access to the local network?  Or are you wired into the local network?

Also, I don't think you can allow remote access on a non-professional edition of windows.  You can do remote assistance but I think you may have to use a third party software like logmein or something.  Normally there is a "select users" button that allows you to pick who can access your desktop.  This button is lacking on regular windows.

http://windowsitpro.com/windows-7/windows-7-sp1-can-now-connect-remotely-windows-81-and-windows-server-2012-r2

Is the laptop running service pack 1?

http://www.7tutorials.com/connecting-remotely-windows-desktop-windows-7

Does this link help?

One thing that would be interesting to try is do an ipconfig /all in cmd prompt on your desktop......write down or just remember the ip........then type the ip in the computer name box on rdc in your laptop.

Are you using a vpn to gain access to the local network?  Or are you wired into the local network?

Also, I don't think you can allow remote access on a non-professional edition of windows.  You can do remote assistance but I think you may have to use a third party software like logmein or something.  Normally there is a "select users" button that allows you to pick who can access your desktop.  This button is lacking on regular windows.

• Proposed as answer by Yan Li_Microsoft contingent staff, Moderator 2 hours 11 minutes ago

http://windowsitpro.com/windows-7/windows-7-sp1-can-now-connect-remotely-windows-81-and-windows-server-2012-r2

Is the laptop running service pack 1?

http://www.7tutorials.com/connecting-remotely-windows-desktop-windows-7

Does this link help?

One thing that would be interesting to try is do an ipconfig /all in cmd prompt on your desktop......write down or just remember the ip........then type the ip in the computer name box on rdc in your laptop.

Are you using a vpn to gain access to the local network?  Or are you wired into the local network?

Also, I don't think you can allow remote access on a non-professional edition of windows.  You can do remote assistance but I think you may have to use a third party software like logmein or something.  Normally there is a "select users" button that allows you to pick who can access your desktop.  This button is lacking on regular windows.

• Proposed as answer by Yan Li_Microsoft contingent staff, Moderator Monday, June 29, 2015 5:13 AM

Hi,

You may try to use the remote computer's IP address when you want to remote to it.

Please make sure you can ping the IP address and FQDN name of the remote computer.

In addition, you may use the local administrator accout of the remote computer to remote to it and check the result.

Regards,

Yan Li