Please help me with remote access to my pc

JulyKnot

I would like to fully operate my pc from my laptop ( both win7).

Both are part of a homegroup if relevant.

I have enabled remote access on pc I think ( just a single tick? nothing more?)

When I go to the laptop and open Remote Desktop Connection. i tried typing the pc's name ( can it be that simple?)and connect.
I just get a permanent initiating connection..... followed by a can't connect message.

Could someone talk me through the steps? I know this should be easy.

Peter999_2

What version of windows are you running?

If its home premium then it won't work as it doesn't have Remote Desktop (the button you have checked is actually remote assistance which requires someone on both PCs to work)

Have you considered using logmein instead? Have a look at https://www.logmein.com and see what you think.

JulyKnot

Hello. It's Windows 7 Home Premium . I'll look at that website now.

debitcardmayhem

Or try teamviewer http://www.teamviewer.com/en/index.aspx

Peter999_2

It's good software and the basic version is free.

You create an account, log into the website, click on add computer (on the computer you want to remote control) it then downloads some software, asks you what you want to call the computer and installs the software.

You then log into the logmein site on your laptop and it should show you your desktop and allow you to remote control it.

JulyKnot

Thank you again.
I've had a quick look and seems to achieve what I want and a bonus is I could access from anywhere.
But I guess it would be over the internet so wonder if secure enough?

Also I was hoping if at home, to not dip into my internet allowance. Am I stuck then because I've only got Win Home Premium from that aspect?

JulyKnot

Just had a quick look at team viewer. Seems similar and also free.
Any reason why I should go for one over the other?

ianders

Have used logmein.com in the past and it's pretty good. You install the software on the PC you want to control then simply login to the website and connect from any PC.

Windows 7 Home Premium does not have RDP server. The only versions that have this is Enterprise, Ultimate and Professional. You will need a 3rd party remote desktop application such as teamviewer, logmein or vnc.

JulyKnot

Ok, I am beginning to understand.

Can I be reassured on security aspect from you techie people please? Is it totally safe despite being free?

closed

http://www.realvnc.com/download/vnc/

http://www.realvnc.com/download/viewer/

runs inside your network, internet connection not required to RC.

Software firewalls can stop any remote control working, unless you open the port

debitcardmayhem

JulyKnot wrote: »

Just had a quick look at team viewer. Seems similar and also free.
Any reason why I should go for one over the other?

No reason but Teamviewer allows external (and internal) or just internal , never used Logmein. I have also used VNC too. I also use Teamviewer on Linux and from Linux (I know VNC works there too but not sure about Logmein)