How to enable Remote Desktop (RDP) in Windows XP/2003

Remote Desktop allows for remotely accessing your Windows desktop from another computer. It is available on Windows 2003 Server, as well as Windows XP Professional and later. (In Windows 2000 Advanced Server, this feature was available, but called Terminal Services).

To enable the RDP service follow these simple steps:

1. Right-click the "My Computer" icon on your desktop, choose "Properties".
2. Switch to the Remote tab
3. Check the "Enable Remote Desktop on this computer" setting.


Notes: In order for the RDP connection to work, you need to enable TCP port 3389 forwarding to that machine's IP address at your router. This connection is only allowed for accounts with local/domain administrative priviledges.