Control a pc through another (local network)

**spirit & morality** · May 11th, 2006, 06:45 AM

Hello !!

I have 2 PCs in my room. A new (PC1) and the old one (PC2). I want to set PC2 as "downloading machine", working silently all the time, without any mouce or keyboard, just the box. I mean I will control it through PC1.
By the time, I made all connections---> I have a modem router (SpeedTouch 530i) and a Switch(8 ports). I used 3 straight ethernet cables. I connected PC1, PC2, SpeedTouch on the switch. Am I ok? Now then...

WHAT program(free) do I need in order to control PC2 through PC1? Because PC2 wont have its own monitor or mouse, I need control it from PC1. This mean that I must see in my screen(PC1's screen) the desktop of PC2 and be able to work with, exackly as if I used it normally(the PC2). And of couse be able to transfer data(from PC2 to PC1).

ANOTHER one matter is what will happen with the internet sharing. Do I need to use any special program for this?

Thanks for your valuable help!

**emr** · May 11th, 2006, 06:55 AM

What OS?

If XP Pro use the integrated Remote Desktop; otherwise try RealVNC.

emr

**3fingersalute** · May 11th, 2006, 07:08 AM

Netmeeting with active desktop will work as well - click on start, run, type in conf and setup netmeeting, then enable active desktop. I use it here to access machines all the time.

**spirit & morality** · May 11th, 2006, 07:15 AM

I have Win XP Pro SP2 in both...

**3fingersalute** · May 11th, 2006, 07:28 AM

Here's an article on setting up remote desktop.

And another on accessing remote desktop.

As I mentioned above, I just use NetMeeting with active desktop for the few here, but the remote desktop will work nicely too.

**BOB IROC** · May 11th, 2006, 09:49 AM

If the PCs are close to each other what about a nice KVM? That way you can have keyboard/monitor/mouse access should you need it.

**spirit & morality** · May 11th, 2006, 02:04 PM

I first had to give a different IP andress to PC2.
So, PC1's adress is XX.X.X.100
and I gave to PC2 a XX.X.X.101
After that I can see now both PC1 & PC2 connected in the web.

However, if i goto RUN/CMD and give ping XX.X.X.101
I receive no answer!

I run that Remote Desktop Connection as I was told.
In the pop window I type PC2's IP (XX.X.X.101) and I receive this answer

"The client could not connect to the remote computer.

Remote Connections might not enabled or the computer might be too buzy to accept new connections.
It is also possible the network problems are preventing your connection.

Please try connecting later. If the problem continues to occur, contact your administator."

What about PC2's firewall? Should I disable it? And if yes, wouldnt that be dangerous?

**emr** · May 11th, 2006, 02:07 PM

Sounds like the firewall is on. Don't turn it off; authorise Remote Desktop in the exceptions.

emr

Edit: Sorry, this is on the PC you want to connect to; didn't make that clear.

**spirit & morality** · May 11th, 2006, 03:26 PM

Well... finally seems I was connected!
(I first had turn off PC2's firewall)
But asks me for a password (?)
Not sure if its password for PC1 or PC2.
I put on name and pass for PC2...and tells me
"unable to log u on because of an account restriction"

**spirit & morality** · May 11th, 2006, 04:06 PM

Well...
I had to put a password(!)
Now I can enter PC2 (it was about f.... time)

I ll return later with my new questions in the matter...
Thanks by the time.

**gazzak** · May 11th, 2006, 05:23 PM

I have an old machine stuck away in my garage that I use as a web host and an FTP server, I use Real VNC to control it because I can't be bothered to walk down to the garage. (like EMR already said). Works well with little overhead or lag!

**spirit & morality** · May 15th, 2006, 06:34 AM

Well, after a couple of days that I use my new local network(Its a very big network, contains 2 PCs in my room

) I have some questions.

1. If PC2 shut off suddenly by any reason (power failure), how can I communicate again with it?? (since I must re enter the pass and thers no any second monitor)

2. Is there any program to share internet connection or its better let win xp pro sp2 manage it ? (the p2p programs stroke interner speed)

3. I want some distance between 2 PCs so I ll use an ethernet cable about 5 meters...will i have any loses?

4. Where is better to install applications, in PC2 (the weaker) or PC1(the stronger)

More questions later...

**BOB IROC** · May 15th, 2006, 07:29 AM

Originally Posted by spirit & morality

Well, after a couple of days that I use my new local network(Its a very big network, contains 2 PCs in my room

) I have some questions.

1. If PC2 shut off suddenly by any reason (power failure), how can I communicate again with it?? (since I must re enter the pass and thers no any second monitor)

Thats why I suggested a KVM since they are in the same room. You can still use remote desktop to connect to it, but if something like that happens you will have a keyboard and mouse to use with the computer. With a KVM you can share one keyboard, one mouse, and one monitor between computers.

**John_K** · May 15th, 2006, 08:07 AM

I regularly use Real VNC and Remote desktop. With default settings, they both run as a service and are available even before a user is logged in. As long as its turned on and everything is working correctly you shouldn't need anything but power and ethernet.