Question

Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc.exe) Will Not Launch

Asked by: nicholasjwolf

I am working on a Compaq Presario running WinXP Media Center Edition Version 2002, SP2. The person using this PC needs to access our Windows 2003 Server. User will launch a VPN connection and then use windows RDC to connect to server by name, or if that's not possible, by IP. On this person's computer when I launch the Remote Desktop Connection app. (via shortcut or C:\Windows\system32\mstsc.exe) I am prompted for username and password as usual. When credentials are entered, however, the login window disappears and then nothing happens. Mstsc.exe shows as a running process for the local user in Task Manager, but no Remote Desktop window. I have downloaded and installed Remote Desktop Connection (Terminal Services Client 6.0) for Windows XP (KB925876) directly from Microsoft. The Mstsc.exe version  is 6.0.6000.16386. FYI, installing SP3 to this machine was not successful even after ensuring all drivers were updated correctly. I was hoping that might fix the issue, but had to roll back SP3. Ideas?

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Answers

 

by: cjohnsen2Posted on 2008-05-12 at 15:08:37ID: 21550895

this is a long shot, but does the rdp client think it's running on a different monitor?
can you see the icon for the rdp client in the taskbar?
if so, right click, select "move", press the up arrow key, and click the mouse button.
that should move it so you can grab it with the mouse.

 

by: RobWillPosted on 2008-05-12 at 15:10:24ID: 21550904

I haven't worked with SP3 as of yet and you mentioned you un-installed it, but you can have similar issues with Vista, and 2003 SP2, if the router is not compatible with the TCP Windows scaling features used by the new TCP stack. If this might be the case, upgrading the router's firmware or applying the changes in the following article usually help, but if SP3 wasn't applied or if it was properly rolled back that shouldn't be the case.
http://www.lan-2-wan.com/RD-FAQ.htm

Perhaps try re-installing the RDP ver 6 client:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=26F11F0C-0D18-4306-ABCF-D4F18C8F5DF9&displaylang=en

 

by: nicholasjwolfPosted on 2008-05-12 at 15:15:53ID: 21550939

cjohnsen2: There is no RDP icon in the taskbar--good call though on the multiple monitors thought.

RobWill: I have already tried re-installing (twice) RDP ver 6 client  from the exact location you specify. Is there a proper way to first "uninstall" that perhaps I am missing and would help?
            I will check router firmware tomorrow.

 

by: RobWillPosted on 2008-05-12 at 15:25:31ID: 21550992

It should re-install over the the other, but to un-install you should be able to do so from add remove programs.
Because you get a logon box, I am doubtful the problem is actually the client.

It could also conceivably be video drivers on the PC, may have been corrupted by the SP3 attempt.

 

by: Rali2Posted on 2008-05-12 at 16:24:12ID: 21551257

Is Netmeeting Remote Desktop Sharing installed?  It will cause a conflict and an occasional BSOD.

 

by: nicholasjwolfPosted on 2008-05-13 at 09:32:45ID: 21556747

RobWill: I don't see uninstall in Add/Remove programs, but it will just install over the other RDC installation. I'll have to check the display drivers, but I'm pretty sure those are up to date.

Rali2: Netmeeting Remote Desktop Sharing I did not see in Add/Remove programs. I did not see Netmeeting either. I checked installed programs section as well as Windows components. Is there some other way I can check if installed?

 

by: RobWillPosted on 2008-05-14 at 06:44:30ID: 21564066

If the ver 6 is available for removal using add/remove programs it is more likely refereed to as update KB925876 rather than Remote Desktop client.

 

by: nicholasjwolfPosted on 2008-05-15 at 11:15:58ID: 21576594

RobWill: I uninstalled KB925876 and rebooted. I was unable to download and install the RDP client to test, however. I will try again today. Should that be the next step--download and install RDP client version 6 and test? Or, do I want to reinstall that Windows Update?

 

by: RobWillPosted on 2008-05-15 at 11:53:00ID: 21576880

After you remove it, just for the heck of it, see if you can connect. To start the remote desktop client enter in a run box  mstsc  
I am wondering if it would restore the built-in client.
If not, yes I would download and reinstall the ver 6.0 client. I am surprised you couldn't install. It shouldn't be a problem.

 

by: nicholasjwolfPosted on 2008-06-06 at 08:01:10ID: 21729702

I am unable to continue troubleshooting as the user is no longer with the company. I wish to close this question and will assign points for the assistance. Thank you all for the help!

 

by: RobWillPosted on 2008-06-14 at 04:36:28ID: 21784898

Thanks nicholasjwolf.
Cheers !
--Rob

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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