attach my laptop to a server computer
I am trying to help out somebody that has a server computer (windows 2003) that does not have a monitor, mouse or keyboard attached. The easiest solution would be to hook up my laptop to the server and use it as a monitor, mouse, and keyboard to control the server. Would this be possible?
If you can gain network access to the server and absolutely cannot get Keyb/Mouse connected, you could try
1) Connecting to (loading locally) the relevant registry hive on the server to enable Remote Desktop access
2) using psexec to switch on remote access... or install a free software KVM so you can use your laptop's KVM functions for controlling the server.
1) Connecting to (loading locally) the relevant registry hive on the server to enable Remote Desktop access
2) using psexec to switch on remote access... or install a free software KVM so you can use your laptop's KVM functions for controlling the server.
Daniel Petri has a good guide for doing #1
http://www.petri.co.il/remotely_enable_remote_desktop_on_windows_server_2003.htm
http://www.petri.co.il/remotely_enable_remote_desktop_on_windows_server_2003.htm
Two fairly infamous (and free) Soft KVM solutions out there are
Input Director
http://www.inputdirector.com/index.htmlhttp://www.inputdirector.com/index.html
and Synergy
http://sourceforge.net/projects/synergy2/
Google for
Share Keyboard to find lots of options.
;^)
Input Director
http://www.inputdirector.com/index.htmlhttp://www.inputdirector.com/index.html
and Synergy
http://sourceforge.net/projects/synergy2/
Google for
Share Keyboard to find lots of options.
;^)
Ive been looking for a device for my laptop that i can plug in a vga output and keyboard controls and basically use my laptop as a crashcart
Found this:
http://www.startech.com/item/NOTECONS01-Portable-USB-PS-2-KVM-Console-Adapter-for-Notebook-PCs.aspx
I cant seem to find many products like this, but as soon as i find a good one at a decent price... im having it :)
The only real other way is to get a remote connection some how. Live VNC / remote desktop etc.. as mentioned above.
If you find a crash cart device ... let me know :)
Found this:
http://www.startech.com/item/NOTECONS01-Portable-USB-PS-2-KVM-Console-Adapter-for-Notebook-PCs.aspx
I cant seem to find many products like this, but as soon as i find a good one at a decent price... im having it :)
The only real other way is to get a remote connection some how. Live VNC / remote desktop etc.. as mentioned above.
If you find a crash cart device ... let me know :)
Good post, Tim, thanks for that.
Didn't realize startech was so dominant. If you google using -stardock you will turn up more of their competitors, but yeah, $400 seems to be around the starting range.
Should also mention Radmin. I bet you could easily get it remotely installed with psexec, and then snap, you're in business.
Didn't realize startech was so dominant. If you google using -stardock you will turn up more of their competitors, but yeah, $400 seems to be around the starting range.
Should also mention Radmin. I bet you could easily get it remotely installed with psexec, and then snap, you're in business.
Hmmmm.. here's another option... how about connecting the two machines via USB with something like...
ATEN CS661 Laptop USB KVM Switch
http://www.aten-usa.com/s/CS661/
USB Laptop KVM Switch with File Transfer by IOGEAR
http://www.iogear.com/product/GCS661U/
...you know, I had seen the Aten device about a year ago.. forgot all about it, but its a quick plugin and go type of thing could come in real handy and useful.
ATEN CS661 Laptop USB KVM Switch
http://www.aten-usa.com/s/CS661/
USB Laptop KVM Switch with File Transfer by IOGEAR
http://www.iogear.com/product/GCS661U/
...you know, I had seen the Aten device about a year ago.. forgot all about it, but its a quick plugin and go type of thing could come in real handy and useful.
BTW,
A) in my initial post per #1, I maybe-not-so-obviously meant that you would edit the server registry after loading it in order to affect the changes you desire. This, of course, assumes proficiency in this sort of thing. Not recommended for the uninitiated or without explicit instructions as to what and how 'to do'.
B) Should also mention that it is possible to connect two computers directly via Firewire. At least, pre-Vista. I am told MS decided to drop FireWire support in Vista, but I cannot confirm this for you myself. Once setup you can do anything same as you could do over an ethernet connection.
To setup a connection you would either need to be able to already access the console of both PC's, OR... you could write a script for implementing the appropriate I394 Network Connection settings on the headless server for remote deployment with psexec. Once doen you shuld be able to simply connect the FW cable and go (after setting up the connection on your laptop as well, of course).
Obviously you would need to be able to utilize an already established alternate network connection for access+running your script on the server, but while we are on this topic it is worth noting availability of this alternative connection method.
A) in my initial post per #1, I maybe-not-so-obviously meant that you would edit the server registry after loading it in order to affect the changes you desire. This, of course, assumes proficiency in this sort of thing. Not recommended for the uninitiated or without explicit instructions as to what and how 'to do'.
B) Should also mention that it is possible to connect two computers directly via Firewire. At least, pre-Vista. I am told MS decided to drop FireWire support in Vista, but I cannot confirm this for you myself. Once setup you can do anything same as you could do over an ethernet connection.
To setup a connection you would either need to be able to already access the console of both PC's, OR... you could write a script for implementing the appropriate I394 Network Connection settings on the headless server for remote deployment with psexec. Once doen you shuld be able to simply connect the FW cable and go (after setting up the connection on your laptop as well, of course).
Obviously you would need to be able to utilize an already established alternate network connection for access+running your script on the server, but while we are on this topic it is worth noting availability of this alternative connection method.
Ye i saw the ATEN device, but i need something that will work on anything, dont want to have to install drivers or faf about with getting it setup. Just want to plug in and see whats being displayed from the remote machine.
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Thank you for the points, troyvw!
It would be nice to know what your final/chosen solution ended up being.
It would be nice to know what your final/chosen solution ended up being.
If it isn't enabled for remote desktop, you will need to connect a keyboard and mouse etc to enable it.
From then on, you will most definately be able to control/configure the server from your laptop.