Member Avatar for aripaka

Hi,

I have a machine with Windows XP installed on it with the remote access enabled. Is it possible to access /log into it and control the PC from another machine with Fedora 8 on it?

Thanks in advance...

Edited by Dani because: Moved to correct forum
  • 11 Contributors
  • 12 Replies
  • 658 Views
  • 6 Years Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by Assembly Guy

Dani AI

Generated

Quick update that ties the suggestions together and adds practical steps. Both approaches mentioned in the thread are valid: use RDP when you want a Windows-style remote login that takes over (locks) the console session, or use VNC when you must see/control the exact desktop that’s physically on the PC. RDP servers ship with Windows professional/server editions (not Home) and use TCP 3389 by default; VNC servers (TightVNC/TigerVNC/WinVNC) explicitly share the existing desktop. (en.wikipedia.org)

If you want the “mstsc” behavior (remote login that hides/locks the local screen) use an RDP client from Fedora. Modern choices: FreeRDP (xfreerdp) or the GUI Remmina; rdesktop still exists but is older. Example commands (replace with real host/credentials):

# FreeRDP (recommended)
xfreerdp /u:alice /p:Secret123 /v:192.168.1.100

# rdesktop (older)
rdesktop -u alice -g 1280x1024 192.168.1.100

Remmina and KDE’s KRDC provide GUI front-ends if you prefer point‑and‑click. (github.com)

If you need to control the machine while someone at the physical PC can still see what you do, run a VNC server on the XP box (TightVNC/WinVNC) and connect from Linux with a VNC viewer. Always tunnel VNC over SSH or a VPN to avoid cleartext traffic. Example (viewer-side tunnel option):

vncviewer -via jumpuser@jump.host 192.168.1.100:0

TightVNC and the TigerVNC/x0vncserver tools document both standalone sessions and “share current desktop” modes. (tightvnc.com)

Quick cautions/troubleshooting: Windows XP went end-of-life in 2014 — avoid exposing its RDP/VNC ports directly to the internet and use VPN/SSH. Ensure XP edition allows RDP (Pro only), open port 3389 (RDP) or 5900+ (VNC) on firewalls/routers, and try /sec:rdp or equivalent if TLS/negotiation fails with newer clients. (en.wikipedia.org)

Note: ’s VNC idea is perfect for shared-console work; , and others recommending rdesktop point to the right protocol — today prefer FreeRDP/Remmina for compatibility and security.

Recommended Answers

All 12 Replies

Member Avatar for mostafadotnet

There are two paths you can take but I've just tested one:
1)Use Wine in Fedora to run mstsc.exe in linux and simulate .exe runtime environment.mstsc.exe is in your windows\system32 directory or can be easily downloaded from microsoft.com website.
2)Use VNC.It means that you should download WinVNC on windows XP which would act as your server.And use VNC client that you use in Fedora to access your Windows XP machine.

The second solution that I've also tested is much better because it doesn't throw the currently logged in user out but the first one does because of windows XP limitation of one user at a time.

600) 1(_)[|<.

Member Avatar for aripaka

Hi mostafadotnet,

Thanks for your suggestion.

I see that using VNC method will leave the windows system open i.e. others will be able to see what i am doing on that PC where as, while using mstsc, it will just showing that the PC is locked. Is there any way to achieve the same effect through VNC?

Member Avatar for DimaYasny

use RDP

man rdesktop

Member Avatar for sloan31

use RDP

man rdesktop

rdesktop is definitely the way to go, and you might want to install tsclient.

Member Avatar for DimaYasny

Krdc - under KDE

Member Avatar for jbennet

yeah, use rdesktop

I use that for connecting to my ancient Windows NT4 Terminal Server Edition system.

Member Avatar for BillBrown

This thread needs just one more person recommending rdesktop.

Use rdesktop.

And my work here is done.

Member Avatar for osirisgothra

Use rdesktop
heh

Member Avatar for prj63

TightVNC on XP works well for me.
Can remote from any of my Linux boxes or my Android phone from anywhere.
Also secure using ssh.

Member Avatar for CimmerianX

This is a 4 year old thread.... Why bring it back to life at all?

Member Avatar for kellagroup

Because of rdesktop!

Member Avatar for Assembly Guy

Because of rdesktop!

Sorry, what? Is it just me or is that not even a reason?

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.