Question : Problem: How to Remote Desktop between two computers on a home network?

Hi all,

My Dad has just bought a new Vista PC to replace his aging machine. The only problem is (as for many users) the drivers for some of the old hardware. The major problem is there is simply no drivers for his 5yo scanner.

His current solution is to keep the scanner hooked up to his old machine, and sharing the folder the files are saved to, however this means keeping a screen, mouse, keyboard etc connected too.

I believe a far simpler solution would be to stick the old box in a corner and just remote desktop into it to do the scanning, from his new machine.

With this in mind, what is the easiest and free way to achieve it.

The new machine is Vista, old is XP and they are currently networked through a BT home hub.

Cheers,
MalicUK.

Answer : Problem: How to Remote Desktop between two computers on a home network?

You can use Remote Desktop which is free and built in to XP.

On the XP desktop:
Right Click on My Computer > Properties > Remote
Select "Allow users to conenct remotely to this computer" option

From the Vista PC:
Either click on Start > Run and run "mstsc"
or
Select Remote Desktop Connection under Start, Programs, Accessories
Enter the Windows XP hostname or IP address and choose Connect.

Note: You need to assign a password against the users account to connect via Remote Desktop.