Question : Problem: need help getting vnc to work on windows 2008 server, black screen when connecting

Hello everyone.

I am setting up a new webserver with windows 2008 server for our offsite data center because its a very old server and i am replacing it with a brand new server with windows 2008.   I have everything else working on it but i cant get any free vnc software to work on it.  I have tried tightvnc, ultravnc and realvnc and the only one i got working was the realvnc personal edition which cost money.  I came across this forum on technet which a few people posted that they can get ultravnc to work but i couldnt.

http://forums.technet.microsoft.com/en-US/winservergen/thread/19a188a7-cafd-403a-b5e3-77e7c82dfbb2/

It states to follow the vista steps but it just doesnt work for me with windows server 2008.  Can anyone please help me with this.

thank you

Answer : Problem: need help getting vnc to work on windows 2008 server, black screen when connecting

Hi,
This problem is common with windows Vista and VNC. Server 2008 appears to be having the same issue, not surprising as the operating systems are similar in many ways.

I thought that server 08 had the Aero theme turned off by default but if you have turned it on, that is going to be a problem. If that is not the problem then try option 2 as listed below.
[Full Article -http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/08/02/blank-or-black-screen-when-remote-control-vista-system-with-vnc/ ]

The solution to this VNC Vista black desktop screen problem is easy - simply disable the Windows Vista Aero theme. To do so, right click on black space on desktop of target remote system (the one you want to remote control with VNC, where server is running), choose Personalize. Then click on Windows Color and Appearance link, follow by Open classic appearance properties for more color options link. In the Color Scheme list of options, select non-Aero theme, such as Windows Vista Basic or Windows Classic, then press OK.

If you must want and cant live without Aero Glass effect, you can try this alternative workaround to get VNC working with Vista without turning off Aero. Install UltraVNC Server on target Vista system (server side to remote control to), then go to User Properties, and untick the Poll Full Screen option.