Concurrent Windows Login

[bkenobi]

I've been using Sala's terminal services patch for years on multiple systems to allow concurrent login. I primarily use this for my arcade cabs so I can turn them on and log in via my desktop to maintain whatever needs maintaining. When I tore my main cab down to move it, I decided to play with a CGA monitor which required a different setting for the video drivers. I installed VNC and, in playing around with it, changed some settings and/or services. I did this a few months back, so now I don't know what I changed to break terminal services.

At this point, I can't get my cab to respond to a remote desktop connection request. I can access the net and see other systems on the network, so I know it's not a network problem. At this point, I'm trying to figure out if there's something someone can recommend short of toasting the system and starting over.

I've used Black Viper's list of default settings to try to fix things, but I'm at a loss. The thought of nuking years worth of setting up the cab makes me nervous, so I'd rather not do that. If that were the only option, I might just opt to lose remote desktop capabilities.

Does anyone have any constructive suggestions?

http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/Archive_SP2/servicecfg.htm

http://www.kood.org/terminal-server-patch/

[Brian Hoffman]

Sometimes remote control software can break and overwrite winlogon and other systemfiles. At least old versions of PCAnywhere did.

Also keep in mind that the usergroup needs to be a member of remote operators and a password has to be set on the account you wish to access. Blank passwords will result in failure.

[bkenobi]

So if VNC overwrote some of those files, I'd have to grab them from another system or the install disc I suppose. I know all about the blank password issue (been there, done that), but this account has been working for ages. Maybe I need to check to see that the other account is still active and not corrupt somehow. That shouldn't be the issue, but I can't think of anything else.

[Draco1962]

BK, what OS?

[bkenobi]

WinXP Pro SP2.

I have played with things a bit more, but it still doesn't work. I disabled RD, restarted, enabled RD, checked user settings, and then failed to connected. It doesn't even try to login from the other machine. It basically acts like the machines don't see each other through RD even though they can via the network to share files.

Last night I found a RD version 6 from M$, so I'm going to try installing that. Hopefully that will fix any broken files and settings.

[Draco1962]

Have you checked the services to ensure that terminal services has not been stopped or changed to Manual? If so, try changing to Automatic and restarting the service.

[bkenobi]

There are 2 services that seem to be related. I've set them both to automatic and started them, but they don't seem to fix things. My first thought was a service got turned off, but I've set everything back to default and it doesn't seem to help. I'm going to try installing the updated RD this evening if I get a few minutes. Hopefully that will replace any broken files and reset any services that need to be on.

The only other thing I can think of trying is comparing the registry of my file server and my cab or maybe just my 2 cabs since they are all running WinXP SP2.

[Adultery]

Hey... Isn't XP SP3 out? Are you unable to update your copy? A lot of my remote desktop problems were solved with the latest service pack/further updates. Especially with the connectivity with my Vista machine and printer sharing problems. The other constant pain in my ass was Norton, but got off that meat wagon a while ago.

[bkenobi]

I've never trusted SP3 for some reason. I know M$ has fixed all the problems people were having with that update, but I guess I figure I'm not online with that machine, so why worry about the update.

[Draco1962]

Hey... Isn't XP SP3 out? Are you unable to update your copy? A lot of my remote desktop problems were solved with the latest service pack/further updates. Especially with the connectivity with my Vista machine and printer sharing problems. The other constant pain in my ass was Norton, but got off that meat wagon a while ago.

I never really had all that many problems with Vista (Had Home 32-bit installed on this machne when I bought it from Dell as hey di dnot iffer any 64-bit OSes at the time). Win 7 was even better.

[Adultery]

Vista has been good to me too. Connecting to the network and file sharing with the other three XP machines in my house was another issue!

Although I have fixed a few Windows 7 machines I don't have a machine that runs it yet. I was looking at a new board on Newegg and when I decide to purchase it it will run Win 7bfor sure. I already have a licensed copy I'm itching to use!