Single Remote Desktop session in Server 2003 [closed]
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11-07-2019 - |
Question
I have a headless server running Windows Server 2003, and administer it via VNC. It is set to auto login to a specific user account.
I want to change to using Remote Desktop/Terminal Services. However, when I log in remotely a new user session is created (in addition to auto logged in session). Essentially I want a remote desktop connection to take over the default session in the computer (how XP does it). Does anyone know how?
P.S. I am NOT after a single remote session, instead a single GLOBAL session :)
Solution
To logon as the 'console' user (the one to be used for logging in locally) then you use a parameter for mstsc.exe From a command prompt type in mstsc /h to see the help. MSTSC /ADMIN /V:YOURSERVERNAME or MSTSC /CONSOLE /V:YOURSERVERNAME
(depending on the version that you have)
OTHER TIPS
Please excuse the self answer, but for those using OS X and Remote Desktop Connection, all you need to do is append " /console" to the IP address of the computer you wish to connect to.
Here's how you can switch over.
- Start task manager
- Switch to the users tab
- There should be two users listed. The one you logged on with and the original session you are trying to connect to.
- Right click on the one you want to connect to and select "Switch" or "connect". I can't remember the exact one.
On the server: Settings > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Terminal Services Configuration > Server Settings > Restrict each user to one session
Alternately, you can log in to the console (the session that would display on the monitor, if present). From XP-era clients, that's (command-line) "mstsc /console /v:host.to.connect.to". For Vista-era clients, it's "mstsc /admin /v:host.to.connect.to". That option is probably present somewhere in the RDP client settings screen, and tools like Terminals also expose it.