To use Remote Desktop, the following must be fulfilled:
  • You must leave your office computer on to be able to access it remotely.
  • Windows Vista must be installed on your office computer, which you will operate remotely. This computer is known as the host. 
  • Windows Vista must also be installed on your home or on-campus computer which you will use to control your office computer. This is known as the client.
  • A connection to the Internet.
  • When connecting from home: You must configure the VPN to connect to the UM - Flint network.
When Leaving your office Please make sure to always lock your computer or log out when you leave.

Leaving your computer logged in while you are not present means that others may access your personal files, or sabotage your computer in other ways. Finding Your Office Computer's (The Host) Computer Name
Windows Vista Ultimate or Enterprise Editions or Windows 7: 
  1. Click the Start Orb found in the lower left corner of your screen.
  2. Click Computer
  3. Click System Properties (This is located on the top bar of the "Computer" Window)
  4. The "Full Computer Name" is located under the subheading of "Computer Name, Domain, and Workgroup Settings"
  5. You should write this name down, you will need it later when using Remote Desktop.
 Windows XP Professional: 
  1. Click the Start button found in the lower left corner of your screen.
  2. Right-Click My Computer
  3. Click Properties
  4. Click the tab entitled Computer Name
  5. The Computer Name will then be listed in the section entitled “Full Computer Name”
  6. You should write this name down, you will need it later when using Remote Desktop.
 Setting Up Your Office Computer (The Host) for Remote Desktop
These steps must first be completed in order to prepare your computer for a Remote Desktop connection. 
Windows Vista Ultimate or Enterprise Editions or Windows 7: 
  1. Click the Start Orb
  2. Click Computer
  3. Click System Properties 
  4. Click Remote Settings This will be found on the left
  5. Click the Remote tab at the top of the window
  6. Check the box next to Allow users to Connect Remotely to this Computer
  7. Click Ok
Windows XP Professional: 
  1. Click the Start button 
  2. Right-Click My Computer
  3. Click Properties
  4. Click the tab entitled Remote
  5. Check the box next to Allow users to connect remotely to this computer.
  6. Click Ok
Please remember to leave your computer on when you leave. Also make sure that you lock the machine, by pressing <Ctrl>,<alt>,<delete> on your keyboard all at the same. Then select lock computer. You can also log off your computer but remember to leave it turned on. Setting Up Your Second Computer (The Client) For Remote Desktop
If you are at home and you plan to remote into your office computer you will need to set up a VPN connection before continuing on with the setup for your other (Client) computer.

Please choose the link that corresponds with the operating system on your Client computer.

Windows Vista Ultimate or Enterprise Editions and Windows 7:

If you are at home make sure the VPN is connected before starting these steps.
  1. Click the Start Orb
  2. Type Remote Desktop Connection into the search bar.
  3. In the Computer Field type the ComputerName.umflint.edu (found previously) If you are on campus you do not need to type the .umflint.edu part of the computer name
  4. Click Connect
  5. In the Windows Security box type Your Uniqname Your LAN Password
  6. The Remote Desktop Window will open and you will see your Host computer.

While you have established a remote connection into your computer the computer will stay locked, therefore disabling anyone else from accessing your machine. Also, no one will be able to see the work you are doing while you are connected remotely to your machine.

Windows XP Professional:

If you are at home make sure the VPN is connected before starting these steps.
  1. Click the Start Button
  2. Click Programs or All Programs
  3. Click Accessories
  4. Click Remote Desktop Connection (If you do not see Remote Desktop Connection in this menu Click Communications then Click Remote Desktop Connection)
  5. In the Computer Field type the ComputerName.umflint.edu (found previously) If you are on campus you do not need to type the .umflint.edu part of the computer name
  6. Click Connect
  7. In the Windows Security box type Your Uniqname Your LAN Password
  8. The Remote Desktop Window will open and you will see your Host computer.

While you have established a remote connection into your computer the computer will stay locked, therefore disabling anyone else from accessing your machine. Also, no one will be able to see the work you are doing while you are connected remotely to your machine.

Ending your Remote Desktop Session
Windows Vista Ultimate or Enterprise Editions or Windows 7 or Windows XP Professional: 
  1. Click the X found at the top center of your screen
  2. Click Ok - This will disconnect you from your remote connection with your host computer.
  3. If you are off campus please make sure to disconnect from VPN as well.