Managing Windows XP Desktops Remotely

For administrative tasks to be performed on a workstation, such as installing new hardware or configuring user profile settings that are not configured using Group Policy settings, administrators can use the tools provided with Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP. Remote Desktop can be used not only to install software remotely, but also to configure just about everything that could be performed from the local console. The only limitation is that the BIOS settings cannot be controlled. Consequently, if a remote reboot is performed, and the BIOS is configured to first boot from a floppy disk, the system may never restart if a disk is in the drive. In this case, a visit to the workstation will be required.

Starting with Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP, the Computer Management console can be used to perform several system-related software and hardware tasks remotely. New features include adding new hardware by scanning for hardware changes, adding local user accounts and local shares, and manipulating system services. This tool is very flexible for remote administration.

Using the Remote Control Add-on for Active Directory Users and Computers

A significant add-on to Windows 2003 for client system administrators is the Remote Control Add-on for Active Directory Users and Computers. This tool provides an administrator the capability to right-click on a computer account in the Active Directory MMC and choose to remotely administer the system. The tool effectively launches a Terminal Services/Remote Desktop connection to the system.

The Remote Control Add-on for Active Directory Users and Computers is freely downloadable to all network administrators with legal licenses to Windows 2003. The add-on is available at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/downloads/featurepacks/default.mspx.

Using the Remote Desktop Connection for Windows 2003

Another tool that provides remote control access to client systems and servers is the Remote Desktop Connection tool that comes with Windows 2003 server and Windows XP workstations, or is free to download. Unlike the Remote Control Add-on for Active Directory Users and Computers, which requires launching the Active Directory Users and Computers MMC, the Remote Desktop Connection tool can be launched independently.

Once launched, a network administrator can remotely access and control any desktop or server that has Remote Desktop or Terminal Services enabled.

The Remote Desktop Connection for Windows 2003 is free to download for all network administrators with legal licenses to Windows 2003. The add-on is available at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/downloads/featurepacks/default.mspx.