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Troubleshooting Specific Remote Desktop Problems

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Troubleshooting Specific problems

What problem are you having?

  • I cannot copy text from an application on the terminal server to another application that is on my local computer.

  • I minimized the Remote Desktop Connection dialog box, and then my screen went blank.

  • The screen saver on my Remote Desktop is blank.

  • I'm supposed to be able to connect to a specific application when I log on to the remote computer, but it doesn't start.

  • Remote Desktop Connection is very slow.

I cannot copy text from an application on the terminal server to another application that is on my local computer.

Cause:  It is possible that Remote Desktop Connection was not installed correctly.

Solution:  Uninstall and then reinstall Remote Desktop Connection. If you need assistance, contact the server administrator.

I minimized the Remote Desktop Connection dialog box, and then my screen went blank.

Cause:  Using a password-protected screen saver can cause this problem. Your applications are still running on the remote computer, but you can no longer use them.

Solution:  Disconnect Remote Desktop Connection, or ask the server administrator to disconnect you.

Solution:  Do not minimize the Remote Desktop Connection dialog box if your computer uses a password-protected screen saver.

Solution:  Do not use a password-protected screen saver on your local computer.

The screen saver on my Remote Desktop is blank.

Cause:  By default, when a screen saver is activated on Remote Desktop, it is blank. This is true regardless of whether you have previously selected a different screen saver.

Solution:  Continue to use the blank screen saver.

I'm supposed to be able to connect to a specific application when I log on to the remote computer, but it doesn't start.

Solution:  If the remote computer is running Windows XP Professional, the complete contents of the Desktop are always displayed. Start the program you want to use by double-clicking its icon on the Desktop or using the Start menu.

Cause:  The client connection might have been configured to start a program upon connection, but the program path and file name are incorrect.

Solution:   Check the properties for the client connection to ensure that the program path and file name are correct. Also, confirm that the program exists in this location on the server.

Cause:  The server administrator might have specified a different program to start upon connection, using Group Policy, Terminal Services Configuration, or other Terminal Services administration tools.

Solution:   Contact the server administrator.

Remote Desktop Connection is very slow.

Cause:  A low-bandwidth connection can slow Remote Desktop performance.

Solution:  On the remote computer, set the background selection to None.

Solution:   Do not run memory-intensive applications over Remote Desktop Connection.

Solution:   Consider upgrading your modem or purchasing a high-speed service.