Windows Remote Desktop Client fails to connect with error code 0x4 on only one of my computers

Question

I encountered this error message while attempting to connect to a remote host on one of my PCs. I have two computers on the same LAN, and I can easily connect to the remote host using the Windows Remote Desktop client without any issues on my other PC. So this means the remote host is configured correctly.

All settings are identical with no firewall present. What might be causing this issue?

[Window Title] Remote Desktop Connection

[Content] An internal error has occurred.

[^] Hide details [OK]

[Expanded Information] Error code: 0x4 Extended error code: 0x0 Timestamp (UTC): 03/15/24 09:14:35 PM

***moved from Windows / Windows 11 / Apps / Windows apps***

Answer 1

on the remote computer:

rename a folder MachineKeys and reboot :  
ProgramData\Microsoft\Crypto\RSA\MachineKeys

make sure you keep the same permissions on the MachineKeys folder, plus you might need to re-import certificates for IIS if you had any

(use SMB connection or psexec):

\computername\c$

Answer 2

The 0x4 error code in Windows Remote Desktop (RDP) can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to connect to a remote host. Let’s troubleshoot this issue and explore potential solutions:

1. Network Connection and Stability:
   • Ensure that both your client and server systems have stable network connections with no interruptions, delays, or packet loss.
   • Verify that there are no network issues between the two computers. Sometimes even minor network glitches can cause RDP errors.
2. Firewall and Security Settings:
   • Double-check that there are no firewall rules blocking RDP traffic on either side (client or server).
   • Confirm that the necessary ports (TCP port 3389 for RDP) are open and accessible.
3. Restart Remote Desktop Services:
   • Restart the Remote Desktop Services on the remote host:
     • Open Services (you can search for it in the Start menu).
     • Locate Remote Desktop Services and restart it.
     • Try connecting again.
4. User Authentication and Permissions:
   • Ensure that the user account you’re using has the necessary permissions to connect via RDP.
   • Verify that the user account is not locked or disabled.
5. Update RDP Client and Server Software:
   • Make sure you’re using the latest version of the RDP client on your PC.
   • Check for any available updates for the RDP server (on the remote host).
6. Configuration Settings:
   • Review the RDP configuration settings on both the client and server sides.
   • Pay attention to settings related to encryption, authentication, and network-level authentication (NLA).

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, consider the following additional points:

• Recent Updates: You mentioned that everything was working fine until recently. It’s possible that a recent update (either on your PC or the remote host) caused compatibility issues. Check if there were any recent updates applied to either system.
• Downgrade RDP Client: If you suspect an RDP client update caused the issue, consider downgrading to an older version. You mentioned using macOS, so try using an older version of the Microsoft Remote Desktop client.

Remember to test each step carefully and document any changes you make. If you’re still unable to connect, consider reaching out to Microsoft support or community forums for further assistance. 🌟

Answer 3

Hello,

Error code 0x4 in Remote Desktop Connection usually indicates a network connectivity issue.

I can understand that currently in your workspace, there is a remote server (for example, named Server A), and at home, you have two client machines (named Client B and Client C), which are both under the same network.

May I know more details about your Remote Desktop connection environment? Specifically:

1. What versions are you using for both your server and the client?
2. Is the client and server’s connection established within the same Local Area Network, or is it through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or port forwarding

Here are some preliminary troubleshooting steps that you can attempt:

1. Check if the client version is up to date.
2. If the connection is established via port forwarding, verify if any routers between the affected PC and the remote host might be blocking Remote Desktop traffic. As part of this step, consider temporarily disabling any security software, not just firewalls, on the affected computer to determine if this resolves the issue.
3. Try resetting the TCP/IP stack on the problematic PC by executing the following command in an elevated Command Prompt: 'netsh int ip reset'.

Anticipating your response, I will continue to work on resolving the issue for you.

References:

Remote Desktop 0x4 error but Remote Desktop Connection works - Microsoft Q&A

Remote Desktop 0x4 error - suddenly and with no reason - Microsoft Q&A

Regards.

Answer 4

I don’t know why i can’t connect to the vps with my phone internet

Do u know how can I sort it out ?

Hello,

Error code 0x4 in Remote Desktop Connection usually indicates a network connectivity issue.

I can understand that currently in your workspace, there is a remote server (for example, named Server A), and at home, you have two client machines (named Client B and Client C), which are both under the same network.

May I know more details about your Remote Desktop connection environment? Specifically:

1. What versions are you using for both your server and the client?
2. Is the client and server’s connection established within the same Local Area Network, or is it through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or port forwarding

 

Here are some preliminary troubleshooting steps that you can attempt:

1. Check if the client version is up to date.
2. If the connection is established via port forwarding, verify if any routers between the affected PC and the remote host might be blocking Remote Desktop traffic. As part of this step, consider temporarily disabling any security software, not just firewalls, on the affected computer to determine if this resolves the issue.
3. Try resetting the TCP/IP stack on the problematic PC by executing the following command in an elevated Command Prompt: 'netsh int ip reset'.

Anticipating your response, I will continue to work on resolving the issue for you.

References:

Remote Desktop 0x4 error but Remote Desktop Connection works - Microsoft Q&A

Remote Desktop 0x4 error - suddenly and with no reason - Microsoft Q&A

 

Regards.

Answer 5

Hello,

I did face the same rdp 0x4 issue and what I have done is I have enabled schannel ssl and tls client and server in registry. Can I know the list of registries that are involved in this rdp connection. At the same time, does this adjustment of schannel affects MSSQL Server operation because MSSQL is not able to start and its error is related to TDNSSNICLIENT initialization failed with error 0x139f.

Regards.