Cannot connect to Windows 8.1 with Remote Desktop.

Question

I just updated from 8 Pro to 8.1 Pro on a machine I use as an "entertainment center" which I call "Theater".  In my office I use 7 and I want to access the 8.1 machine using the Office 7 machine.  I successfully use the Office 7 machine to establish RD with two other 7 machines on my network.  I have set up the 8.1 using the MS online help file. I can see the Theater machine on the network, can access the public files no problem, but when I try to access using Remote Desktop I get an error message:  "Remote Desktop can't connect to the remote computer for one of these reasons:...."

The reasons are:

1)  Remote access to the server is not enabled.  (It IS - using the methods in the MS help file)

2)  The remote computer is turned off.  ( It IS ON!)

3)  The remote compute is not available on the network.  (It IS - I can see it and I can interact with it)

I have checked and set users on the 8.1, made sure the firewall will allow Remote Desktop, made sure port 3389 is allowed through the firewall, and checked services and Group Policy settings - everything should be in order to allow the connection.  No matter what I have done it still fails.

Any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks

CJ Henderson

Answer 1

My mstsc or RDP Win8 app got stuck in the "initializing" phase... After reading this thread, I noticed, that my WiFi network location type had changed to "public" and the firewall denied access for RDP connections on public networks.

I followed these instructions: http://www.wincert.net/tips/microsoft-windows/windows-8/3342-how-to-change-network-location-type-in-windows-8

to change the WiFi location type back to "private"

hope this helps anyone =)

Answer 2

Hi Henderson,

I would suggest you to run the Incoming Connections troubleshooter and check if it helps.

a. Press Windows key + W to search Settings.

b. Type “Troubleshoot” without quotes and click on Troubleshooting.

c. In the new windows click View all on the left pane.

d. In the list of options, click on Incoming Connections.

e. Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions.

If the issue persists, refer to the links and check if it helps.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2820155/en-us

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows-8/remote-desktop-app-faq

Note: Make sure you enable the firewall after the test.

Please post back the results and we will be happy to assist you further.

Answer 3

I followed all your instructions and still cannot connect.  Final analysis said there is a problem with the wireless adapter I use on the remote machine, so I changed it for a new one (TP-Link device) and got the same result.

Again I can see the machine through the network, I can create, save, and delete files in the public area.

There is something in Group Policy or security blocking connection.  Any suggestions will be most welcome.

BTW - is there an easy way to just do a clean reinstall on 8.1 without wiping my hard drive?

Thanks,

Chuck Henderson

Answer 4

Hi,

I have almost the exact same problem. I couldn't fix it so downgraded to Win 8 (twice) and instantly RD worked fine from the remote PC and my Android app. Each time I reinstalled Win 8.1 it wouldn't work. I only use RD in my home lan so I've no need to port forward or mess with my router (dd-wrt). My Workgroup is fine and both PC's can see each other in Explorer, swap files etc.  PS3 Media Server works fine, Teamviewer worked straight out of the box. It's only Remote Desktop that won't work.

I agree with Chuck that the permissions have somehow changed with the upgrade and are blocking incoming connections but I'm totally stumped as the what or where the problem is.

It's definitely a Win 8.1 bug that's for sure

Thanks

Answer 5

Thanks,

Nice to know I am not alone on this.  Let's hope a MS-MVP can find a solution for us.

Chuck