windows 7 - Remotely connect to computer where I don't have admin access on

07
2014-07
  • FirstName LastName

    I have a Windows XP computer, PC1, where I have no admin access. I am only a non-admin user. I want to remotely control PC1 from PC2 (Windows Vista, I am admin here). I need to make PC1 a server and PC2 the controller.

    Obviously, I cannot use RDP because I am not admin. Is it still possible to enable remote login? Is there any legal tool to bypass admin and remotely access PC1 from PC2?

    I'd prefer a portable/USB app to do this job because the admin of PC1 has blocked installation of software as well. TeamViewer Portable did not work because it is detected as malware by the anti virus software of PC1.

  • Answers
  • Rhys Gibson

    Assuming the PC is logged in to a user account you can access occasionally, you can run Real VNC Server in usermode. it does not use the MS authentication so there is no requirement for admin, beyond those that you the actions you take in XP require.

    VNC authentication is weak and its traffic is unencrypted though, so you only want to use it between PCs on the same LAN. It is not safe to use over the internet unless you tunnel it via ssh or another tunneling encryption protocol.

    Another option to try is UltraVNC, which does not require installation.


  • Related Question

    windows xp - Remote connection to a PC over internet
  • Mehper C. Palavuzlar

    I have a PC running Windows Vista Home Premium with Norton Internet Security 2009. I like to help my father and sister by connecting their PCs over the internet and taking full control. My father has Windows Vista Home Premium and my sister has Windows XP SP3. Both of them are using McAfee Internet Security 2009. One of my friends recommended me to use TeamViewer. I didn't try it yet. Any comments for this work and for any possible adjustments in both security programs and OS?


  • Related Answers
  • Arjan

    TeamViewer, from personal experience, allows you to connect remotely without any modifications to the router for port forwarding. Although you will need to make a firewall exception.

    For using regular RDC instead, you will need to:

    • Enable their remote machines to be connected to remotely (My Computer -> Properties -> Remote)
    • Ensure you have permissions to log onto their machine
    • Configure port forwarding in their router for port 3389
    • Configure firewall exceptions for RDC (on both computers), if applicable

    TeamViewer is probably the easiest alternative, most other remote desktop software (VNC, NX, etc) will require system and router configuration changes just like RDC.

  • studiohack

    You could use LogMeIn. It's very easy to use.

  • Michael Borgwardt

    The OS is not a problem, though McAffee may be if it includes a restrictive firewall.

    But beyond that, most people nowadays (especially if they use WLAN) are bhind a NAT router, which needs to be configured to forward connection attempts from outside. This is know as "port forwarding" and how to do it varies with the router model. This site has descriptions for lots of different models.

  • Chris_K

    I maintain remote family machines (like out of state) with the free version of the LogMeIn remote client. Simple, easy to use and -- importantly -- no need to muck about with firewalls opening ports.

    I've also had good luck with the free Crossloop app as well. A bit more interactive to get going, but some folks like that.