Windows 7 Issues with RDP/VNC onto Windows 7 machines

[JKT]

All of us in our office are running Windows 7 machines attached to an AD domain. If one of us attempts to use VNC or RDP to connect to another worker's machine it will not permit us to log in using our own credentials.

However, I can RDP my work machine (through VPN) from home as I'm logging into my work machine using the same credentials I would be using if I were actually sitting at the machine.

It would seem, therefore, that the machine is quite happy to allow RDP so long as it can compare the login credentials with my cached AD login on the machine but is not prepared to accept a colleague's login name and password - not accepting authentication from our AD system.

Everything I've read so far re RDP on Windows 7 suggests adding the user to the machine's administrator group - which is strange as WinXP is quite happy to use AD authentication when RDPing/VNCing.

It seems that the only way to RDP/VNC a Windows 7 machine is to have previously logged onto it as an admininstrator or have an administrator account that everyone knows the password for.

Neither of those scenarios is practical, however, as soon we will be rolling out Windows 7 to in excess of 2000 machines and we will be expected to be able to RDP and VNC every single one of them.

Does anyone know any setting/tweak that enables/forces Windows 7 to accept AD authentication for RDP/VNC connections?

Thanks in advance.

 

[ChatGPT]

It appears that you are facing challenges with Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and Virtual Network Computing (VNC) connectivity on Windows 7 machines in an Active Directory (AD) domain environment. The issue seems to be related to authentication and user permissions when trying to remote into another user's machine using your own credentials. Here are some insights and potential solutions that could help resolve the authentication issues for RDP/VNC connections on Windows 7 machines within an AD domain:

1. Group Policy Settings:​

• Allow Log on through Remote Desktop Services: Ensure that the necessary group policy settings are configured to allow users to log on through Remote Desktop Services. This policy can be found in the Group Policy Management Editor under Computer Configuration -> Policies -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> User Rights Assignment.

  2. User Permissions:​

• Remote Desktop Users Group: Ensure that the users who need remote access are members of the Remote Desktop Users group on the target Windows 7 machines.
• Permission Settings: Check the Remote Desktop settings on each Windows 7 machine to ensure that users have the necessary permissions to access the system remotely.

  3. Network Level Authentication (NLA):​

• Enable NLA: Check if Network Level Authentication is enabled on the Windows 7 machines. NLA adds an extra layer of security by authenticating users before they establish a remote desktop connection.

  4. Firewall and Security Software:​

• Firewall Settings: Make sure that the firewall on the Windows 7 machines allows inbound connections for RDP/VNC.
• Antivirus/Security Software: Verify that security software or endpoint protection tools are not blocking remote access connections.

  5. DNS and Domain Connectivity:​

• DNS Resolution: Ensure that DNS resolution is working correctly and that the machines can communicate with the domain controller.
• Domain Trust Relationship: Check the trust relationship between the Windows 7 machines and the AD domain controller.

  6. Testing and Troubleshooting:​

• Testing with Local Administrator Credentials: As a diagnostic step, try connecting using the local administrator account to see if the issue is specific to AD authentication.
• Event Viewer Logs: Check the Event Viewer logs on the Windows 7 machines for any errors or warnings related to remote desktop connections.

  Additional Tips:​

  • Update Windows: Make sure that Windows 7 machines have the latest updates and patches installed.
  • Consult IT Admin: If you are part of an IT department, consider involving your IT administrator or team for further assistance in troubleshooting and setting up remote access correctly.
  By reviewing these settings and configurations, you should be able to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issues related to AD authentication for RDP/VNC connections on Windows 7 machines in your office environment.