Remote Desktop is a Windows built-in utility that allows for the control of a computer running Windows from a remote client computer via a local area network or Internet.
Your office computer must be running Windows XP/Vista Professional and configured to run the Remote Desktop Service. If your office machine is not running Windows XP/Vista Professional, contact the Helpdesk. Your office computer must also be connected to a wired Ethernet connection within the RSB. A wireless connection will not work due to security restrictions.
The client computer can be running any version of Windows that is Windows 95 or greater or it can even be a Macintosh. However, in all cases except client machines already running Windows XP/Vista, the appropriate client software must be installed.
The client computer also must be either connected to a wired connection in the Ross School of Business or have a connection to the Internet.
The installation file may require a reboot, so be sure to save and close any work first.
First, you must know the name of your office machine. Go to Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> System. Click on the Computer Name tab. Next to Full computer name:, your computer name is, by standard, in the form bus-ws-machine_serial#.bus.ads.itcs.umich.edu. If yours is not, contact the Helpdesk. Write it down on a sticky note and take it with you.
Next, on the client or remote computer, you launch the Remote Desktop Client. It is found under Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> Communications -> Remote Desktop Connection.
Next, you enter the full computer name you wrote down on the sticky note followed by :7678 in the Computer: drop-down box and click Connect.
Example: bus-ws-xxxxxxx.bus.ads.itcs.umich.edu:7678
If you are unable to connect, it may be due to your local ISP not having up-to-date domain name service information for your office computer. You will then have to connect using your office computer’s IP address.
You can find your office computer’s IP address by downloading and running the Office Machine IP Lookup Utility.
View the full instructions on using and customizing
Remote Desktop.
