Need remote desktop help

[zylander]

I have a server setup in my basement and I want to be able to get onto it using remote desktop. The server is running XP Pro and my dekstop is running Vista Ultimate. Using remote desktop is not a problem, but how do I use it after the server has been restarted? Right now I can only remote desktop onto the server if it has already been logged in, which is a pain in the ass because its down in the basement.

Is there a way to either;

1. log the computer in remotely?

2. Have the computer automatically log in?

3. remote desktop onto the computer from the log in screen?

I just dont want to have to run down there and log in every time it reboots, thanks.

 

[boomerang]

Start > Run and type "control userpasswords2". No quotes and the space must be there.

You can set it up to log in automatically on boot.

 

[NickOlsen8390]

I have always been able to RDC into my servers before there logged in, Both windows XP and Server 2003.
Sometimes it takes a few minutes after a reboot though, my guess is that time is before all the services have loaded up.

 

[boomerang]

I think it depends on the permission levels.

In order for her accountant to RDP in at my wife's office, the server must be in a logged off state. She's on a limited user account.

I'm an administrator and can log in anytime I wish and kick off anyone who's on.

I'm sure there are other ways to set these things up, but I have to work within the scope of my knowledge.

 

[RebateMonger]

Something else is going on. There's no need to first log in locally to a box set up for RDP. I do that all day long with XP Pro, Server 2003, and Windows Home Server boxes.

 

[zylander]

Thats what I dont understand, when I first set this thing up a few days ago I could reboot it remotely and then connect to it without logging in. Now It wont let me connect unless its logged in.