There are many different remote desktop related settings that can be configured. In the last installment of this article, I described some of the configuration changes you can make to optimize remote administration.

Save Remote Desktop Connection Settings
Each time you change the settings, they will be saved to a file called default.rdp. However, you can create your own file for connection specific settings. This way the settings for a particular connection will always be remembered.

From within the Remote Desktop Connection dialog box (click Start | All Programs | Accessories | Communications | Remote Desktop Connection), click the Options button. From the General tab, click the Save As button. Type in a file name and choose the location where you want to save the file. Next time you want to initiate a connection using those settings, double click the file you just saved.

Prevent Sounds on a Remote Computer
When you establish a remote desktop connection, sounds will be played on the remote computer as you perform various tasks. If you do not want sounds played on the remote computer when you execute a remote desktop connection, all you have to do is edit the settings within the Remote Desktop Connection dialog box.

You can open the dialog box using the steps outlined in the previous section and the click the Local Resources tab. Under Remote Desktop Sound, click the drop down arrow and click Do not Play. This will prevent sounds on the remote computer (and the local computer).

Optimize Remote Desktop over Dial-up Connections
Not everyone uses high speed connections. Dial-up connections are still very popular. Typically Remote Desktop works well over high speed connections but you can alter some of the settings to optimize the experience over dial-up connections.

From the Remote Desktop Connection dialog box shown in Figure E, click the Experience tab. Use the drop down arrow to choose your connection speed. For even better performance, consider selecting a speed that is slightly slower than the actual speed of your connection. You can further optimize the connection by removing the checks beside the Themes and Bitmap caching. Once you have configured the settings, return to the General tab and click Save As so the new settings are saved.

Prevent Wallpaper from Being Displayed
Another way that you can optimize Remote Desktop Connection is to prevent wallpaper on the remote computer from being displayed on the local computer. You can do this by editing the Local Computer Policy on the Remote Desktop host computer.

Open the Group Policy Editor. Navigate to the following: Computer Configuration| Administrative Templates| Windows Components| Terminal Services. In the Details pane, double click Enforce Removal of Remote Desktop Wallpaper, select Enable, and click OK. The desktop wallpaper configured on the remote computer will no longer be displayed on your computer when you establish a Remote Desktop Connection.

Remote Desktop and Remote Assistance make it easier to remotely administer computers that are running Windows XP. Once you are familiar with establishing remote connections, you can begin using some of the tips, tricks, and techniques outlined in this article to enhance your remote administration experience.

Tags: security, diana huggins, remote administration, save remote desktop connection settings, prevent sounds on remote computer