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Connect to the console session of a server using Remote Desktop for Administration

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

To connect to the console session of a server

Using the Remote Desktops MMC Snap-in

Using the command line

Using the Remote Desktops MMC Snap-in

  1. Open Remote Desktops snap-in.

  2. If you have not already done so, create the connection to the terminal server or computer to which you want to connect.

  3. In the console tree, right-click the connection.

  4. In the context menu, click Connect.

Note

  • To open Remote Desktops, click Start, click Control Panel, double-click Administrative Tools, and then double-click Remote Desktops.

Using the command line

  1. Open Command Prompt.

  2. Type:

    mstsc /console.

  3. Remote Desktop Connection will start. Type the computer name or IP address of the computer you want to connect to in the Computer box.

  4. Configure any other desired options, and then click Connect.

Notes

  • To open a command prompt, click Start, point to All programs, point to Accessories, and then click Command prompt.

  • To view the complete syntax for this command, at a command prompt, type:

    mstsc /?

Information about functional differences

  • Your server might function differently based on the version and edition of the operating system that is installed, your account permissions, and your menu settings. For more information, see Viewing Help on the Web.

See Also

Concepts

Enable or disable Remote Desktop
Terminal Services commands
Create a new connection with the Remote Desktops snap-in