Microsoft KB Archive/300698

= The Features of the Remote Desktop Client in Windows XP =

Article ID: 300698

Article Last Modified on 1/15/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows XP Professional

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This article was previously published under Q300698





SUMMARY
This article describes the features of the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) 5.1 client, which is included in Windows XP. These features are available when the client connects to a Windows XP remote host by using the Remote Desktop Connection.



MORE INFORMATION
To use the Remote Desktop Connection, click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, click Communications, and then click Remote Desktop Connection.

The features are:

Network Printer Redirection
Network printer redirection enables you to have network printers that are installed on the local computer to be redirected in the Remote Desktop session. You can send print jobs to your network printer without having to make configuration changes, or install additional printers. This feature can be disabled from the Local Resources tab of the Remote Desktop client.

Redirection of Local Drives
The drives on the local computer can be redirected in the session so that files can easily be transferred between the local host and the remote computer. The drives includes local hard disks, floppy disk drives, and mapped network drives.

The drives can be displayed in My Computer as &quot;A on &quot; and &quot;C on  &quot; for each redirected drive. For example, if the local computer is named &quot;WinXP&quot;, and drive C on the local computer is redirected, the drive can be displayed in the remote session as &quot;C on WinXP&quot;.

Copy and Paste Files
You can copy and paste the files between the remote session and local computer, or vice-versa, by using the Copy and Paste feature.

Support for Over 256 Colors
RDP 5.1 enables you to experience 15-bit, 16-bit, and 24-bit color depth when you connect to a Windows XP-based computer (on condition that the local video adapter is capable of this video depth).

Audio Redirection
Audio redirection enables the client to receive any sounds or audio that is played in the remote session (on condition that the local computer has a working sound adapter).

Redirection of Windows Key Combinations
You can redirect Windows key combinations, such as, ALT+TAB and CTRL+ESC, if you select the appropriate setting. This feature can be configured on the Local Resources tab on the Remote Desktop client.

Connection Bar
The Connection Bar feature enables you to easily minimize and maximize a full-screen Remote Desktop session. If the pushpin is turned on for the Connection Bar, it is always displayed. If the pushpin is not turned on for the Connection Bar, it is only displayed when you move the mouse to the top of the screen. The Connection Bar feature can be disabled in the Display Options section.

Keywords: kbenv kbinfo KB300698

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