Topic: port scan forward and open for Remote Desktop Connection

[Derek]

I am seeking help on this one.
I had my system previously configured for WinXP remote desktop connection but through some changes which i dont  know what, i have lost the ability to connect to my local XP machine.
I know that i must open the ports for the connection and forward them to my local machine.
I have done this in the Server-Manager panel but i still cannot get it to work again.
I ran the port scan from the Server-Manager panel, and it does not show the ports that i opened. I am wondering if this is a flaw in the port scan or the ports arent really opened or forwarded.
Any help on this pesky problem would be appreciated.

Derek

[NickR]

NMAP will only test the listening ports on localhost by default, so it is behaving as expected.  

BTW, you don't need to open any ports, you just need to port-forward TCP/3389 on the external interface to the LAN IP of your XP box.

[Derek]

anyway to change what NMAP tests?
also just curious how can i port forward without first opening the port?
The info i have read also has me change the default http port this is important since my SME box is also my webserver so it cant load on port 80. So for example if i changde the port on the local machine to 1234 would i then not have to open that port on the SME box and forward it?
thanks

Derek

[NickR]

anyway to change what NMAP tests?
also just curious how can i port forward without first opening the port?
The info i have read also has me change the default http port this is important since my SME box is also my webserver so it cant load on port 80. So for example if i changde the port on the local machine to 1234 would i then not have to open that port on the SME box and forward it?
thanks

Derek

Check the NMAP docs: http://www.insecure.org/nmap/data/nmap_manpage.html

I don't know what info you are reading, but the http port has nothing to do with remote desktop unless you are using a browser to view the remote desktop.  Remote desktop uses TCP/3389 only.  I would suggest you don't even attempt to get RD through a browser working as a first step.

Port opening is slightly different to forwarding.  Forwarding implies opening, whereas opening is just that - it creates a hole in the firewall & it's up to you what you do with the traffic that is allowed through.