How to configure Windows 7 Remote Desktop to use different port number

Scenario

Imagine you would like to disable the remote desktop session for all users but not yourself.  You can definitely restrict remote desktop users using the Local Security Policy. Then, what if the domain users is part of Administrator group who can remote desktop and you do not wish to change that? 

One way to achieve that is to change the RDP default port 3389. For example use port 3391 for RDP.

How to configure specific port number

   Figure 1.0 RDP port number registry key

1. Edit the RDP port number (in windows registry) from 3389 to 3391. Run regedit tool and navigate the registry key [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp]. 
2. Double click on the registry value, select Decimal and type in 3391.
3. Logoff the session
4. Remote Desktop and specify the computer with port number. If your computer name is LUCKY, then specify it to Lucky:3391 and click connect (as shown below).
5. Voila.

 

Figure 2.0 RDP connect with port number

Possible Issue1 - Unable to RDP using Lucky:3391

Details 

Error might goes like "Remote Desktop Can't Connect to the remote computer for one of these reason ....".

Possible cause

The computer that is used to remote desktop is blocking port 3391. Windows Firewall is blocking port 3391.

Diagnose: How to check the port is blocked by Windows Firewall

1. Check Window Firewall is ON. If not, check for any 3rd party firewall.
2. Check whether port 3391 is blocked by running telnet command from command prompt.
3. Command text => telnet LUCKY 3391 (Assume Computer name = LUCKY and port = 3391)
4.  If the port is blocked, you should see the screen below

Figure 3.0 Diagnose with Telnet

Solution: Add firewall port number exception (for Windows Firewall)

Steps

1. Add the port 3391 to your firewall exception rule. This will allow your computer to connect to port 3391.
2. Open Windows Firewall settings. This could be done by typing firewall.cpl into the command line. Click on Advance Settings.
3. Create an Outbound Rule on TCP port 3391. Name the rule and close the window

    

Figure 4.0 Firewall Exception

Further reference

How to connect to specific port using Remote Desktop

Buy Wireless USB Adapter for Windows 7

Scenario

My Netgear 54Mbps 802.11b/g usb wifi dongle has joined the broken list recently. I am aware that  Wireless PCI network card is a clear winner for desktop computer (compare to usb dongle). It uses less processor cycle and faster.

However, I opted for the Usb dongle instead. The reason is I have 2 desktop computers. I can swap it to another computer. Imagine unplugging the wireless PCI adapter card..... 

How do you know which Usb dongle works with Windows 7? Does it support 32 bits or 64?

Find out the answer from Microsoft official Windows 7 Certified Usb Wireless adapter Compatibility page.

The logo indicates:

"We focused on robust testing requirements to ensure optimal Windows 7 experience. Products that receive the Logo are checked for common issues to minimize the number of crashes, hangs, and reboots experienced by the user."

I end up buying the following from Amazon. Apparently many good reviews.

Edimax EW-7811Un Network adapter

What to consider when buying a new wireless USB adpater?

1. Security/Encryption

Avoid WEP as it's less secure wireless protocol (exists in the older version of wifi adapter). Look for WPA, WPA2/AES.

2. Network compatability (802.11a/b/g/n)

Does the dongle need to be backward compatible with specific 802.11b router? Or do you intend to use the dongle to connect to other 802.11x router? If you only have one 802.11n router, just get the dongle that support 802.11n.

3. Draft version
Watch out for 802.11n or  draft 802.11n. Avoid draft version by checking manufacture specification.

4. USB compatibility. USB1.0, 1.1, 2.0 or 3.0. 

Which version does your desktop computer supports?

5. Software set up. 

Does the dongle software allows you to save configuration profile?

6. Range. 

New usb dongle has MIMO technology that increase range, realiability and speed. Dearer indeed.

7. Issues. Check online forum whether it has overheating or battery draining issue (if use on old laptop).

I hope you find this post useful. :)

USB Pen Drive does not power off in Windows 7

Symptoms:

Isn't it annoying the USB Pen Drive power still on after you ejected the usb device successfully in Windows 7? This doesn't happen on Windows XP or Windows 2003. The USB drives are still drawing power from the laptop or desktop.

Cause:

This is work as design according to Microsoft Engineer known as SoftRemoval in Windows 7. The USB device is marked for removal but NOT disabled in Windows 7. When a USB hub is disabled, no further traffic is sent to the device.

Windows XP disabled the USB device when it's ejected. This powers down the USB port hub and the device.

Resolution (Windows 7):

1) Modify window registry (using regedit) to disabled all USB devices on eject
2) Modify windows registry to disabled usb hub port per device basis.

Instructions could be found on Microsoft KB 2401954.

Easy Steps:

I have followed the instructions above and power off all USB devices globally on my Windows 7. As the task includes using registry editor (regdit), it is only recommended for Advance user or if you know what you are doing.

 Figure 1.0 Added registry entry to shut down USB globally upon successful device eject

I have made things easier by creating the registry script below. So just run the registry file and off you go.

1) Download the registry script to a folder.

2) Rename the file from GlobalUsbDisabled.reg1 to GlobalUsbDisabled.reg. The reason is some antivirus might block file with extension reg.

3) Double click on the file and click ok to proceed. You should see the effect after next restart.

Windows 7 - Play more

Windows 7 new features

1. Problem Steps Recorder. This app records your screen actions. Type psr in Run command textbox. This is particularly useful for support to troubleshoot window issue
2. Attache vhd. Type diskmgmt.msc. Click on Action -> Attach VHD.
3. Switch display. [Window] key + P.
4. Calibrate display. Type dccw.
5. Virtual WI-FI. Turn your computer into a virtual router. Download it from http://virtualrouter.codeplex.com/
6. Resource Monitor. Type resmon. This is equivalent to WinXP Task Manager.
7. Activate God mode. All control panel settings in 1 place. Create a folder and rename the folder to .{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}. i.e. GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}.
8. Show Minimize, Maximize menu on running application. Press Ctrl+shift right-click on running application bar (bottom of the screen).
9. Navigate over task bar. [Window] key +T to rotate task bar apps.
10. Use 3M Note. Type StikyNot.exe.
11. Run as different user. Hold down Shift, right-click on shortcut. you will see Run as different user menu.
12. Open jumplist. Hold left mouse button on Task Bar and drag upwards.

Window 7 Ultimate Aero preview does not work

Windows 7 user can preview the actual window when they hover their mouse over the application bar (at the bottom of the window). This is known as the Aero effect.

Problem:
The user can only see a rectangular box (no preview). Is my installation faulty? No.

Cause:
The Aero effect is not turn on by default for Windows 7 Ultimate edition. It depends on a window service called Desktop Window Manager Session Manager. The service is set to manual for default installation.

Resolution:
Set the "Desktop Window Manager Session Manager" start mode to "Automatic".

Step-by-step:

1. Type services.exe into the Run textbox and press enter. This will open the window service listing.
2. Locate Desktop Window Manager Session Manager service and right click on "Properties"
3. Set the start mode to Automatic.
4. For instance effect, start the service.
5. Voila.