Hello all
Background (what I am trying to do).
I am using Microsoft remote desktop and it works well on the local network.
I use No-IP to establish connections in bound to the computers I need over the Internet. This works well with the proper port forwarding. However I am unable to use static IP addressing on the computers because they move around to different networks (I have 2 main networks but I am not admin on second one).
Description of problem.
So I installed Norton VPN and this works except for one minor problem.
When I try to connect to the remote computer I get this message “connection refused because a previous connection is in use.”.
This does not happen with VPN shut off.
Any ideas are accepted.
Thanks for the post back.
SA
Hi
This is quick reply I am on site so here goes.
All 4 computers can use the RDP when on the same network regardless of the network. Version MiFi, customers network or my home network.
Just to let you know.
The rest I will have to see about how to used that type of setup.
John P SR
RPD the remote devices you can manage first. Use the Windows built-in VPN on all the machines. Try the VPN access via Windows first and establish a common link, see if that can be shared at your level with ALL the remote devices. I believe you had said you are not admin on one of the devices and that network. That admin should, if running Windows Server or otherwise, should work with you to configure access. Their best practices would be NLA connections managed at their network level under their policies. You will be utilizing their security rules at their network levels.
The specific problems that arise with a VPN AND, RPD, is that a VPN allows you access to a network. RDP allows access to a specific computer or computers, RDP offers a higher level of security and encryption. NLA if it can be utilized is suggested.
SA
Thanks for your help
This forum software is so unlike the forums I am use to that I was unable to locate my first post.
Near as I can tell the Microsoft RD doesn’t provide for changing the port and the port is commonly opened for use of the program so scammers bounce their inquires at that port as well as the common FTP ports etc.
I don’t have access to the firewall of the remote site so I am unable to use the RDP in bound to that computer and because of the DHCP server I have to use I can’t assignee a static IP to the others.
For the record I own all computers concerned I am not using a company computer for my personal business.
I am a consultant that manages fleets of equipment including aircraft.
The ideal situation would be to establish VPN network so I could use one computer as an end point and map the drive to the other 3.
The problem is my IT training stopped about 30 years ago and I know nothing about VPN.
It may be that what I am trying to do is not doable. LOL
Phil-P
John, we attempted to answer this or another similar issue another thread you posted here:
https://community.norton.com/en/forums/norton-secure-vpn-creates-error-using-microsft-remote-desktop
Do the remote devices have a rule for opening port 3339 set on their RDP?
The question was also suggested for NLA connections, is that possible from your side?
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/5490.configure-network-level-authentication-for-remote-desktop-services-connections.aspx
SA
Thanks for letting me know where it is I knew where it was on a reply.
Most of the time when I want to use the remote desktop the computers in question are on different networks about 45 miles apart.
I have used the split tunnel in the manner you have indicated. I still have to port forward thru the fire wall. This I can do at only one of the networks and then I keep getting notice from my security of repeated attempts to get on my network from multiple IP address.
This is unacceptable.
John P SR
Are the computers you are trying to connect on the same network or are they in remote locations?
You mention Split Tunnel. To use that feature of the VPN you have to add the .exe file for the remote desktop feature to the Split Tunnel settings. The file you need to add is mstsc.exe found at C:\Windows\System32\mstsc.exe
FYI When creating a new thread the edit button is at the top left of the post, instead of the line at the bottom of the post as it is for replies.
Unfortunately this forum software doesn’t allow you to edit after submitting the post.
That was supposed to read “the split tunnel system”
The problem is the “split Tunnel” just forwards the correct port thru my fire wall. This is not acceptable.
John. Have you considered NLA connections?
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/5490.configure-network-level-authentication-for-remote-desktop-services-connections.aspx
SA
As long as you only have one security product installed, the Norton VPN should have any conflicts.
It sounds like you are having issues connecting to computers not on the local network. Or is it both remote and local computers you are having difficulty with?
I'm just spit-balling here, but isn't RDP already using encryption? If so, the issue with Norton's VPN might be that it is trying to encrypt data that is already encrypted.
Maybe @SoulAsylum can add something to help out.
Unfortunately many years ago Noton cause the computers at that time to run so low it was just about useless. So I wound up using a different security program that has served me well.
I am planning on trying their VPN and see if that works it could just be a problem with a conflict between the two.
John P SR
Do you also have Norton 360 installed? If so you do not need the standalone Norton Secure VPN app. Sometimes having the two can cause conflicts that might explain the issue you are seeing.
Hi
I forgot to say I tried that and it didn't help.
In order to make this work I would have to go back to forwarding the port to everyone. I have all ready had my security system report inbound blocking of some traffic on that port while it is open. My security will pass my remote access request.
The only thing I have found so far is to uninstall the VPN just turning it off doesn’t work either.
John P SR
Do you need the VPN for this network connection? If not, what you can do is set up your program in the VPN Split Tunnel function. That will allow your program to bypass the VPN avoiding the blocking by your provider. In your Norton interface, click the down arrow to the right of the Turn on button for the VPN feature, and then click on Settings. Then click on Split Tunnel. Click on Add to add your program. You need to navigate to the .exe location for your program to add it to the Split Tunnel. It is found at C:\Program Files (x86)\your program , or C:\Program Files\your program . Scroll down there to find the .exe file.
