Concurrent Remote Desktop Patch

[Karlin High]

Remote Desktop is my favorite selling point of Windows Pro-versions. I just wish Home versions could also allow incoming RDP connections, and that more than one session could be used simultaneously. (Like Terminal Server or Citrix, I guess.) Recently I discovered a patch that allows both those things:

http://experts.windows.com/frms/windows_entertainment_and_connected_home/f/114/t/79427.aspx

My first reaction was, "This has just GOT to violate an End User License Agreement somehow." But, this patch is found on what appears to be one of Microsoft's own forums! On a thread spanning 3 years and 32 pages, no less. Surely they'd take it down if they didn't like it.

So far, I'm impressed with how the patch works. It's one small executable file, with basically just "install patch" and "remove patch" options. It did make my computer no longer pass the "SFC /SCANNOW" command, although it did pass again after removing the patch. After installing the patch on a computer, I can remote into it and do anything I want to do without casing a forced logoff for an existing user. However, some programs (like QuickBooks) can still only be used in one session; they just say "already running on this workstation." But, I can bring up Task Manager and switch between sessions on the Users tab, so if the program I want is already running, I can switch to its session and either use it there or close it so I can start it in another session.

Has anyone else ever tried this out?

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

That "termsrv.dll" hack has been around for years, going back to the XP days and maybe earlier to 2K.

It does violate Microsofts licensing...the desktop OS is licensed for 1x console session....be it local console (literally in front of keyboard/monitor), or remote console (mstsc).

Why they aren't more active in keeping it from being mentioned in forums...I dunno, probably because it barely works but just a handful of people and applications.

It usually gets overwritten each time a service pack is released and installed.

It's not supported by Microsoft, nor by other software vendors. Thus..when our biz clients need a terminal server, we'll follow the proper approach and use a terminal server that is properly licensed.