Remote Desktop Printer Troubleshooting

With the Remote Desktop application, included with the Windows XP operating system, you can remotely control the desktop of a PC computer. In addition, Remote Desktop allows you to route documents from a remote computer to a printer connected to your home network. To be able to troubleshoot issues with Remote Desktop printing, you must have an administrator account on both the local and remote systems.

Enabling Remote Desktop

1. When you experience trouble printing with Remote Desktop, the first thing to do is ensure that Remote Desktop has been properly turned on with the system you are trying to connect to. Log on to the computer with an account that has administrative privileges. Open Start > My Computer > Properties > Remote > Remote Desktop. Check the box next to "Allow Users to Connect Remotely to This Computer." Press "Apply" to save the changes. Remote Desktop has now been properly enabled on the computer.

Configuring the Firewall

2. If Remote Desktop has been enabled on a computer but you are still having difficulty printing through the remote interface, you should also check the Windows Firewall configuration on the remote system. If another administrator has placed a firewall block on remote functions of the computer, it may prevent you from printing documents. To check the firewall settings, open Start > Control Panel > Windows Firewall > Exceptions. Make sure the box next to "Remote Desktop" is checked off, signifying that the firewall on the computer is not blocking remote functions. Then click "OK," and close the window.

Allowing Printer Access

3. If you can successfully connect to a remote computer but cannot route documents to your own printer, then you may need to allow printer connections through the Remote Desktop application. Launch the program by clicking Start > All Programs > Accessories > Communications > Remote Desktop Connection > Options. When you go to the "Local Resources" tab, you will see a section of settings concerning local devices and resources. In that area, make sure that the "Printers" box is checked off. Begin a new Remote Desktop connection and send a document to your local printer.