RDP: Set up a Monitor Span for Non-Windows 7 Enterprise/Ultimate End Points

In order to get true multi-monitor client connections going both ends need to be Windows 7 Enterprise and/or Ultimate. Or, when connecting to Remote Desktop Services the client needs to be one of those client OSs.

To get around that for all other client OSs we can do the following:

1. Set up an SSL VPN connection (or PPTP).
• Disable the Use Remote Gateway setting for IPv4 and IPv6.
2. Start –> type: MSTSC [Enter]
• Machine.Domain.Local
• Full Screen
• Redirect needed resources.
• Do not change Gateway settings from default.
3. Save As onto the desktop.
4. Right click RDP file and Open With…
• C:\Windows\notepad.exe
5. Add the following line to the RDP file:
• span monitors:i:1
6. Save the RDP file.
7. Open the VPN connection.
8. Double click on the RDP Desktop file.
9. Log on to the desktop machine.

Users will need to get used to all dialogue boxes saddling the two monitors since that is where the “middle” of the spanned setup is.

The local monitor pair must be side-by-side and the same resolution.

We tested running the RDP file with a Remote Desktop Gateway setting and it seemed to only connect one monitor.

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists
Co-Author: SBS 2008 Blueprint Book

*Our original iMac was stolen (previous blog post). We now have a new MacBook Pro courtesy of Vlad Mazek, owner of OWN.

Windows Live Writer