Troubleshoot mstsc /span from Windows XP to Windows Server 2008

Question

At work, I often use the "mstsc" command to use the Microsoft Terminal Services Client and remote to another machine. In my case, I'm using Windows XP (call this box 1) to connect to a Windows Server 2008 box (call this box 2). I'd like to be able to span RDP across multiple monitors using "mstsc /span", but this does not work for me. How can I troubleshoot or fix this? Often times people answer telling how it should work, but I'd prefer if you can describe how to troubleshoot my issue, or what to look for.

My investigation so far:

I read in the link below, that dual monitors is only possible when using RDP6. I'm assuming this has something to do with the graphics card. Does box 1 or box 2 need RDP6? And how would I check?

http://www.sevenforums.com/network-sharing/20062-dual-monitor-rdp-xp-computer.html

EDIT #1:

After downloading the *.exe file from below, I got this message:

Post Mortem Note: I used Google Chrome, not Internet Explorer to click the link.

enter image description here

So then I downloaded this:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=20888

EDIT #2:

After clicking the link in Internet Explorer, I get this after clicking "Install".

Post Mortem Note: I had Internet Explorer still open from the previous install to download Windows Genuine Advantage. Apparently, you must close the Internet Explorer browser and click the original link again. Then you won't get the Windows exception throwing this dialog.

enter image description here

EDIT #3:

enter image description here

Apparently I had this update already.

enter image description here

Followed these instructions: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_xp-windows_install/this-version-microsoft-genuine-advantage-no-longer/0fb38aef-17c8-40e2-b98d-9b77451b5c78 — JustBeingHelpful, Oct 14 '13 at 18:37

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Oct 14 '13 at 16:55

2

You need an update, as such: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=21075

This will install the required version of remote desktop.

And this link from Microsoft explains the update in more detail.

answered Oct 14 '13 at 16:55

Nathan C

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Okay, I had to click that link using Internet Explorer. Using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox doesn't work and gives the dialog in my EDIT #1 telling me that I need to validate Windows. However, even when clicking it in IE, I get the screen shot in my second EDIT. – JustBeingHelpful Oct 14 '13 at 19:35
I had to close all IE browsers in Windows XP after it installed Windows Genuine Advantage. Otherwise it'll throw the debug dialog in EDIT #2. Now I get the actual download. See EDIT #3 for those screen shots. – JustBeingHelpful Oct 14 '13 at 19:41
any other ideas? – JustBeingHelpful Oct 14 '13 at 21:37
Hmm...I got nothing unfortunately. – Nathan C Oct 15 '13 at 00:24
1

@MacGyver Oh, are both monitors the exact same resolution? That's a mentioned requirement. – Nathan C Oct 15 '13 at 18:07
Currently, they are not. I can test that when I can get a different monitor at work. – JustBeingHelpful Oct 15 '13 at 23:58
1

Now I have two large monitors with the same resolution. Your plan worked!! – JustBeingHelpful Oct 17 '13 at 19:11

Troubleshoot mstsc /span from Windows XP to Windows Server 2008

EDIT #1:

EDIT #2:

EDIT #3:

1 Answers1