The Remote Desktop Connection (RDC or mstsc) is a powerful feature that enables users to connect and control another computer from a different location via a network. However, users might encounter various issues that prevent the enabling of remote desktop connections, one of which is the prompt of an “internal error”. Faced with such a problem, many users may feel confused and helpless. This article will provide a series of steps to help users resolve the internal errors related to remote desktop connections.

Check Network Connection

First, confirming the network connection is the initial step in solving issues related to remote desktop connections. A simple and effective method is to use the ping command to test whether the target computer can respond. If the ping fails, it might be necessary to check the network settings and firewall configurations.

Remote Desktop Settings

With the network connection being correct, checking the settings of the remote desktop is also crucial. Users should follow these steps:

  1. Right-click “This PC” and select “Properties”.
  2. Select “Remote settings” from the left-hand menu.
  3. Ensure that both “Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer” and “Allow remote connections to this computer” are checked.

If these options are not checked, check them and save the changes. If they are already checked, further examination of the firewall settings is necessary.

Firewall Settings

The firewall is an essential tool for protecting the computer from network attacks, but sometimes it can also prevent remote desktop connections. Users should check the firewall settings by following these steps:

  1. To adjust firewall settings, open “Control Panel” and select “Windows Firewall”.
  2. Choose “Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall” from the left-hand menu.
  3. Ensure that the “Remote Desktop” option is checked.

If it is not checked, check it and save the changes.

Remote Desktop Connection Parameters

The correctness of remote desktop connection parameters is also key to a successful connection. Users should ensure that the IP address or computer name of the target computer they have inputted is correct. This can be verified through the following steps:

  1. Open “Remote Desktop Connection”.
  2. Enter the correct IP address or computer name in the “Computer” field.
  3. Click “Connect”.

If the connection fails, check whether the inputted IP address or computer name is incorrect.

User Permissions

When attempting to connect via remote desktop, it is also necessary to ensure that you have sufficient user permissions. Follow these steps:

  1. Open “Computer Management” on the target computer.
  2. Select “Local Users and Groups”.
  3. Double-click on the “Remote Desktop Users” group and ensure that the user account has been added to this group.

If the user account has not been added, it needs to be included. Also, check whether the username and password inputted are correct.

Remote Desktop Services

The status of remote desktop services can also affect the connection. Please check the service status by following these steps:

  1. Open the “Services” window.
  2. Find and double-click “Remote Desktop Services”.
  3. Ensure that the “Startup type” is set to “Automatic” and that the “Service status” is “Running”.

If the service is not running, try to start it.

Check for Other Issues

If the problem cannot be resolved after following the above steps, other possible causes such as antivirus software settings, hardware failures, or software conflicts should be considered. If the problem still cannot be solved, it is recommended to contact the server operator’s technical support or seek help from professional IT technicians.

Reset Remote Desktop Licenses

Sometimes, especially in virtual environments, there may be issues with remote desktop licenses. Users can try to reset the licenses:

  1. Type `regedit` in the “Run” dialog box to open the Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\MSLicensing`.
  3. Delete the entire `MSLicensing` key and its subkeys.
  4. Restart the computer and try connecting again.

Updates and Patches

Keeping the operating system and remote desktop client updated is very important. Sometimes, Microsoft releases updates and patches specifically for remote desktop services. Regularly checking for and installing these updates can help resolve some known issues.

Use System Restore

If the remote desktop connection was working normally before using a system restore point, then it’s possible that some recent changes have caused the internal error. Using system restore to go back to a previous state may resolve the issue.