A Tip From Kinetic Computer Services ...

Your attempt to make a Remote Desktop connection sticks on a Log On to Windows window with a gray background

Description of the Problem

You are attempting to connect to a Windows 2003 server via Remote Desktop. You receive a logon window titled "Log On to Windows" against a gray background, but there is nowhere for you to enter your user ID or password, and there are no buttons. You can minimize, move, and close the remote desktop window, but otherwise, you are stuck. After a minute or a few minutes, the remote desktop window closes on its own, with an error message.

You are able to connect to the same server via Remote Desktop from another computer, and you are able to make Remote Desktop connections to other servers from the same computer.

Cause

The terminal server has a hung session, and it is attempting to log your computer on to that session every time it attempts to connect.

Solution

The solution requires administrative access to the server. For a workaround that does not require server access, read the section titled "Workaround", below.

When the user is stuck at the gray logon screen, open Terminal Services Manager. Open the Sessions tab. Look for a session that is in a Connecting state. Right click on that session and choose Reset.

Workaround

If you do not have administrative access to the server, you can still log on by starting a second Remote Desktop connection. When you get to the stuck connection, simply minimize the Remote Desktop window (do not close it), then launch a second Remote Desktop connection to the same server. The second connection should work normally.

This tip is a free service of Kinetic Computer Services - professional network consultants serving the Houston area since 1998.

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