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Enabling Multiple Remote Desktop Sessions in Windows XP Professional and Media Center Edition 2005

If you have ever used a real remote computer system like Citrix, then you have probably been craving multiple Remote Desktop sessions since you first fired up Windows XP Professional and/or Media Center Edition. Here is a HACK (translated: USE AT YOUR OWN RISK), to enable multiple Remote Desktop sessions on your XP Pro or MCE 2005 box:

NOTE: You will have to have knowledge of the Windows operating system and more specifically the Windows Registry. If you have no experience with the registry, then I would recommend you find someone who does or leave these alone. I do not make any kind of warranty that this will work for you or your friends. This is provided for entertainment purposes only. Don’t call me if your computer stops working. Got it?

  1. Print these directions so that you have them to work from.
  2. Restart your computer in Safe Mode - Follow this link to learn how to restart Windows XP in Safe Mode
  3. Turn off/disable Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) and Terminal Services
  1. Right click My Computer
  2. Select Properties
  3. Click on the Remote tab at the top of the window
  4. UNCHECK the box next to, “Allow users to connect remotely to this computer
  5. Click OK
  6. Go to Start -> Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Services
  7. Find Terminal Services in the list
  8. Right click on Terminal Services and click Properties
  9. In the Startup Type box, select Disabled
  10. Click OK to close the window
  • Next you will replace the current version of the Terminal Services DLL (termsrv.dll) with an unrestricted version from a previous release of Terminal Services.
    1. Here is a copy of the Terminal Services DLL - Save it to your Desktop or other suitable location
    2. Using a file manager like Windows Explorer open C:\Windows\system32\dllcache
    3. Rename the file termsrv.dll to termsrv_dll.bak or whatever you would like.
    4. Copy the downloaded termsrv.dll file (the one you just downloaded from the web) to C:\Windows\system32\dllcache
    5. Open the C:\Windows\system32 folder
    6. Delete the file termsrv.dll in C:\Windows\system32
  • Now we can edit the Windows Registry to enable more than one RDP connection. Go to Start -> Run and type regedit - Hopefully you knew that already
  • Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\Licensing Core
  • Add a DWORD Key named EnableConcurrentSessions and give it a value of 1
  • Close the Registry Editor window
  • Go to Start -> Run and type gpedit.msc to run the Group Policy Editor
  • Browse to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Terminal Services and double click Limit number of connections
  • Select the Enabled button and enter the number of connections you would like to enable….at least 2.
  • Restart Windows
  • Right click My Computer and select Properties.
  • Click on the Remote tab at the top of the window
  • CHECK the box next to, “Allow users to connect remotely to this computer
  • Click OK
  • Go to Start -> Control Panel ->Administrative Tools -> Services. Select Terminal Services from the list and double click it or right-click -> Properties. Set the Startup Type to Manual.
  • Restart Windows/Computer
  • You should be good to go.

    66 Responses to “Enabling Multiple Remote Desktop Sessions in Windows XP Professional and Media Center Edition 2005”

    1. Kiro Says:

      This worked perfectly for me - now i can update programs, run messanger, and do other activities on my media center machine without bothing those that are watching tv.

    2. mrlink Says:

      Tried this and it works awsome, though it will only allow 3 concurrent connections even though 12 connections are set in group policy. :(

      Anyone know of how to get 4 - 11 connections simultaneously?

    3. Matthew Says:

      I thought this was something different….I was able to use Remote Desktop before all of these “hacks.” What I thought it was going to do would be to allow me to watch tv or something over a remote desktop connection. Alas it failed, I’m not sure what all of the above hacks are supposed to do.

    4. Jason Golod Says:

      Matthew, as far as I know, you cannnot watch television via a RDP connection.This hack allows you to have up to 3 RDP connections to your MCE box basically allowing you to log in to it while watching television on it locally.

    5. Glenn M Dunn Says:

      Great solution. Works just as expected!

      THANK YOU!

    6. Vchat20 Says:

      Worked like a charm. although I ran into a slight problem but which was easily cured. you didnt mention anything about copying the new dll to the system32 directory so i just deleted the old dll, did the reg and gpedit changes, then restarted. RDC didnt want to connect. long story short I had to manually copy the new dll to the system32 directory and manually start up the terminal services service. Beyond that it works just like it should. Thanks for an awesome tut!

    7. freeman Says:

      do i really need to reboot to safe mode or it’s ok to kill svchost, disable shutdown and copy dll?

    8. john Says:

      how do we know that this file isnt hacked or something? I’m not saying it is, but does this file exist in server 2003 or somewhere on MS site? I would rather get this file from MS directly or from an installation of a MS product.

    9. Jason Golod Says:

      John, you don’t. I don’t make any warranty about the file. I have used it and if you think that is good enough than go for it. I am getting married in 16 days, so I really don’t have time to track the file down for you. Good luck.

    10. Dexn Says:

      John: No, it’s not the Server 2003 DLL (which, doesn’t work). I believe it’s a earlier version of the file from XPSP2 RC2 or something like that.

      There are a few other alternatives out there, I personally opted for “TerminalserverNoRestrPatch” by AntiWPA (dot) org (dot) ru which worked flawlessly for me, and did it automatically. I tested it and got up to 5 concurrent users - didn’t think I’d need more than that ;-)

    11. paul Says:

      Great hack, exactly what I needed now I can listen to different music in different rooms without having to copy the database everywhere

    12. Mr_Kill Says:

      Basically what this does is run a RDP Server in the background. The reason you can only have 3 connections is that’s the maximum allowed without buying a RDP Server License. It’s a sweet hack…so thanks for the info bro! I am gonna use it at home so I can RDP in from work and not kick the fiance off when she’s at home. :) Thanks again.
      Steve

    13. SelfMan Says:

      You should be carefull…
      The TerminalserverNoRestrPatch contains a trojan - Win32/Agent.JH

    14. Steve Says:

      I’m having trouble restarting TermServ. I get an Error 126: Module could not be found. This is when i try to manually start it in services after noticing a failure to connect after the reboot.

      Steve

    15. Hendra Says:

      The “HACK” not working for my Windows, i have try to connect from others terminal and Local Session was closed as same as before i use Remote Desktop Service, I am using Windows XP Profesional + SP2 + Recent Update.

    16. Mark Horton Says:

      I do not have a C:\Windows\system32\dllcache directory. Am I supposed to create this directory? I have enable visibility on all hidden folders

    17. Horia Says:

      I have a question .. I know this is about windows XP (used this info and worked great), but i need to increase the no. of concurent connections on a Windows 2003 Server (there are only 2+1 - i kinda need around 10 connections). Is there possible to do this ?!

      Thanks

    18. Dz Says:

      Horia — installing terminal services on Windows 2003 (through add/remove programs >>> windows components) allows you to have more than 2 concurrent remote users…

    19. Tamer Says:

      I don’t have the “DLLcache Folder” either, what should I do?

    20. Mark Says:

      I was thinking about buying some winterms used. I saw some for $19.00 on surplus computers, and setting them up in the house using this hack to make myPC a server. I am considering this because I have 4 kids at home all on line with various old PC and different OSs. It’s a maintenance nightmare for Dad. This would allow me to do all maint.and control on one box. Do you think it will work? ..Thanks

    21. Jason Golod Says:

      XP is pretty resource intensive. I don’t think some “old surplus” PCs will run it very well.

    22. Deni Says:

      Is it possible to disconnect a remote desktop connection of a remote host from another computer?
      Because there’s a PC in my network using 2003 servet that is allowing multiple user RDC simultaneously, and some guys were using it but forgot to logOFF before closing the RDC.
      Thanks.

    23. Jason Golod Says:

      Yes, if you have administrator priviledges.

    24. Chev Says:

      If you are looking for the dllcache folder, not only do you have to be able to view hidden files, you have to be able to view system files…two different settings.

      Tools –> Folder Options –> View Tab –> Uncheck the box for hide protected operating system files.

      That should do it.

    25. Vijay Says:

      hello evebdy …pls tell me
      1). how can allow login remotely access xp with limited account (user).
      2).concurrent access in more easy way.

    26. almond_eyes Says:

      sorry but i can’t find the dllcache folder on my winXP SP2…. i tried searching the entire system directory but didn’t find it.. i have the option show hidden files checked..
      how can i find it?

    27. khoadn Says:

      C:\Windows\system32\dllcache is System directory of Windows, To see it, You uncheck “Hide protected operating system files” in “Explore\Tools\Folder Options\View”. Good luck to you.

    28. almond_eyes Says:

      sorry mate.. but now i can’t find the termsrv.dll in the dllcache folder so i can rename it or delete it as stated above!!

    29. almond_eyes Says:

      by the way.. i’ve already installed the remote desktop terminal service on my pc and can remotely login to it!!

    30. AGP Says:

      hmm, is there a “Terminal Services Manager” likes one in w2003 in XP pro? or any 3rd party apps can do that? or anyway to copy it from w2003?
      ty in advance

    31. Jason Golod Says:

      AGP, MCE2005 is XP Pro…just with a fancy cover.

    32. KenCarnivorous Says:

      I’m responding to the questionable origin of the termsrv.dll file. It does appear to be from WinXP SP2 Beta. This info is in the file.

      File Ver: 5.1.2600.2055 (xpsp_sp2_beta1.031215-1745)

      If you’re that worried, run it in an intance of Virtual PC first.

    33. Wayne Says:

      I am using Windows XP Pro SP1, but it seems not working for SP1. Anyone confirm it’s working for SP1?

    34. Andrew Says:

      Notes for this fix:

      -It will NOT work with SP1 ever.
      -You must use a DIFFERENT user to log in with
      -The DLLCache folder is an optional stage, if the file isn’t there then don’t worry. If it is then delete it.
      -The DLLCache folder is hidden, you need to “Show hidden and system files”

      Hope this helps.

    35. Tobbe Says:

      GREAT! This is absolutely great! A bit overflowing instructions though, I just killed all svchost.exe and ran shutdown -a
      ;-p

    36. Joe Says:

      I have my MCE2005 machine connected to my home theater. When I log in from an otheer computer via remote desktop the local computer/user ( the one connected to the home theater) will log out. Will this hack keep the machine loged in?

    37. Jason Golod Says:

      That is why I use it

    38. Don Grybb Says:

      Jason-

      I don’t know if you can help but here goes. Back in April I had a bug and in order to get my computer to respond I had to reformat my HD. It is a Dell 5100 that came with Media Center Edition 2005. I never received a backup disc for this program. I called Dell and they sent me a Reinstallation DVD /Winows XP Media Center Edition 2005 with update. Upon installing nowhere does it ask if I want to add or not add MCE. So it was never installed. I have tried PC Restore at the Del logo page (Cntrl-F12) but this file is history. My question to you is: How do I get this program on my computer? Do I do it manually? Is there a separate DVD just for MCE 2005?

      So far Dell has been no help for the last 4 months.

      Many Thanks

    39. Sam Says:

      Will this work with a XP Pro system that is a domain member, or Workgroup member only?

    40. john Says:

      will m$ sue my enterprise if i do this?

    41. China Says:

      Is it a requirement to have fast user switching enabled?

    42. Hamish Says:

      John, if your question is “is this legal?”, the answer is “no”. MS Licensing allows an XP machine to be used by 1 user at a time, if you require multiple users, you should purchase the server edition, and install Terminal Services if you require more than 2 connections (excluding console access). If the question is “will they sue”, I doubt they could be bothered.

    43. Jeremy Says:

      Every time I replace this file, it ends up not working, and the version of the file after the reboot is 5.1.2600.2180. Its almost like something on the computer is taking the file I copy to it from above, version 5.1.2600.2055 and updating it every time it reboots. Its also deleting the copy I saved to the desktop of the machine. Could this be Norton Antivirus detecing that the file has changed and changing it, or system restore doing it or something? I am pretty much confused. I download 1 version, replace the file, and then it just goes right back. Whats interesting is the .2180 file isnt the same version as the original, it was even newer.

    44. ED BAD Says:

      I m using a XP pro SP2, in a domain. and i have followed the above procedure but i am unable to start more than one sessions(ofcourse with different user). are there any setting other than mentioned.

    45. Daryl Says:

      Jeremy -> This is normal behaviour you are seeing with these windows system files being automatically replaced. The feature is known as Windows File Protection, designed to protect important system files. c:\windows\system32\dllcache is this “backup” copy of the original system files. If the OS detects one of the protected system files has been modified or deleted, it replaces the file automatically with the original.
      How to fix? My guess would be to replace the one in the dllcache with the new file, then delete the original and let WFP replace the deleted file with the new one you put in dllcache.

    46. reaper Says:

      ED, i have heard that this hack requires fast user switching to be enabled. this is a problem since having your computer on the domain forces you to have fast user switching turned off. you might get lucky with what dexn said though

      “TerminalserverNoRestrPatch” by AntiWPA (dot) org (dot) ru

    47. ausidude Says:

      Is any one know how to enable 4 - 11 connections simultaneously?

    48. David Says:

      This worked for me but not exactly what I wanted. I have a PC with a all-in-wonder video card hooked to the TV. I wanted to be able to remote to that PC with my laptop without killing the display. This hack is a different user. I need to be the same user. I can use VNC to do this but it’s not near as good as a .RDP Anybody know if this is possible? My end goal is to be able to play vid’s and whatnot on the TV while seeing what I’m doing on my laptop. TV is too blurry as the only monitor.

    49. pratap Says:

      Let me try this …

    50. Jason Golod Says:

      you can’t watch videos via an RDP connection as far as I know. Why not just get something like a MCE extender box or extender to watch it on a tv…or connect the tv as another monitor?

    51. TeraVilen Says:

      Followed the instructions … Tried to RDC to no avail.

      I then proceed to try to manually start TermServ service only to get:
      Error 126: Module could not be found.

      Please advise what I need to do next …

      Thanks,
      Teravilen

    52. Dan Says:

      Will Microsoft’s Automatic Updates reverse our changes and replace the “hacked” termsrv.dll file with the original one?

      Also, what are the risks we give our computer by doing this. Such as security risks and maybe the possibility of computer errors?

    53. .Net Software Developer Says:

      Above article work perfectly with RDP services. please keep righting. Thank you,

      Jim
      http://www.tatvasoft.com

    54. Mark Says:

      Will someone please answer the question about fast user switching and using this hack on a domain computer?

      Has anyone got this to work on a domain computer?

      It did not work for me (the righ DLL is being used, but multiple sessions are not working).

    55. mikaela6 Says:

      Know how this will work for Windows Server 2003? or does someone have the tech doc on it… thanks!

    56. Little Poppet Says:

      Great hack but….. i’m using a DOMAIN connected computer (fast switching issue) !!!!!!!!! I see that there are those here that speak of “TerminalserverNoRestrPatch” by AntiWPA”.
      I can’t find this anywhere on the internet. Anyone knows where to get it or something like it (at it’s cost), can you email it or post it to me.
      I need this more than i need my teeth.
      O.k., let me know

      Li’ Poppet

    57. Kel_Sceptic Says:

      Hope this will work for you guys like it worked for me. Flawless Victory !
      P.S: i never keep my windows update ON.

      # Rob Eberhardt Says:
      April 25th, 2006 at 4:30 am

      There’s a MUCH easier way to do this. Try Sala’s Terminal Server patch: http://sala.pri.ee/?page_id=11

      I’ve done the manual way, but his patch makes it a cinch (single reboot).

    58. Lewis Says:

      So I have this hack working on my xp pro machine. I can have many Remote Desktop Connections at once.

      The machine I have this hack on is a “server” machine. There is no moniter hooked up to it. What I’m trying to do is have a “console” user which is always logged in, to have a couple of applications which need to be always on run on that user.

      Once in a while I need to login and check on that user, just to see if there are any messages from the applications running on that user.

      I’m trying to use the “shaddow #” command, which requires you know the terminal ID of the user.

      I have a 2003 server machine which has this fantastic application called “terminal services manager” installed on it.

      Has anyone managed to get terminal services installed on an XP Prof. machine? or is it simply not possible?

      thanks for your help.

    59. Efi Says:

      It is known that it WONT work on a machine part of a domain;

      A patched termsvr.dll (not an old one the sp2 dll but patched) that allows any amount of users can be found at ftp://efraim.homeftp.net
      user termsvr

    60. john Says:

      The link don’t work. Any mirror?

    61. adam Says:

      Re: console login

      Create a shortcut to the following

      %SystemRoot%\System32\mstsc.exe /console

      This runs remote desktop and connects to the console.

      To do CTRL-ALT-DEL use CTRL-ALT-END instead.

    62. joe Says:

      Jason, I’m running xp pro sp2. Was trying to follow the steps you gave but somehow my box doesn’t have the directory C:\Windows\system32\dllcache. If I create it manually would it still work? Thanks

    63. Drugs Says:

      I tried this method on Windows Vista Ultimate 6.0 Build 5600 and after replacing the DLL the service will not start and gives this error:
      “Error 1314: A required priveledge is not held by the client.”
      After reverting back to the Vista DLL, it works again, but is still limited to 1 user at a time.
      I am going to try and get my hands on the Windows 2003 Server DLL and I’ll post here again whether that worked or not.
      By the way, in Vista you need to change the permissions and owner on the DLL before you will be able to change it. The original owner is “TrustedInstaller” and you won’t be able to do anything to it.

    64. Drugs Says:

      Well I just tried with termsrv.dll from Windows 2003 Server and it gives the same error “Error 1314: A required priveledge is not held by the client.” when starting the service. So I guess I’ll have to patch the Vista’s version… (Or maybe try a Vista Business edition termsrv.dll?)

    65. Alex Says:

      do you know this software?

      http://www.xpunlimited.com

      The trial has 3 conn max for free!

    66. Cliff Says:

      TeraVilen, “Error 126: Module could not be found.” means that you need to copy the DLL into /windows/system32/ because for some reason it wasn’t copied from /system32/dllcache/ to /system32/ by Windows upon the restart. Copying it there should get rid of the error.

      Also ensure you have fast user switching enabled. With that, this worked for me.

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