Thursday, December 24, 2009

Enable 24 bit color in RDP for XP or 2003 Server

Enable 24 bit color in RDP for XP or 2003 Server

The default color resolution for RDP sessions is limited to 16 bits. This color depth is set on the remote computer and not on the connecting computer. There is an easy fix for this that will enable 24 bit true color for RDP connections. Connect to the remote computer then:
  • Go to Start -> Run.
  • Type in gpedit.msc and click on OK to run the program.
  • In the window that opens’ left panel, go to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Terminal Services.
  • On the right-hand panel, find the setting that says Limit maximum color depth and double-click it.
  • In the dialog box that pops up, select Enabled from the radio buttons as shown in the image.
  • In the combo box, select “24 bit” or “Client compatable“.
  • Click OK.
After you have completed these steps reconnect to the remote computer. These steps work on both XP and Windwos 2003 server. Windows 2003 server can also include Microsoft Terminal Server.

Microsoft Terminal Server

(Windows RDS - Remote Desktop Service on Windows 2008 R2)


On Windows server, RDP or RDS (Remote Desktop Services), also permits remote access connectivity by clinets running any version of the remote desktop connection client. The remote desktop connection client used to be called terminal services client and remote desktop protocol client. Older RDP client used to have a color limitation but the newer later RDC client (remote desktop connection) does not have that limitation but the color depth can be adjusted to the user's preference.



5 comments:

David Masters (Computer and Server Support Tech) said...

Thank you. Good images to work from too. With them I was able to setup my remote desktop connection for more than 16 bits of colors. Now everything on looks better during the RDP session. Much less eye strain too.

Seo Jong Do said...

follow me please

http://seojongdo.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...


Remote desktop has evolved and has been developed to be an interesting competitor to Citrix for published applications and streaming desktops. Citrix is undoubtedly the leader in streaming desktops and published applications over the web and on corporate networks. The number of Micriosoft RDS servers have in creased in deployment for web based published application delivery. The equivalent to published applications is RemoteApps in RDS. Although still one of the main uses of RDS and RDP is for administration and support of servers. Myself and colleagues use RDP and RDS to connect to server for providing daily and routine technical support functions. Tech-support through RDS has one drawback however, That drawback is when using Microsoft RDP to connect to users computers such as the professional and enterprise editions of windows m the user cannot see what is occurring n their desktops. It is not desktop sharing. RDP and desktop sharing applications have a commonality between them and that is the fact they both cane remote control the computer. Desktop remote control is inherent and available in both applications for support but screen sharing includes remote control and sharing of the screen , keyboard and mouse with the remote user. So as for a support tool, RDP is a wonderful tool but for providing technical support to users, it is a very useful tool but second to full remote control with sharing desktops screens with the user. Both RDS / Microsoft RDP and other computer remote control applications with desktop sharing and access capabilities are invaluable for technical support. Both can work on a local network and over the web through web based functionality usually initiated from a click on a web site. Web downloads and the technology to run them including the security to protect users has also advanced.
Software for web based desktop support however has a singular feature of providing desktop sharing online remote computer control for support. RDP/RDS has as its main goal remote access to a server or desktop to operate productivity applications such as Microsoft Office and other common apps used for business. Software for web based desktop support permits both support and access for using applications for productivity but is designed in most cased to be for providing technical support to users from remote locations. Web based access to computers is by far the most common method of support. The era of having large number of tech people on staff to enable a Information technology department to address multiple issues at the same time with a technician assigned for each in not possible. Desktop remote control is required to achieve a high turn-over rate of successful troubleshooting and problem resolution. With managed services companies acquiring many small business IT task and server support issues, they rely on web based software for desktop support. Server support is also included and potential the leading reason why many small businesses have increased the use of services from manage IT support service companies. These companies provide support through the internet. They cannot employ enough field staff to address all their customer's issues. They use web based software for support to access computers at multiple companies and locations simultaneously. This permits one tech-support staff member to access many computers at once or consecutively quickly. RDP is used by many computer and server support organizations especially when providing server support. Desktop support however is best served by software for web based desktop support.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the blog post about Outlook address book updates.

2cents said...

You're welcome David Masters.