Topic: using VNC over a router

[MattD]

I have a wireless/wired setup at home and want to use my laptop (wireless) to access my desktop (wired) so that I can get rid of the desktop monitor. The desktop is running WinVNC as a service and is properly configured as far as I can tell.

I can ping the desktop and see shared files on it from the laptop, but I cannot figure out how to get into VNC. I tried forwarding all the ports VNC uses (I think I sent 5800-6000) to the desktop IP, but still no dice. Since the network is set up properly, there's something about VNC or the ports it uses that I'm having trouble with.

Any ideas?

[Nick in Edinboro]

Any firewalls on either machines?

The ports needed depend on the application and default settings but in general:
 - The VNC protocol will run on 59xx where xx is the display #, generally 00, so 5900
 - There is a internal small web server VNC uses for using the java view that runs on 58xx
 - If you have a viewer listening for a connection from a server it will come over on 5500

Check your router logs for odd messages, check your system event viewer on both boxes to see if your getting any wierd messages, check your firewall logs for any activity...

Are they both Windows boxes?  Can you terminal service in at all?

[dklein]

are you using the local ip?  If you're pinging from the outside, it's just the router responding.  The router firewall probably won't let you connect using an external ip as it will think there's spoofing going on.

Try connecting using the 192.168.x.x address on the pc with the server.  If you're not sure what the address is, go to a command prompt (run, "cmd") and then type "ipconfig" and grab the address.

[nic]

Matt, I'm assuming you've tried connecting to the desktop from inside your network, and it still didnt work?
we use TightVNC and it works flawlessly...no configuration needed.

[MattD]

I'll have to try that client. And yes, I'm speaking of inside the network ... in fact, that's how I want to use it - use the laptop like a remote control. Maybe bluetooth is in my future instead.

[John Kelly]

Matt if you're having problems I could stop by and take a look.  I've done this plenty of times.

[Cooker]

winXP boxes? use remote desktop connection instead.

i've had problems getting vnc to work in my house too. shame because i really want to put both the linux and xp desktops in the closet.

[MattD]

They're 2k boxes ... I'm going to try Nick's suggestion of using another client and also making sure that entire 5500-6000 range of ports are open. John, you should come over anyway

[John Kelly]

They're 2k boxes ... I'm going to try Nick's suggestion of using another client and also making sure that entire 5500-6000 range of ports are open. John, you should come over anyway

Well I'm heading down to CVille today, but I'll give ya a call when I get back in town tomorrow.