Solved Remote Desktop Connects once on Windows 8.1 then Restore

Sandra Leigh

New Member
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12
Good afternoon, All -

I am brand new to this forum, but have lurked for a while and gotten lots of great advice/help. Please be patient if I don't provide all of the information the first time. I have been trying to troubleshoot an issue for the last 5 days...I am at my wits end, so I decided to ask the experts! Here we go...Forgive me, it's a saga, and I think it's important to include as much information as I have. I'll do my mea culpa up front...I did NOT create a restore point before doing the upgrade (I know, shame on me).


About a week ago, I updated my Windows 8 laptop (a year-old Lenovo Ideapad) to Windows 8.1. At first, it appeared that the upgrade went flawlessly. After a couple of hours though, the crack started showing. I found two issues:

1. I could connect to the internet after a reboot, but if I didn't ACTIVELY continue working on the internet, the connection would die. The only way that I could get it to 'resume' was to reboot. I was using a wireless connection. Tried a wired connection with the same issue. No other machine on the network were experiencing the issue.

2. I use Remote Desktop EXTENSIVELY to connect to client machines. All connections work EXCEPT for one which uses an RD Gateway within the connection. That connection will appear to start connecting after I enter the credentials, then simply close. No error. No message. The RDP connection simply closes. I tried building the connection again from scratch. Same issue.

3. Meanwhile, I noticed that my email (via Outlook 2010) never stopped...THAT part of the internet connection remains 'solid'. Very odd.

No matter what troubleshooting I did, I couldn't solve the problem. So, I decided to see if it was Windows 8.1 or my machine.

I went out an purchased (albeit probably temporarily) a brand new Toshiba Satellite (L55-A5284) with Windows 8.1 ALREADY INSTALLED. No upgrade required. I turned on the machine, and did NOTHING ELSE, but create a Remote Desktop connection to my client. I was able to connect instantly. YEAH! Must be MY upgrade on the Lenovo, not Windows 8.1.

Then, things get REALLY weird (or weirder). I signed off of the client site (I mean, after all, I'd proven that it was my old machine and NOT Windows 8.1, hadn't I?). Almost as soon as I'd signed off and shut the computer off, I realized that I needed something from the client machine. Since it will take me a while to restore my Lenovo, I figured that I'd get work taken care of first, and went to turn on and use the new laptop (Toshiba). Well, imagine my surprise when I could NOT CONNECT again via RDP on the new Toshiba with nothing additional installed on it except for the Remote Desktop connection. I had let the system update Windows when I shut down and figured that it must be the update that was just installed, so I restored the machine back to factory (I mean why not...I had only created one Remote Desktop connection on the machine). After the restore THE CONNECTION WORKED AGAIN. Yeah. Sign on, check. Sign off, check. Sign on again, NOPE. Restore computer (again), Sign on, check. Sign off, check. Sign on again, NOPE. So, while I am farrrrrrr from being a hardware specialist, it seems to me that something isn't 'releasing' when I sign off. EVEN A REBOOT (hard or restart) doesn't help. The only thing which solves the issue is a RESTORE - either the kind that saves your files or the one that resets to factory...either one 'resets' the connection, so that I can get on again ONE TIME.

Honestly, I'm at my wits end. I'm guessing that whatever's the issue with the new laptop (Toshiba) is also causing the internet instability AND the RDP problem on the old laptop (Lenovo). So, if I can solve the issue on the new laptop, I'm guessing that I will be able to solve it on the old laptop.

Does anyone have any ideas which might help me out?????

Many, many thanks in advance,

Sandy
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba
Hello Sandra,

It's a bit strange how remote desktop doesn't work along with the internet stability problem.

Usually when I see strange problems like this I run system file scan's or DISM scan's to make sure that system files and the component store have not been corrupted which is a very common problem with Windows 8.

The link below shows how to run these scan's.
http://www.eightforums.com/network-sharing/32278-accessing-internet.html#post284945
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro WMC
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    Q9650 @ 4.05 GHz
    Motherboard
    Gforce 780i SLI FTW
    Memory
    8GB Gskill DDR2 1200Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX-480
    Sound Card
    Asus D2 Xonar
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HannsG
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Gskill 120GB SSD
    PSU
    Thermal Take 1000watts
    Case
    Thermal Take Xtreme
    Cooling
    9 fans air cooled
    Keyboard
    G15 logitech
    Mouse
    G9 logitech
    Internet Speed
    50mbps
Thanks for the prompt response, Chev65!

The specific machine types are:

Toshiba Satellite L55-A5284 (brand new laptop delivered with 8.1)
Lenovo Ideapad Z580 (well-used, upgraded from 8.0)

I am going to try your ideas on the NEW machine (the fewest variables). I have NOT run those particular scans on the new machine. I will also update the Networks drivers (just in case - should have done that initially, but I had done that on the Lenovo, so I didn't think to do it on the new machine).

The one differentiating feature of this RDP connection is that it uses the Advanced setting to add a specific Gateway. Most of my connections just connect directly to another computer without that extra 'layer'. That's the only 'difference' or 'special' circumstance that I could detect. Since the behavior is the same on both machines, I figure that it's in Windows 8.1, not the machines...we'll see what the scans say.

As they say, please stay tuned!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba
I'm back again...I have done the following (it doesn't take long on a new machine):

Checked Network drivers - both Ethernet and Wireless are up-to-date (and were up-to-date)

sfc /scannow
Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations

Even thought there weren't any "violations", I decided to run the next process:

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
The component store corruption was repaired.
The restore operation completed successfully.
Image version 6.3.9600.16384

I rebooted the machine and 20 updates were installed (prior to doing any of the things here, I had fully updated the machine from the Microsoft site).

I was able to sign on to the Remote Desktop, sign off, then sign on again (this is the first time I've been able to do that). I then rebooted and could no longer sign into the Remote location.

Did a complete shutdown, then turned it back on again. Not able to sign in to the Remote Location.

GRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone else have any ideas?!?!? I have no idea where to turn now. Thanks to anyone for suggestions!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba
Thanks for the prompt response, Chev65!

The specific machine types are:

Toshiba Satellite L55-A5284 (brand new laptop delivered with 8.1)
Lenovo Ideapad Z580 (well-used, upgraded from 8.0)

I am going to try your ideas on the NEW machine (the fewest variables). I have NOT run those particular scans on the new machine. I will also update the Networks drivers (just in case - should have done that initially, but I had done that on the Lenovo, so I didn't think to do it on the new machine).

The one differentiating feature of this RDP connection is that it uses the Advanced setting to add a specific Gateway. Most of my connections just connect directly to another computer without that extra 'layer'. That's the only 'difference' or 'special' circumstance that I could detect. Since the behavior is the same on both machines, I figure that it's in Windows 8.1, not the machines...we'll see what the scans say.

As they say, please stay tuned!

Yes I just reread what you originally typed and the problem seems to be caused from the Windows updates though I haven't seen this problem myself, I've only tried connecting locally on my own network and haven't tried going in through another gateway which seems to be the problem you are having so it could be an unresolved bug which I haven't heard of yet.

Be sure and turn on remote desktop for each machine > How to Enable Remote Desktop in Windows 8

You could try undoing each Windows update until you find the culprit. You can also use system restore to take these machines back to a point in time before the updates were installed then install them one at a time and test remote desktop connectivity after installing each one. > Windows Update - Uninstall an Update - Windows 7 Help Forums

Similar complaint about remote desktop stops working with 8.1 update > http://www.eightforums.com/network-...desktop-stopped-working-after-8-1-update.html

Maybe installing the App for Remote Desktop will make a difference. > Remote Desktop app for Windows in the Windows Store
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro WMC
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    Q9650 @ 4.05 GHz
    Motherboard
    Gforce 780i SLI FTW
    Memory
    8GB Gskill DDR2 1200Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX-480
    Sound Card
    Asus D2 Xonar
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HannsG
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Gskill 120GB SSD
    PSU
    Thermal Take 1000watts
    Case
    Thermal Take Xtreme
    Cooling
    9 fans air cooled
    Keyboard
    G15 logitech
    Mouse
    G9 logitech
    Internet Speed
    50mbps
You have great ideas Chev65! I BELIEVE that I had checked initially (when I first had the issue on the new laptop) and that NO UPDATES were installed. Since my last process installed 20 updates, I'll restore (my only solution to this point), then see what updates are installed and undo any that are there, testing as I go. I'll turn off Windows Updates temporarily, so that nothing 'sneaks in' while I'm uninstalling, restarting, etc.

Thanks again.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba
Update (still no solution, but more information):

Well, I proved that the issue happens EVEN WHEN THERE ARE NO WINDOWS UPDATES INSTALLED. So, whatever the issue is in the BASE Windows 8.1. In other words, I restore the machine, turn off Windows Updates, verify that there are no updates installed, then try signing on. I am fine for one signon, then I can't connect. I try fully updating the system, and still no ability to connect without a restore.

I am now thinking that there is something 'fishy' with the services starting/stopping. Otherwise, why could I initially connect, then NOT be able to connect. I tried to restart the DHCP service, but it didn't let me...

The Lenovo (older machine) gives me this message when I try to stop/restart the DHCP service:

2014-02-02_15-48-48.jpg

In case you can't read it, it says: "Windows could not stop the DHCP Client service on the local computer. Error 1051: A stop control has been sent to a service that other running services are dependent on."

Sometimes I get this one error message: "Windows could not stop the DHCP Client service on the local computer. Error 1053: The service did not respond to the start or control request in a timely fashion."

These are the dependent services:

2014-02-02_15-48-21.jpg

The only dependent services (to the DHCP) which are running when the computer first starts (and when I can connect) are:
Network List Service
Network Location Awareness

Once the connection fails, the following dependent services (to the DHCP) are running:
IP Helper
WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service
Network Connection Devices Auto-Setup
HomeGroup Provider
Network List Service
Network Location Awareness

The settings are as follows for the services:
DHCP - Running - Automatic
IP Helper - Running - Automatic
WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service - Running - Manual
Network Connection Devices Auto-Setup - Running - Manual (Trigger Start)
HomeGroup Provider - Running - Manual (Trigger Start)
Network List Service - Running - Manual
Network Location Awareness - Running - Automatic

If I restart the computer, these same dependent services are running...the dependent services only change if I restore the computer.

SO...do you think that my issues could be Services related? I only know a tiny bit about this area (enough to know to start/stop services if there are issues, but then they always stop/start - I've never had this dependency issue). Is there another way to force stops or to troubleshoot this area?

Remember, this is all on a machine with vanilla 8.1 - NO UPDATES.

Many, many thanks to anyone who reads this and considers offering assistance.

Sandy
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba
Hello,
1. I could connect to the internet after a reboot, but if I didn't ACTIVELY continue working on the internet, the connection would die. The only way that I could get it to 'resume' was to reboot. I was using a wireless connection. Tried a wired connection with the same issue. No other machine on the network were experiencing the issue.
probably related to power saving option. Make sure that your system is set for High performance, you can also check power options for your NIC/wireless card. I hope this will help
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MSI
    CPU
    i7-4800MQ
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GeForce GTX 770M
    Browser
    Enhanced Protected Mode IE/protected mode Firefox
    Antivirus
    nope
    Other Info
    OpenNIC/DNSCrypt/VPN/EMET
Thank you, Michal...unfortunately, all the setting were in the appropriate states, so that they do NOT kick in and disable. I did toggle the switches (turn them on/off or off/on depending), but that didn't affect the issue.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro WMC
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    Q9650 @ 4.05 GHz
    Motherboard
    Gforce 780i SLI FTW
    Memory
    8GB Gskill DDR2 1200Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX-480
    Sound Card
    Asus D2 Xonar
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HannsG
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Gskill 120GB SSD
    PSU
    Thermal Take 1000watts
    Case
    Thermal Take Xtreme
    Cooling
    9 fans air cooled
    Keyboard
    G15 logitech
    Mouse
    G9 logitech
    Internet Speed
    50mbps
Hey, Chev65...

Oh boy...still no luck, but I'm learning a TON!!!!

When I ran the sfc /scannow, it cam back with the message: "Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations". Just to be sure, after it ran (and because it was in the directions), I rebooted. That installed 23 updates that hadn't been found before. So, after I rebooted, I reran the sfc /scannow, got the same message, rebooted, and nothing new installed.

With that, I then ran the second command (the dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command). It found "Image version 6.3.9600.16384. The restore operation completed successfully. The component store corruption was repaired. The operation completed successfully."

In the end though, same issue...BUT, I have had more clarity on the problem, and REALLY narrowed it down. Doing all this troubleshooting has given me an idea or two about the specific issue (it's getting very narrowly defined)...now, I need advice on how to solve it.



First, I can now CONSISTENTLY create the 'fail' versus 'success' scenario. In other words, I can sign on/off the RDP session multiple times successfully, then force the fail. HOW? Well, there are some challenge questions during signon, one of which is a 'Logon Message' that has a selection 'if you don't want to see this message again, check the box'. IF I CHECK THE BOX, my only solution (that I've discovered) is to restore the machine. If I AVOID CHECKING that box, then I'm fine. None of the other challenges create the issue. ONLY this one. Apparently, the 'stored' selection kills the subsequent sessions.



This gave me the idea that if I could permanently delete the RDP credentials from the computer, rather than restoring the computer, that it might solve my issue - after all, how hard can it be to delete the credentials. So, I went online to find out how to permanently delete an RDP credentials from Windows 8.1.



There were a bunch of ways, but all of them had to do with getting to the Credentials area in the Control Panel or this User Name/Password area (below)



original




Then, deleting the 'offending' credential. UNFORTUNATELY, the RDP connection which is causing all of the issues is NOT shown here. I tested on both computers and the same credentials appear...and NONE OF THEM are the problem credential.



Other users suggested going to sign on to the connection and hitting a 'delete' link (which they showed in their documentaion)...unfortunately, I don't have that link (it should be in the area of 'You will be asked for credentials when you connect):



original




Soooooo...I guess this is a long-winded way of asking if anyone knows HOW TO DELETE A REMOTE DESKTOP CONNECTION in Windows 8.1.



As always, many many thanks for the thoughts and ideas. One of these will be the correct one!



Sandy
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba
All - I HAVE FOUND THE SOLUTIONS!!!!!! Thanks to everyone for their ideas/thoughts...I found this bit of information:

After upgrading to Windows 8.1, some users are facing problems with using Remote Desktop. Sometimes the Remote Desktop settings is greyed out. It may also show the error

“This computer can’t connect to the remote computer”.
“The problem might be due to low virtual memory on your computer. Close your other programs, and then try connecting again”

The issue can be fixed by editing the registry key

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ Software\ Microsoft\ Terminal Server Gateway\ Messages\ <Domain>\ <USERNAME>\ UserPreferenceOption. Change value to 0.

While I never got ANY error on either machine, changing this flag from 1 to 0 in the registry worked. If I select the 'do not show the logon message again', then the problem reappears. So, that flag is at issue.

Thank you all...I felt less 'alone' with everyone offering ideas and thoughts.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba
This works, the registry setting, but I have noticed that if certain updates are pending the RDP service appears to be disabled until that process is completed. I have not been able to pin down which updates cause this yet. I have a test desktop here that was acting in exactly the same way as described, and after the second reboot for pending updates the connection succeeded, before applying this fix.

If I were updating this box remotely this would be a PITA.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MS Surface Pro 2
    CPU
    I5 4200U
    Motherboard
    Tablet
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    128GB SSD
    Case
    VaporMg
    Cooling
    Interal Fans / Haswell
    Keyboard
    Microsooft Touch / back lighted.
    Mouse
    USB MS Ergo4000
    Internet Speed
    Cable 15Mbps
    Browser
    IE 11
    Antivirus
    Bit Defender
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