Remote Connection Through Real VNC
It is possible to connect to your server using Real VNC. To do this you will need to install the VNC Server software on your virtual server and the VNC Viewer software on the PC that you want to connect from. There is also a quick Windows Firewall modification that needs to be done to open a port for the connection.
As the virtual servers we use are running on the 64 bit version Windows Server 2008 the free version of VNC will not work. You would need to use the Personal or Enterprise version of VNC. Both of those versions have a 30 day trial that you can use. This wiki article was made while using the free trial of the Personal edition. You can view the different versions and download the trial from VNC's site.
Installing VNC Server on Virtual Server
You will need to download the Personal edition of VNC to your virtual server and then run the executable file.
- When the welcome screen for the VNC setup wizard loads press the NEXT button.
- Agree to the license agreement and press the NEXT button.
- The default location for where to install the software will be displayed. If you don't want to change this location press the NEXT button. If you do want to change the location press the BROWSE button, choose another location, and then press the NEXT button.
- Uncheck the VNC Mirror Driver, VNC Printer Driver, and VNC Viewer (64-bit) check boxes and press the NEXT button.
- The default START menu folder is set for you. Press the NEXT button.
- Next the "Ready to Install?" window will show you the settings you chose. Press the INSTALL button to continue.
- Press the TRIAL LICENSE button to continue.
- Next you will see a message about no password being set. Press the OK button and proceed to enter the password you want to use.
- Enter the password you want to use for connecting to the VNC server and then press the OK button.
- The installation for VNC Server is now complete. Press the FINISH button to exit the install.
Installing VNC Viewer on Local Computer
To connect to your virtual server with Real VNC you need to have the VNC Viewer installed on the PC you are connecting from. You will need to run the same install file that you previously used to install the VNC Server on your virtual server.
- When the welcome screen for the VNC setup wizard loads press the NEXT button.
- Agree to the license agreement and press the NEXT button.
- The default location for where to install the software will be displayed. If you don't want to change this location press the NEXT button. If you do want to change the location press the BROWSE button, choose another location, and then press the NEXT button.
- Next uncheck VNC Server, VNC, Mirror Driver, and VNC Printer Driver. The only item that should be checked is the VNC Viewer.
- The default START menu folder is set for you. Press the NEXT button.
- Select to add a Desktop or Quick Launch icons and then press the NEXT button.
- Next the "Ready to Install?" window will show you the settings you chose. Press the INSTALL button to continue.
- The installation for VNC Viewer is now complete. Press the FINISH button to exit the install.
Opening Port for VNC on Windows Firewall
For the connection with VNC to work you need to enable the port that it uses.
- Remote desktop into your virtual server. Once connected press the START button and click on CONTROL PANEL.
- The control panel for your server will then be displayed. Click on the Windows Firewall icon.
- Next click on the "Allow a program through Windows Firewall" link.
- On the Windows Firewall Settings window there are three tabs. Click on the "Exceptions" tab and then press the ADD PORT button.
- Enter a name for the port (ex: VNC Connection) and set the port number to 5900. The protocol that needs to be selected is TCP. Once the settings are entered press the OK button.
- That's all there is to it. You can now close the Windows Firewall Settings window.
Connecting with VNC Viewer to Virtual Server
To connect to your server with VNC Viewer you need to do the following.
- Run the VNC Viwer software from your local PC.
- Enter your server's IP address and then press the connect button.
- You'll need to enter the password you setup when installing VNC Server on your virtual server to connect.