Why The Remote Resource Can’t Be Reached in Remote Desktop

Remote Resource Can’t Be Reached in Remote Desktop

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) allows users to connect to remote computers over a network or the internet. However, when using Remote Desktop Gateway (RD Gateway), users often encounter the frustrating error:

"Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer for one of these reasons: The remote computer is not available on the network, Remote Desktop is turned off, or the remote computer is not set up to accept remote connections."

RD Gateway helps secure RDP connections over the internet, but various misconfigurations, network issues, or firewall restrictions can cause connection failures. In this guide, we will explore common causes and troubleshooting steps to fix RD Gateway connection problems.

Understanding RD Gateway and Its Role

RD Gateway acts as a secure bridge between remote users and internal network resources, allowing RDP connections without requiring a VPN. It helps enforce security policies and encrypts remote sessions.

RD Gateway errors can occur due to:

  • Incorrect gateway settings
  • Firewall or network restrictions
  • Authentication issues
  • SSL certificate problems
  • Group Policy misconfigurations

Now, let’s go through step-by-step troubleshooting.

Common Causes and Fixes for RD Gateway Connection Issues

1. Verify RD Gateway Settings in the Remote Desktop Client

Incorrect RD Gateway settings can prevent a successful connection. Follow these steps to check and configure them:

  1. Open Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc.exe).
  2. Click on Show Options > Advanced tab.
  3. Under Connect from anywhere, click Settings.
  4. Ensure Use these RD Gateway server settings is selected.
  5. Enter the correct RD Gateway address (e.g., rdgateway.yourdomain.com).
  6. Ensure Bypass RD Gateway for local addresses is unchecked if accessing remote servers.
  7. Try reconnecting.

If the RD Gateway settings are incorrect, update them according to your network administrator’s instructions.

2. Ensure RD Gateway is Running and Accessible

The RD Gateway service must be running for remote connections to work. Follow these steps to verify:

  1. On the RD Gateway server, open Run (Win + R) and type:
    services.msc
  2. Find Remote Desktop Gateway service.
  3. If the service is stopped, right-click and select Start.
  4. Ensure the RD Gateway server is accessible by pinging it from the client machine:
    nginx
    ping rdgateway.yourdomain.com
  5. If ping fails, check network connectivity and firewall settings.

3. Check Remote Desktop User Permissions

Users need explicit permissions to access RD Gateway. Ensure the user is in the correct security group:

  1. Open Remote Desktop Gateway Manager.
  2. Navigate to Policies > Connection Authorization Policies.
  3. Open the active policy and go to the User Groups tab.
  4. Ensure the user or their group (e.g., "Remote Desktop Users") is listed.
  5. Apply changes and restart the RD Gateway service.

4. Verify Remote Desktop Services Are Enabled on the Target Computer

If Remote Desktop is disabled on the target machine, RD Gateway won’t connect. To enable it:

  1. Open Control Panel > System and Security > System.
  2. Click Remote Settings on the left panel.
  3. Under Remote Desktop, select Allow remote connections to this computer.
  4. Ensure Network Level Authentication (NLA) is configured properly.
  5. Click OK and try reconnecting.

5. Check Firewall Rules and Port Configuration

Firewalls can block RDP traffic, preventing RD Gateway from working. Check firewall settings:

On RD Gateway Server:

  1. Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security (wf.msc).
  2. Ensure Remote Desktop Gateway rules are enabled under Inbound Rules.
  3. Allow HTTPS (TCP 443) inbound traffic, which RD Gateway uses.
  4. Restart the firewall service:
    perl
    netsh advfirewall reset
  5. Try reconnecting.

On Client Machine:

  • Ensure RDP (TCP 3389) and RD Gateway (TCP 443) are not blocked by local firewalls or third-party antivirus software.

6. Verify SSL Certificate Configuration

RD Gateway requires a valid SSL certificate for secure connections. Issues with the certificate can prevent connections.

To Check and Renew SSL Certificate:

  1. Open RD Gateway Manager on the RD Gateway server.
  2. Click Properties > SSL Certificate tab.
  3. Verify that the certificate is:
    • Issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA)
    • Not expired
    • Matches the RD Gateway FQDN
  4. If the certificate is invalid, install a valid SSL certificate.

7. Verify Network Connectivity and DNS Resolution

RD Gateway must be reachable over the network. If the client cannot resolve the RD Gateway address, check DNS settings:

  1. On the client machine, open Command Prompt and run:
    nginx
    nslookup rdgateway.yourdomain.com
  2. If the DNS lookup fails, ensure the correct DNS server is configured.
  3. Try connecting using the RD Gateway’s IP address instead of the hostname.

8. Check Group Policy Settings (GPO)

Group Policies (GPO) may restrict RD Gateway connections. To verify:

  1. Open Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc).
  2. Navigate to:
    pgsql
    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections
  3. Ensure Allow users to connect remotely by using Remote Desktop Services.
  4. Apply changes and restart the system.

9. Restart RD Gateway and Related Services

If all else fails, restarting RD Gateway and related services may resolve the issue:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Run the following commands:
    arduino
    net stop tsgateway
net start tsgateway

    arduino
    net stop TermService
net start TermService
  3. Restart the Remote Desktop client and try reconnecting.

Conclusion

RD Gateway is an essential tool for secure RDP connections, but various issues can prevent it from working correctly. By following these troubleshooting steps—checking RD Gateway settings, firewall rules, SSL certificates, DNS, and permissions—you can quickly resolve most connection problems.

If issues persist, check event logs (eventvwr.msc) on the RD Gateway server for specific error messages that may provide more insight into the problem.

Would you like help with specific error messages or advanced troubleshooting? Let me know! 🚀

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