How to Fix Remote Desktop Error Code 0x104 with Extended Error Code 0x0


Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a popular tool for remote administration and accessing a computer or server from another location. It allows users to connect to their systems over a network, making it easier for IT administrators, employees, and remote workers to manage resources. However, despite its usefulness, users may encounter several errors during their attempts to connect. One of the common errors users face when trying to establish an RDP connection is Error Code 0x104 with Extended Error Code 0x0.

This error often appears when users try to connect to a remote machine but are unable to do so, leading to frustration and disruptions in work. If you're experiencing this error, don't worry – this article will guide you through the steps to resolve the issue and help you get back to using Remote Desktop as intended.

What Is Remote Desktop Error Code 0x104 with Extended Error Code 0x0?

Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand what this error means.

  • Error Code 0x104 typically indicates a network-related issue. This can involve connection timeouts, unreachable remote machines, or network configurations that prevent the successful establishment of an RDP connection.
  • Extended Error Code 0x0 doesn't give much direct information but implies that the problem likely resides in the network connectivity or configuration aspects of the connection, rather than a more specific system issue.

In other words, Error Code 0x104 with Extended Error Code 0x0 occurs when your RDP client is unable to establish a connection to the server or remote machine. This may be caused by network issues, firewall restrictions, or incorrect configuration settings.

Troubleshooting and Fixing Remote Desktop Error Code 0x104 with Extended Error Code 0x0

Here are several steps you can take to resolve the error:

1. Check Network Connection

The first step is to verify the network connection between your local machine and the remote machine. If your device isn’t able to communicate properly with the remote host, you’ll experience connection issues.

  • Check your Internet Connection: Ensure that both your local machine and the remote machine are connected to the internet.

  • Test Connectivity with Ping: You can ping the remote machine to see if it is reachable. Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) and type:

    bash
    ping [IP address of remote machine]

    If the ping fails or shows a timeout, the issue might be with the network, and you should ensure the network cables are properly connected or troubleshoot the router or modem.

  • Verify DNS Settings: If you are using domain names instead of IP addresses, ensure that DNS settings are correctly configured. An incorrect DNS setup can cause your computer to fail to resolve the remote server’s IP address.

2. Ensure RDP is Enabled on the Remote Machine

Make sure that Remote Desktop is enabled on the machine you're trying to connect to. If it’s disabled, you won't be able to access it remotely.

  • To check if RDP is enabled:
    1. Right-click on This PC or Computer on the remote machine.
    2. Click Properties.
    3. Click Remote Settings on the left side.
    4. In the Remote tab, ensure that Allow remote connections to this computer is selected.
    5. Click Apply and then OK.

3. Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Firewalls and antivirus programs on both the local and remote machines can block the RDP traffic, causing connection issues.

  • On the remote machine:

    1. Open Windows Defender Firewall from the Control Panel.
    2. Select Advanced Settings.
    3. In the left pane, click Inbound Rules, then find the rule for Remote Desktop (usually listed as Remote Desktop – User Mode (TCP-In) or similar).
    4. Ensure that the rule is enabled.

  • On the local machine: Ensure your firewall or antivirus software isn’t blocking the connection. You may need to temporarily disable the firewall or antivirus to check if it’s causing the issue. If you can connect after disabling the firewall, you’ll need to configure the firewall to allow RDP connections.

4. Verify Remote Desktop Licensing

If you’re connecting to a Windows Server machine or a device running a version of Windows that requires a Remote Desktop license, you may encounter errors related to licensing.

  • To check the licensing:
    1. Open the Server Manager on the remote machine.
    2. Click Remote Desktop Services.
    3. Check the status of the licenses to ensure there are no issues.

If licensing is a problem, you may need to contact your system administrator or purchase additional licenses for Remote Desktop Services.

5. Check Network Adapter Settings

Sometimes, the issue could be due to improper network settings on the remote machine. The network adapter might be misconfigured, preventing proper RDP connections.

  • To check network adapter settings:
    1. Open the Network and Sharing Center on the remote machine.
    2. Click on Change adapter settings.
    3. Right-click on the active network connection and select Properties.
    4. Ensure that Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) is selected and configured to automatically obtain an IP address (if using DHCP) or is manually set with correct IP information.

6. Update RDP Client and Remote Machine

Outdated software versions on either the RDP client or the remote machine can sometimes cause compatibility issues, leading to connection errors like 0x104 with Extended Error Code 0x0.

  • Update your RDP client: Make sure your RDP client is up-to-date. You can check for updates in the Microsoft Store or from the official RDP client website.

  • Update the remote machine: Ensure that the remote machine has the latest Windows updates installed. Updates can patch known issues and improve the RDP connection process.

7. Check VPN and Proxy Settings

If you're using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or a proxy server, this can affect the RDP connection. VPNs and proxies can add an additional layer of complexity to the network routing, causing delays or errors.

  • If you're connecting over a VPN, ensure that the VPN connection is active and configured correctly.
  • Disable the VPN or proxy temporarily to see if the error is resolved. If you can connect without the VPN, you may need to adjust VPN settings or check with your network administrator.

8. Restart Both Local and Remote Machines

Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve temporary network or configuration issues that may be causing RDP connection errors. Restart both the local machine (your PC) and the remote machine (the server or remote desktop host) to clear any temporary glitches.

Final Thoughts

Remote Desktop Error Code 0x104 with Extended Error Code 0x0 is usually caused by network-related issues, misconfigurations, or security settings that prevent the connection from being established. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you should be able to identify and resolve the underlying cause of the error.

If the issue persists after troubleshooting, it may be necessary to contact your system administrator or IT support for further assistance, as the problem could be related to deeper network configurations, server-side issues, or specific policy settings that require expert intervention.

By understanding the potential causes and using the outlined solutions, you can restore your Remote Desktop connection and continue your work with minimal disruption.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Connect to a Linux Server from Windows Using MobaXterm

Image
   Introduction Connecting to a  Linux server from a Windows machine  is a common task for system administrators, developers, and IT professionals. MobaXterm is a powerful terminal software that provides an all-in-one solution for remote computing. It supports SSH (Secure Shell), X11 forwarding, and other network protocols, making it an excellent choice for managing Linux servers from Windows. This guide will walk you through downloading, installing, and using MobaXterm to connect to a Linux server. Step 1: Download and Install MobaXterm Download MobaXterm Open a web browser on your Windows machine. Visit the official MobaXterm website:  https://mobaxterm.mobatek.net/ Click on the "Download" button. Choose either the "Home Edition" (free version) or the "Professional Edition" (paid version with additional features). Download the installer or the portable version, depending on your preference. Install MobaXterm If you downloaded the installer, double-click ...
Read more

How to Allow Remote Desktop Connections on Windows 7

Image
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a convenient feature built into Windows operating systems. It allows users to access and control another computer remotely over a network. For businesses and individuals still using Windows 7, enabling Remote Desktop connections can be essential for managing systems from a distance, troubleshooting, or working collaboratively. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to enable Remote Desktop connections on Windows 7, discuss security best practices, and troubleshoot common issues you might encounter. What is a Remote Desktop? Remote Desktop is a Microsoft feature that allows users to connect to a Windows computer remotely and interact with it as if they were sitting in front of it. This is achieved using the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). It is widely used for: Remote system administration. Accessing files and applications from another location. Offering technical support. In Windows 7, the Remote Desktop feature is available in the Profession...
Read more

How to Secure a Windows VPS from Hackers: A Comprehensive Guide

Image
A Windows Virtual Private Server (VPS) offers the flexibility to host websites, and applications, or manage remote workloads. However, its constant internet exposure makes it an attractive target for hackers. Cyberattacks, including brute force attacks, malware infections, and unauthorized access, can compromise your VPS if proper security measures are not in place. This article provides an in-depth guide on securing a Windows VPS from hackers and ensuring the safety of your data and operations. Understanding the Threats Hackers use a variety of techniques to compromise VPS environments, including: Brute Force Attacks: Automated bots systematically try passwords to gain unauthorized access. Exploitation of Vulnerabilities: Hackers exploit outdated software and unpatched vulnerabilities. Ransomware and Malware: Malicious software can encrypt data or take control of the server. Phishing and Social Engineering: Weak user practices may inadvertently grant hackers access. Addressing th...
Read more