Remote Desktop Software for Windows Mobile 6
After some googling, it appears that Windows Mobile 6 does indeed include a Remote Desktop client. However, some manufaturers choose not to install this software onto their phones by default. Worse, there's (seemingly) no way for the end user to install it. For example, I have a T-Mobile Wing with WM6, and I couldn't find the remote desktop software on the phone. It appears that T-Mobile opted not to install it. Not cool.
So, after yet more googling, I found a .CAB file of an unofficial Remote Desktop client for WM6. I've tested it out and it seems to work great...I remote-controlled both a Vista & XP machine on my home network using my Wing.
To install, download this Windows Mobile 6 Remote Desktop client, unzip it somewhere, and then copy the WM6RDP.cab file to your phone (using ActiveSync in XP, or WM Device Center in Vista). Next, on your phone, simply click the 'WM6RDP.cab' file to install it. It will then appear in the 'Start -> Programs' menu as 'WM6 Remote Desktop.'
More information on this download is available here.
Update 7/22/08: A couple updates on this. First, if you're having trouble getting the keyboard to work with this RDP client, make sure that you installed the WM6RDP.cab file to your device's main memory and not to the storage card! More info on that here.
Second, some people have asked me if there is a newer version available and—to my knowledge—there is no update available.
June 17th, 2008 - 00:34
This seems really great, but on my Sprint (HTC) Mogul once I get connected I have no keyboard input either on the soft keypad nor on the slide out keyboard.
June 17th, 2008 - 08:41
Hmm…it has worked fine for me (well, as good as it can considering the teeny tiny res of the WM phone). What is the OS version that you’re connecting to, out of curiosity?
June 20th, 2008 - 09:22
I’ve tested this Rdesktop on my HP214, but one big problem is the flickering of the screen at every touch/click. Is a better version available ?
June 20th, 2008 - 11:48
@ Dino,
Not that I am aware of. I Googled but didn’t find anything. Let me know if you ever come up with anything!
June 23rd, 2008 - 07:38
Hi there
Thanks – one question : who writes and publishes this ? Little bit wary of typing credentials into unknown software…
June 23rd, 2008 - 08:22
Hi Matthew,
You can learn more here: http://pdaphonehome.com/forums/ppc-6700-xv6700/84897-wm6_rdp-mobile-remote-desktop-client.html
I was hosting the download here because it’s really hard to find. But you bring up a very legitimate point–I’ll add the link for further information to my original post. Thanks!
–Andy
July 20th, 2008 - 12:39
well, I’ve tried the cab file on my T-Mobile wing but it failed to connect me to my desktop (vista). It gave this message: Cannot connect. Likely reasons are:
1-The remote computer is not set up fro this
2- Reached the maximum number of connections.
3- A network error occurred while connecting.
knowing that my wlan connection is fine & I’m able use internet. Any Ideas?
thnx in advance
July 20th, 2008 - 14:28
when i try to install the cab file on my phone (samsung ace smartphone with windows mobile 6.0), i get an error message saying does not have sufficient system permissions.
what is wrong? how can i install?
July 20th, 2008 - 20:03
@jadnakhle:
Is remote desktop allowed in Vista through the “My Computer” option and in the Vista firewall? Is it also forwarded on any hardware firewalls you may have?
July 20th, 2008 - 20:06
@Gregg:
I’ve seen this error come up, but it’s actually a generic error. It seemed the error always came up when I was short on program memory. Perhaps try uninstalling some programs you don’t use/need, and try again?
July 22nd, 2008 - 10:31
I’m new to this. I have the cab file for remote desktop connection, but how do I install it on my phone?
Thanks!
July 22nd, 2008 - 14:44
You’ll need to copy it to your phone first. Do you have ActiveSync (Windows XP) or Windows Mobile Device Center? (in Vista) If either Active Sync/WMDC is running, and your phone is connected via USB, you should simply be able to see your phone in “My Computer.” Copy the CAB file to the phone through Windows Explorer.
Then on the phone, use the File Explorer to browse to the CAB file. Simply “click” it once with your stylus to install it, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Does that help?
July 22nd, 2008 - 19:28
@ Mark DeDionisio:
If the keyboard isn’t working, make sure that you installed the WM6RDP.cab file to your devices main memory, NOT the storage card.
August 6th, 2008 - 14:09
I’ve tried this on my Dell Axim X51v and it times out after 10 idle minutes. It is not a setting on the host PC. Anyone else having this issue?
August 15th, 2008 - 09:09
Please i need your Help i connected on my PC But when i try to write the password i open my HTC touch Keyborad and begin to write the password nothing written so what shall I do i need your Help please
August 17th, 2008 - 19:59
@Moataz:
If the keyboard isn’t working, make sure that you installed the WM6RDP.cab file to your devices main memory, NOT the storage card.
August 28th, 2008 - 21:51
@Andrew:
Got the same error as Gregg above – permissions issue. I have a new out-of-the-box SMT5800 (Verizon) with Win Mobile 6.0. There is no touchscreen on the device. I have plenty of on-board memory, and attempted to install *from* both the SD card and resident storage. Attempted installation *to* device, not SD card. Any other suggestions you may have?
-Stan
August 29th, 2008 - 03:25
This work great on my HTC touch pro, (t-mobile) thanks for your help!
August 30th, 2008 - 22:46
@Alex:
Glad it helped you out. Thanks for visiting the site!
August 30th, 2008 - 22:47
@bigstan,
What is the exact error message that Windows Mobile is giving you? I haven’t been able to replicate on my T-Mobile Wing.
October 26th, 2008 - 17:13
i successfully installed the program to Samsung Omina (i900, WM6.1 Pro) and it works like a charm! Many Thanks!
October 27th, 2008 - 20:29
@Priit L,
Thanks for your comment. It’s good to hear all of the different devices that this program works on!
November 12th, 2008 - 06:17
Also works on a Sony Ericsson X1. Thanks a lot!!
November 27th, 2008 - 01:00
It worked perfect in HTC Diamond …. Thank you
November 27th, 2008 - 11:08
@Laslo & yazan,
You’re welcome…I am glad it worked for both of you.
November 29th, 2008 - 01:23
Is there a way to get the remote desktop to work over the cellphone network and not just a wireless access point? I have an HTC Diamond.
November 30th, 2008 - 02:13
@Jason,
Do you mean that you’re trying to control another computer remotely over the Internet? (vs. over a local network)
If that’s what you mean, I think it’s just a matter of specifying the domain/IP address of the machine you’re connecting to. Or did I misunderstand your question?
December 1st, 2008 - 02:20
12. Andrew Block Says:
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:44 pm
You’ll need to copy it to your phone first. Do you have ActiveSync (Windows XP) or Windows Mobile Device Center? (in Vista) If either Active Sync/WMDC is running, and your phone is connected via USB, you should simply be able to see your phone in “My Computer.” Copy the CAB file to the phone through Windows Explorer.
Then on the phone, use the File Explorer to browse to the CAB file. Simply “click” it once with your stylus to install it, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Does that help?
Andrew,
I have download the “CAB file.” I’ve installed it in several places on my phone. I cannot get it to pull up. The zip CAB file you posted is a folder with 7 files in it. Do I copy the whole folder into my phone or just the “setup” file? I copied the whold folder & opened it in my phone, then click on the “setup” file. It appears to extract some files, but then stops. Any ideas? Or am I doing something wrong?
Thank you for your time…
December 14th, 2008 - 04:04
Andrew, I came accross your website while searching for an update for WM6RDP. It’s not possible for me to have an over-view of the entire remote desktop from my Samsung i900 Omnia, and zoom in and out as desired (like the Opera browser). Also, the Samsung i900 Omnia doesn’t have many of the important keys like ALT, ESC, etc. Have you come accross an update or another free program that supports zooming and all keyboard buttons? Let me know when you do – I will inform you if/when I do.
December 14th, 2008 - 15:26
@David,
Sorry for the delayed response. Don’t extract any files on your PC…just upload the CAB file exactly as it is to your phone. CAB files are actually installers in the Windows Mobile universe.
December 14th, 2008 - 15:28
@Abie,
No, I’ve scoured the Internet too, but the one posted here is the only one I can find. If you do come across another one, I’d be happy to host/link to it from here. Thanks!
February 6th, 2009 - 07:56
Thanks for making this available!
April 30th, 2009 - 14:08
Lol dude! My bro just gave me a wing and I was googling RDP and your site came up! lol who knew? Laters (and thx)
May 31st, 2009 - 05:34
hi
I have a problem I installed it on my plam treo 700wx but it wouldn’t let me insert any thing to be able to connect and no buttons like connect or exit o or something. take a look http://funnygang.googlepages.com/WebCam_20090531_1330.bmp
June 1st, 2009 - 17:05
@Adel, I can’t really see that picture; it’s too blurry. Could you please try another?
June 18th, 2009 - 11:30
Hi,
I have remote desktop installed on my samsung ace with no connection problems at all. Problem is when I try to type anything on the keyboard…nothing happens. As soon as I hit a letter a box appears at the bottom of the screen (on phone not on application) and gives suggested words but nothing happens. Any ideas?
June 19th, 2009 - 16:59
@Chad–I dimly remember (from the dark recesses of my mind) that there were keyboard issues if the app was installed on the microSD card, instead of to the device’s main memory. Can you verify where the app is installed?
Just a thought.
June 22nd, 2009 - 14:01
The app is installed on the main memory
June 23rd, 2009 - 17:10
Hey Chad,
My only suggestion is to try re-installing the app. Unfortunately (er, fortunately depending how you look at it), I have ditched the T-Mobile wing in favor of the iPhone, so I haven’t had much experience lately with the Windows Mobile world.
Sorry I can’t be more help to you in this!
July 19th, 2009 - 17:05
So If I want to bookmark your blog do I have to set-up an account for Yahoo Buzz?
July 28th, 2009 - 16:41
I was so frustrated beacuse I couldn`t resolve this issue. Then I found your site in google and problem is solved. Thanks!
August 1st, 2009 - 19:21
@Jane,
You’re welcome!
August 4th, 2009 - 01:49
Hi andrew,
i am new to this rdc. i have installed the cab file in my phone memory, and i don know how to use the same ca u guide me with step by step process for setting up the connection between my phone and my comp using GPRS
August 4th, 2009 - 09:03
Hi Kiran,
I’m really sorry but it has been a while since I have used my Windows Mobile phone. I switched to an iPhone about a year ago and am really rusty on my Windows Mobile skills.
Maybe someone else could give Kiran a hand if they see this comment?
October 3rd, 2009 - 14:40
Hey guys, I was searching the web today and came up on a few corporate websites that I was able to get in quite easily. I’m awesome! So I went in and found a bunch of Google Wave invites for their employees just sitting there. I gave away 13 of these to all my friends already and there are a few left. I don’t want to get in trouble by listing the steps up here, if you want one, shoot me an email to stevencruisest@gmail.com. BTW, it’s not that easy to do this, I’ll have to talk you through it. But I can only do a few, so when you get one then you need to go on and help others in getting another. Spread the goods around.
February 2nd, 2010 - 18:38
hi,
please help me.
i have downloaded wm6rdp.cab to my X1 but i can’t install it.
March 11th, 2010 - 15:10
I need help, I have a windows mobile symbol handheld using rdc to connect to a windows 7 machine and I keep getting this error
the remote session was ended because the idle timeout limit was reached
March 11th, 2010 - 20:59
Justin,
Have you tried connecting from another machine besides the mobile device to connect? Does the error still occur? Just trying to narrow it down.
March 11th, 2010 - 20:59
@john,
What happens when you try to install?
April 2nd, 2010 - 23:32
Ok, i have been researching through TONS of forums and using trial and error from all of the information. i am in need of help. i have a Sprint HTC Mogul (6800), i have the Remote Desktop software installed… to my device, not the storage card. i have a Netgear router, with the Port 3389 forwarded (i think i did it correctly). i input my PC’s IP address (according to whatismyip.com), i am using my correct Login info for Windows XP user account. no Domain. i start my 36 connection First before attempting to connect to Remote Desktop. Gives me error messages every time. “ip address may not exist” … “possible network connection problems”. i am at a total loss. about to completely give up. this is my last ditch effort. someone… please…. help. and i work a lot, so if someone, ANYONE could respond to my cry for aid thru e-mail, i would be forever grateful!
Luke.jagermeister@gmail.com
April 16th, 2010 - 11:50
@Luke, wondering if antivirus or firewall software could be interfering?
April 24th, 2010 - 04:24
Hello andrew, I was wondering the same thing as jason: “Is there a way to get the remote desktop to work over the cellphone network and not just a wireless access point?” I have the HTC HD2 and I believe I know how to use it over the network but i have no idea what to enter for ‘Computer’ and ‘Domain’ when doing it over my cell network. When connecting using my wifi i just leave the domain part blank. Where do i find my pc’s ip address or whatever in order to do this?
April 30th, 2010 - 14:12
@Kiyohime,
You could try a site like http://www.whatismyip.com/ to tell you your PC’s external IP address. I think you can leave domain blank in this scenario, also.
September 14th, 2010 - 19:42
Can anyone tell me if this file works with WM 6.5 Professional? I just switched over from an HTC Ozone (WM 6.1) which had RD Mobile to a Samsun Omnia II (i920) which has 6.5, but no RDP app. Thanks…Peter