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Mstsc

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Mstsc

Creates connections to terminal servers or other remote computers, edits an existing Remote Desktop Connection (.rdp) configuration file, and migrates legacy connection files that were created with Client Connection Manager to new .rdp connection files.

Syntax

mstsc.exe {ConnectionFile | /v:ServerName[:Port]} [/console] [/f] [**/w:Width/h:**Height]

mstsc.exe /edit " ConnectionFile "

mstsc.exe /migrate

Parameters
  • ConnectionFile
    Specifies the name of an .rdp file for the connection.
  • **/v: ServerName[ **:Port]
    Specifies the remote computer and, optionally, the port number to which you want to connect.
  • /console
    Connects to the console session of the specified Windows Server 2003 family operating system.
  • /f
    Starts Remote Desktop connection in full-screen mode.
  • /w: Width /h: Height
    Specifies the dimensions of the Remote Desktop screen.
  • /edit " ConnectionFile "
    Opens the specified .rdp file for editing.
  • /migrate
    Migrates legacy connection files that were created with Client Connection Manager to new .rdp connection files.
Remarks

  • You must be an administrator on the server to which you are connecting to create a remote console connection.

  • default.rdp is stored for each user as a hidden file in My Documents. User created .rdp files are stored by default in My Documents but can be moved anywhere.

Examples

To connect to the console session of a server, type:

mstsc /console

To open a file called filename.rdp for editing, type:

mstsc /edit filename.rdp

Formatting legend

Format Meaning

Italic

Information that the user must supply

Bold

Elements that the user must type exactly as shown

Ellipsis (...)

Parameter that can be repeated several times in a command line

Between brackets ([])

Optional items

Between braces ({}); choices separated by pipe (|). Example: {even|odd}

Set of choices from which the user must choose only one

Courier font

Code or program output

See Also

Concepts

Terminal Services commands
Command-line reference A-Z
Command shell overview