The utilities used to remotely connect to Linux ECS instances vary based on local OS as follows:
- For a Linux OS, use rdesktop.
- For a Windows OS, use Management Terminal or Microsoft Terminal Services Client (MSTSC).
- For a Mac OS, use Management Terminal or MSTSC.
- For iPhone, use the Microsoft Remote Desktop app.
- For Android, use the Microsoft Remote Desktop app.
Connect to a Windows instance using Windows OS
Using a local Windows OS, connect to a Windows instance using one of the following:
Microsoft Terminal Services Client (MSTSC)
This method is available only if you purchased bandwidth when creating your instance. Prior to using this method, ensure the instance can be accessed through the Internet.Management Terminal (VNC)
Connection through the Management Terminal can be completed disregarding whether bandwidth has been purchased.
Use MSTSC
Perform one of the following to start Remote Desktop Connection:
- Click Start > Remote Desktop Connection.
- Click the Start icon and enter mstsc in the search box.
- Press the shortcut key Windows Logo + R to open the Run window, enter mstsc, and then press the Enter key.
In the Remote Desktop Connection dialog box, enter the public IP address of the instance. Click Show Options.
Enter the user name. The default value is Administrator. Check Allow me to save credentials. In this way, you do not need to manually enter the password again when you log on later.
(Optional) If you want to copy text or files from your computer to the instance, click the Local Resources tab to see options for sharing local computer resources.
- If you need to copy text only, check Clipboard.
- If you need to copy files from your computer as well, click More > Drives, and select drives where you want to copy files to your instance.
(Optional) Open the Display tab to resize the remote desktop window. Full Screen is recommended.
Click the Connect button to complete connection to the instance.
When you connect your computer to the Windows instance successfully, you can operate the instance from your computer.
Use Management Terminal (VNC) to connect to an ECS instance
Refer to Use Management Terminal (VNC) to connect to an ECS instance.
Connect to a Windows instance on a Linux OS
If you are connecting to a Windows Instance on a Linux OS, you can use either remote access software or the Management Terminal.
If no bandwidth has been purchased, you must log on to the Alibaba Cloud Console and use the Management Terminal to connect to the instance.
Use a remote connection application
This section uses the rdesktop application as an example. rdesktop can be downloaded at http://www.rdesktop.org/. To connect to a Windows instance using rdesktop, perform the following:
- Start rdesktop.
- Enter the following command (using your parameters):
The following table defines the parameters used in the rdesktop command.rdesktop -u administrator -p password -f -g 1024*720 192.168.1.1 -r clipboard:PRIMARYCLIPBOARD -r disk:sunray=/home/yz16184
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| -u | Indicates username. For a Windows instance, the default username is Administrator. |
| -p | Indicates the Windows instance login password. |
| -f | Indicates full screen is the default view. Use the key combination Ctrl+Alt+Enter to exit full screen mode. |
| -g | Indicates the resolution. If the connector “*” is omitted, the default resolution will be the native resolution in full screen. |
| IPADDRESS | Enter the IP address of your Windows instance |
| -d | Indicates the domain name. For example, INC domains will use –d INC. |
| -r | Indicates a multimedia redirection. For example: To enable sound, use -r sound. To use the local sound card, use -r sound : local. To enable a Udisk, use -r disk:usb=/mnt/usbdevice |
| -r clipboard:PRIMARYCLIPBOARD | This parameter can be used to directly copy and paste text between the local Linux system and the remote Windows instance. Chinese characters are also supported. |
| -r disk:sunray=/home/yz16184 | This indicates that a directory on the local Linux system is mapped onto the Windows hard disk. This allows you to transfer files without relying on Samba or FTP. |
Use the Management Terminal (VNC) to connect to an ECS instance
The operation procedure is the same as that from a local Windows OS.
Connect to a Windows instance using Mac OS X
Download and install the remote desktop client for Mac OS X.
Follow the in-app directions to complete login.
Connect to a Windows instance using a mobile app
Download and install Microsoft Remote Desktop from the iTunes App Store. Follow the in-app directions to complete login.
What if I forget my logon password?
If you forget your instance logon password (not the VNC connection password), see Reset the password.