How do I change the Terminal Server (or RDP) listening port?

By default, Terminal Server (For Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003) and Remote Desktop Protocol (for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003) listens on TCP port 3389.

To change the default port for all new connections created on the Terminal Server:

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1. Run Regedit and go to this key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp

2. Find the “PortNumber” subkey and notice the value of 00000D3D, hex for (3389). Modify the port number in Hex and save the new value.

You can now connect to the new port by using the “old” Windows 2000 Terminal Server client. A better option is to use the RDP client found in Windows XP, or even better, the newer Windows Server 2003 SP1 RDP 5.2 client (Download RDP 5.2).

You’ll need to configure your TS client to connect to the new port. Although changing the connection port on the RDP clients is quite easy, you CAN also change the connection port for the TS client. See Related Articles list for more info.

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You might also want to read the following related articles:

• Add a new RDP Listening Port to Terminal Server
• Download RDP 5.2
• Download Remote Desktop Web Connection for XP SP1
• Enable Remote Desktop on Windows Server 2003
• Install Remote Desktop Web Connection on Windows XP
• Install Remote Desktop Web Connection on Windows Server 2003
• Offer Remote Assistance in Windows XP/2003
• Quickly Connect to Remote Computers
• Remotely Enable Remote Desktop on Windows Server 2003
• Securing RDP/Terminal Services Communications
• Use RDP Client to Connect to a Different Port
• Use Terminal Server Client to Connect to a Different Port
• What’s Remote Desktop in Windows XP/2003?
• What’s Remote Assistance in Windows XP/2003?