KB Parallels: How do I make RDP session working in PIM/PPP under Internet Explorer 7

Symptoms

I open Parallels Infrastructure Manager (PIM) in Internet Explorer 7, choose a container, click the link 'Remote Desktop' in the main window and then click 'Login' to open RDP session to a container.

The RDP session window opens for a short moment and then automatically closes.

The same behavior I see in Parallels Power Panel when I go to Desktop > Container Services > Remote Desktop and click the button 'Login'.

Cause

The reason of problem is in security settings of Internet Explorer, they are too restrictive by default and do not allow to install and run needed ActiveX controls for RDP window.

Resolution

In order to solve the problem one should tweak security settings of Internet Explorer 7 (IE7) the way described below.

1. Open IE7 menu Tools > Internet Options > switch to the tab ‘Security’ > choose 'Internet Zone'

2. Enable the following parameters (see screenshot):
   - Download signed ActiveX controls
   - Download unsigned ActiveX controls
   - Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe for scripting

Press ‘OK’, ignore warning about insecure settings, press “Yes”.

3. Switch to the tab ‘Advanced’ in Internet Options and enable the following settings (see screenshots):
   - “Force offscreen composing even under Terminal Server”
   - “Allow active content to run in files on My Computer”
   - “Allow software to run or install even if the signature is invalid”
   - “Use SSL 2.0”
   - “Use TLS 1.0”
   - “Use SSL 3.0”

Click ‘OK’ after you changed settings.

4. Restart IE7 (close all IE7 windows).

Run Internet Explorer 7 again and now you should be able to use RDP in PIM/PPP.

The solution described above is working in the following environment:
- Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3 Build 2600
- Internet Explorer 7.0.5730.13

Parallels

How do I make RDP session working in PIM/PPP under Internet Explorer 7

Symptoms

Cause

Resolution

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