Download the RDP 7.0 Client for Windows XP (KB969084)

This post will be useful for anyone who connects to remote computers over RDP — and does it from Windows XP. You can install a newer Remote Desktop client for XP: RDP 7.0.

I downloaded it and updated my client: the window became nicer and more cheerful, which was pleasant and added a fresh feel to working with the computer

What you need to install it

You need Windows XP with Service Pack 3 (SP3). I think anyone interested in the new RDP 7.0 already has SP3 installed.

Download RDP 7.0 for Windows XP

The Remote Desktop Connection 7.0 client update for Windows XP SP3 (KB969084, Russian version, 1.93 MB): download WindowsXP-KB969084-x86-rus.exe. For other languages, look for update KB969084 from Microsoft.

The update is described on Microsoft’s site under KB969084 — a version for Windows Vista was available there too.

If the server won’t let you in: CredSSP and NLA

Many servers require Network Level Authentication (NLA). On Windows XP SP3 this needs the CredSSP protocol, but it’s turned off by default and is enabled through a registry change. Readers in the comments recommend a ready-made Microsoft fix for this — MicrosoftFixit50588.msi.

What about Windows Server 2003?

There’s no official RDP 7.0 client for Windows Server 2003. Some people swap the libraries manually and it reportedly works, but I prefer official packages.