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There are few tests you can do to identify and resolve the issue

1. All versions of Vista do not support RDP.Windows Vista home premium does not support RDP.
   To find out what version you’re running
   
   • Click on START
   • Right Click on COMPUTER
   • Click on PROPERTIES
   If it is Vista Home Premium, then check if Terminal service is running.
   
   To RESTART the service do the following
   
   • Click on START
   • Click on CONTROL PANEL
   • Click on SERVICES
   • RESTART terminal service.
   Once the service is restarted then run the RDP again.
2. RDP uses port 3389 by default. Please check the firewall settings to find out if this port is not blocked and also ensure that mstsc.exe is added to the exception list.
   To check if the port is blocked do the following:
   
   • Open Windows Firewall by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Security, and then click on Windows Firewall.
   • Click Allow a program through Windows Firewall. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
   • Check the Remote Desktop check box.
     
3. One of the reasons that RDP does not work is if there is not enough memory. So close other applications and then try and run RDP.
4. If RDP fails to start despite all of the above steps then the last option is to install Microsoft Virtual PC.
   Microsoft Virtual PC is a virtualization suite for Microsoft Windows operating systems . Virtual PC virtualizes a standard PC and its associated hardware. Once Virtual PC is up and running, you can install Windows XP within Vista framework. It gives an option to work in two different environments without going through the hassle of duel boot operating system
   To download Microsoft Virtual PC click on the following link.
   http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=04D26402-3199-48A3-AFA2-2DC0B40A73B6&displaylang=en
   Run the setup and follow the instructions to install Virtual PC. Before installing and configuring VPC ensure that you have administrative control of the host OS.
   1. Once the Virtual pc is installed, open the console and press ‘Start’ button.
      
   2. Install Windows XP operating system on Virtual PC.
   3. Click on ‘Settings’ to enable network adaptors. This will enable the internet connection on Virtual pc
      
   4. Windows Xp has RDP enabled by default. So open Mstsc.exe to run RDP.