I use remote desktop on my main computer to control an old PC. I have this old PC CPU under my desk with no monitor hooked up to it. However, I recently had to reboot the old PC and was unable to log in in order to control it remotely. And since I didn’t have a monitor hooked up to the old PC, I couldn’t even view the screen in order to log in. I ended up having to hook up an old VGA monitor in order to log in, and then I was able to remote dekstop and disconnect my old monitor again.
My question is:
Instead of having to keep the old clunky monitor hooked up to my old PC CPU (or to hook it up to use really briefly), is there some other way to view the screen (every once in awhile) without having to use that old clunky monitor?
i.e. Some sort of 3″ monitor or “mini monitor” I could keep hooked up and under my desk and out of my way, but only use for cases like this one above?
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Bill – a KVM switch would be a great idea, and I wouldn’t even have to remote desktop! However, my main computer is a Mac (which has the integrated CPU/Monitor), and therefore I cannot use a KVM switch.
Wait…is there a video input to an iMac…in which I could use a KVM switch???
…I just checked…as I suspected, there is no video input to the iMac. So, KVM switch is not an option.
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I did just figure out how to change my registry on my old PC computer to automatically logon, though (Windows XP), so this may be a workable solution. I just hate to have to keep a monitor to hook up to it in order to troubleshoot when my remote desktop fails to work.
KVM switch my friend. That is your answer.
A KVM switch is a small multi-connection device that allows 1 monitor, mouse, and keyboard for a number of computers. Depending on the money you want to spend you can have 2 computers, 4 computers, or more. Why bother with a separate keyboard, mouse, and 3″ monitor. Just use the nice ones already on your desk.
You can get a KVM switch from most tech retail outlets
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Considering investing in a KVM box. It is a box to which you connect one monitor, ouse and keyboard, but then has two sets of cables that run to the monitor, mouse and keyboard ports of two different computers. (They also make 4 and 8 computer versions). You can switch between the two different computers by pressing a switch on the box or using a keyboard combination. It allows you to control two computers from one monitor, mouse and keyboard.
I have one that I have used for a couple years now to do exactly what you are wanting to do. I have an old PC that I use just for storage. It is networked with my main computer, and I use it for file storage. Rather than remote into it, should I need to do something, I just press the switch on my KVM and I am in control of the old PC.
You will probably find that the box is cheaper then a second montor, mouse and keyboard. Plus you can keep it hooked up all the time without taking up an additional desk space, etc, like a second everything else would.
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Yep, there are “mini” monitors out there.
I’ve seen some 7-inch diagonal monitors with VGA input from companies like Xenarc, Liliput, etc. Basically they took the mini display panels intended for cars (in-dash LCDs or headrest-mounted mini TV screens) and put it into a mini monitor.
These things ain’t cheap though.
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