Question
Unable to connect to Ubuntu VPS using xrdp from Microsoft Remote Desktop
- Posted on April 24, 2023
- DigitalOcean Droplets
Asked by Matias Antonio Alonso Eiras
When I first created the droplet, I managed to succesfully install xrdp and connect to it through Microsoft Remote Desktop from my Windows machine. That was on Friday, today, it stopped working completely. I tried a miriad of solutions I found online, but no avail. No solution worked, I’ve tried reinstall the ubuntu image multiple times, forwarded the 3389 port multiple times, enabling and disabling the firewall, changing the default port, etc. None have worked so far. The only thing I know is that, through namp and the open port tool, the 3389 port appears to be closed, even though it is supposed to be open. The 22 port is shown correctly as open. I tried using x2go, but the desktop always crashed on startup. I’m in desperate need of help, I’ve searched everywhere for a working solution, without success. Xrdp logs are devoid of any erros, Microsoft Remote Desktop displays the x204 error consistently. I don’t know what to do anymore, any kind of help is deeply appreciated.
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Changing the port xrdp listens to, to some other open port fixes the issue. With Microsoft Remote Desktop, using the address as ip:port is enough. I suspect DigitalOcean was blocking the 3389 port, that’s why it apperead open on the droplet, but was unreachable.
Hey @matiasantonioalonsoeiras,
When the port is shown as closed, it usually means nothing is listening on it. Anyway, here are a few things to check and possibly provide info on them.
Confirm that xrdp is running
SSH into your droplet and check the status of the xrdp service:
If it’s not running, try to start it:
Check firewall rules
Make sure that the firewall (UFW or iptables) is allowing connections on port 3389. If you’re using UFW, you can check the current rules with:
If the port is not listed, add a rule to allow it:
If you’re using iptables, check the rules with:
If the port is not listed, add a rule to allow it:
Check xrdp logs
Inspect the xrdp logs for any errors or issues:
Look for any error messages or failed connections.
Not seeing the Port as open when using NMAP is where we should start from, you SHOULD see it so it’s either the configuration not proper or your firewall is blocking it.