If you have multiple users on your Windows XP machine, you might have heard it is possible to patch the terminal services service, to support multiple concurrent remote desktop connection (via RDP) to your computer.
Around the time Windows XP SP1 was released, a patched version of the file termsrv.dll could be found on the Internet, replacing this file with your existing one enabled the concurrent remote sessions support.
Yesterday I upgraded to Windows XP SP3 (you may ask if it isn’t too early? maybe so, but since I’ve already been using the latest RC for some time now, I felt confident enough to apply this update on my home computer). Anyhow, after updating to SP3, I discovered my computer no longer supports concurrent remote sessions.
Short Googling returned few articles explaining how to patch the termsrv.dll to support concurrent sessions, so I pulled out my favorite HEX editor and with few clicks everything was up and running again.
To save so time for other users (and myself when upgrading more computers), I’ve packaged the updated termsrv.dll file with another file that will make the required changes to your registry. (see the included readme.txt file for further instructions).
Download the patched version: termsrv_sp3_patch.rar
Installation instructions
0. Go to C:\Windows\system32\dllcache and rename the termsrv.dll to termsrv.dll.bak
1. Go to \Windows\System32 folder and rename termsrv.dll to termsrv.dll.bak
3. Run the included registry patch “ts_concurrent_session_patch.reg” (by double clicking it), it will update the relevant registry values which are relevant to the concurrent sessions support.
3. Restart windows.
NOTE:
if you are currently using Terminal Services, you will need to start windows in safe mode before you can overwrite the existing termsrv.dll files.
Alon
UPDATE 7/June/08:
I’ve added a note to the installation instructions suggesting to remove another copy of termsrv.dll that resides in the dllcache directory (Anthoney, thanks for the tip).
UPDATE 1/Aug/08:
The previous download link died. I uploaded the file to a new location.
don’t work
Hello
I followed the steps and the solution does not work. I’ve installed winXP Professional Version 2002 + SP3.
Please, could you help me
Hi,
the dll file is overwritten in the latest version of Windows XP with the original file everytime I replace it. What do you suggest?
Thanks
Long ago, during SP1 rollout, it was recommended to boot XP in Safe Mode. Then, you will be able to replace termsrv.dll in ALL 3 locations identified in above instructions (do not overlook the dllcache folder specified in the June 7, 2008 update). Once you rename & replace termsrv.dll in all 3 locations, reboot the computer in normal mode and give your new multi-session enabled system a try.
You have to do all this in safe mode for it to work properly.
There are 3 posible locations where the termserv.dll lives, you need to replace all 3
What is the legal standing on this? does it not go against Microsoft’s licencing agreement for concurrent users?
I found all that talk of “3 possible locations” confusing because there are only two listed. But I followed the instruction (XP SP3) and it’s working well for me.
This does not work any longer. Microsoft issued a patch for this work around because XP is only officially supposed to support one remote connection. Either use XP SP1 or lower, or buy Windows Server.
I can confirm as of Nov 7th, 2011, this still works in XP 2002 SP3* if done in safe mode, you have to replace BOTH files as stated, I also set them both as read-only as a precaution and so far it’s working perfectly
*Despite having SP3 installed, there are still some minor patches waiting to be installed from Windows Update, Phil could be referencing one of these as what prevents multiple TS logins.
Hi there this worked great, Thanks!
What i want to know is if it is possible to allow a single user to log in multiple times? At the moment User1 from PC1 and User2 from PC2 to the XP Terminal works fine. But i need User1 from PC1 and User1 from PC2 to be logged in. Is this possible?
Thanks you
Hi!
Work great!
I Need some How-To:
After computer starts, it autologon one user to local work.
How to start and lock another – remote – session, in the same time, for faster remote connection of the second user?
Is it possible?
Great! it works for me 1st attempt…. without going into the safe mode
Hi,
thanks for the patch!
I had the problem that “AllowMultipleTSSessions” in the registry was always reset to 0 on reboot so I placed batch file in the computer startup folder to auto import the registry file on computer start!
icaq
Worked fine on a Virtual Machine XP Pro 2002 Sp3 but only after being in Safe mode logged in at the console. Otherwise it was always in use, even with Terminal Service turned off.
I was recently locking for this, because I have a Linux (debian 6) inside in what I use VirtualBox (Oracle) for virtualize some VMs like Linux, MaC OS and Windows. Now everythin is working well, but some users in the Network are using Linux too, and today some of them wanted to run just one aplication that runs only in Windows… ….. ….. no more explications,,,,,,, the solution is the following:
1.- Start the Windows VM, and pres F8, in safe mode or prompt
2.- rename in /windows/system32/dllcache the file termsrv.dll for another like termsrv.dll_ok
3.- rename in /windows/system32/ the file termsrv.dll for another like termsrv.dll_ok
4.- Copy (the patch previously downloaded and untar it) its name is the same termsrv.dll (that is why i renamed the originals one before)
5.- continuing in safe mode or system simbol, run the reg patch, ts_concurrent_session_patch.reg, it can in many ways, but I prefer this, staying in the path of the file ts_concurrent_session_patch.reg just type: start ts_concurrent_session_patch.reg (remenber I am in safe mode or simtem symbol) after that a message popup apears, accept it.
Restart the virtual machine Windows.
In windows, login as administrator, create some users and add them to remote desktop group, after that right clik over MY PC, properties, remote, remote desktop, select remote users (notice that here apears the users tha You already created before).
Finally, I just connect from others Linux PC with rdesktop (in each case, the users don’t do anything, because I added in one command line every information as user, password, etc.
I apreciate you for this post, because was usefull… and perdon for my basic english.
From Perú
Rafael