RDP - An Internal Error Has Occured

Understanding the "RDP - An Internal Error Has Occurred" Message

The Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) facilitates remote connections to Windows servers and desktops, but it's not immune to issues. The "RDP - An Internal Error Has Occurred" message is one of the more cryptic and challenging errors to diagnose due to its vague nature. This section aims to dissect the error by exploring its common causes, providing IT professionals with a clearer starting point for troubleshooting.

RDP Configuration Missteps

Incorrect or suboptimal settings within the Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) client can prevent a successful connection. Key configuration errors to look out for include:

• Incorrect Connection Parameters: Ensure the IP address or hostname is correctly specified, and the target system is set up to accept RDP connections on the expected port, typically 3389.
• Authentication Level Settings: The RDC client's authentication level might be set higher than what the server supports or requires, leading to failed connections.
• Resolution and Resource Settings: Overly ambitious video resolution or resource sharing settings can sometimes overwhelm the client or server's capabilities, resulting in errors.

Security Layer Conflicts

The security settings between the RDP client and the server must be compatible for a successful connection. Common issues include:

• Encryption Level Mismatch: The client and server might be configured to use different encryption levels, preventing a secure connection.
• RDP Version Compatibility: Older RDP clients may not support the security features of newer RDP servers, and vice versa. Ensuring both client and server are up-to-date can resolve these issues.
• Network Level Authentication (NLA) Requirements: If the server requires NLA but the client does not support it, or if it's misconfigured, connections will fail.

Domain and Network Issues

The domain membership and network configuration of the client and server play crucial roles in RDP connectivity. Potential problems include:

• Domain Trust Issues: If the client or server has issues with domain trust relationships, RDP connections can be affected.
• IP Configuration Problems: Incorrect static IP settings or issues with DHCP can prevent the RDP client from reaching the server.
• DNS Resolution Failures: The client's inability to resolve the server's hostname due to DNS misconfigurations can prevent RDP connections.

VPN Interference

Using a VPN can introduce additional variables into the RDP connection process, including:

• Port Blocking or Redirection: Some VPNs may block or redirect ports used by RDP, typically port 3389, to enhance security, inadvertently preventing RDP connections.
• Encryption Conflicts: The additional layer of encryption introduced by a VPN can sometimes interfere with RDP's own encryption, leading to errors.
• Bandwidth and Latency Issues: VPNs can introduce significant bandwidth limitations and latency, which can disrupt RDP connections, especially in graphically intensive sessions.

Addressing this error involves a series of methodical solutions, each tailored to rectify specific potential causes of this problem, when the screen shows "RDP - An Internal Error Has Occured".

Checking RDP Settings (Solution 1)

Properly configured RDP settings are the cornerstone of a successful Remote Desktop connection. Let's explore the settings you should examine first if you don't want to receive the "RDP - An Internal Error Has Occured" message on your screen.

Persistent Bitmap Caching and Connection Options

• Persistent Bitmap Caching: This feature stores images from the remote session to improve performance. To enable it, open Remote Desktop Connection (`mstsc`), click `Show Options`, navigate to the `Experience` tab, and check `Persistent bitmap caching`.
• Automatic Reconnection: This ensures that RDP attempts to reconnect if the connection drops. In the `Experience` tab, ensure `Reconnect if the connection is dropped` is selected.

These settings optimize the RDP client for better resilience and performance during remote sessions.

Rejoining the Domain (Solution 2)

Domain issues can obscure the root cause of RDP errors. Rejoining the domain often clears these problems.

Steps to Rejoin the Domain

• Leaving the Domain: Navigate to `Settings > Accounts > Access work or school`.
• Select the domain, click `Disconnect`, and confirm. Rejoining: After restarting, go back to `Access work or school` and click `+ Connect` to rejoin the domain.

This process can resolve underlying authentication or policy enforcement issues stemming from domain membership.

Modifying the MTU Size (Solution 3)

The Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) size impacts data transmission over the network. Adjusting the MTU size can enhance connectivity.

Adjusting MTU for Optimal Performance

• Check Current MTU: Open Command Prompt as administrator. Use `netsh interface ipv4 show subinterfaces` to view the current MTU sizes.
• Change MTU Size: If adjustments are needed, use `netsh interface ipv4 set subinterface "Ethernet" mtu=1458 store=persistent`. Replace `"Ethernet"` with the correct network interface if necessary.

Adjusting RDP Security Settings (Solution 4)

RDP security settings play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining remote sessions. Adjusting these settings can resolve security-related connection issues.

Configuring RDP Security Layer

• Access Group Policy Editor: Run `gpedit.msc`.
• Navigate to RDP Security Settings: Go to `Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Security`
• Adjust Security Layer: Enable `Require use of specific security layer for remote (RDP) connections`, selecting `RDP` as the security layer.

Disabling Network Level Authentication (NLA) (Solution 5)

NLA enhances security but can sometimes hinder connection attempts, especially in mixed or legacy environments.

How to Disable NLA

Open `System Properties`, navigate to the `Remote` tab, and under `Remote Desktop`, choose `Allow remote connections to this computer`, ensuring `Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (recommended)` is unchecked.

Transitionally, while the above solutions address common areas of concern, it's vital to delve deeper into network configurations, VPN settings, and advanced system checks when these initial steps don't resolve the issue.

Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques

If the aforementioned solutions don't rectify the issue, advanced troubleshooting techniques become necessary. These may include deeper network diagnostics, policy adjustments, and even system recovery or update strategies to address more entrenched problems. This will help you to overcome the issue discussed in this article, when the "RDP - An Internal Error Has Occured" message appears on the screen.

VPN and Network Configuration (Solutions 1 & 2)

Reevaluating VPN Settings

For those using VPNs, ensuring that the VPN's configuration does not interfere with RDP traffic is crucial. Adjusting or temporarily disabling VPN connections may resolve the error.

Network Configuration Checks

Revisiting network settings, including IP configuration and DNS settings, can uncover issues affecting RDP connectivity.

Update and System Maintenance (Solution 3)

Keeping systems up-to-date is more than just best practice; it can be a solution in itself.

Ensuring System and Application Updates

Regularly check for and apply system and application updates.

Recovering or Rolling Back Updates

If issues arise following an update, consider rolling back to a previous stable state. This can be done via `Settings > Update & Security > Recovery` and selecting “Go back to the previous version of Windows 10.”

Restarting Remote Desktop Services (Solution 4)

At times, the simplest solutions prove effective. Restarting the Remote Desktop Services can refresh connections and clear errors.

How to Restart Remote Desktop Services

• Open `services.msc` from the Run dialog.
• Scroll to find `Remote Desktop Services`. Right-click and choose `Restart`.
• If the service is not running, choose `Start`.

Advanced System and Network Checks

For persistent issues, deeper system and network diagnostics are warranted.

Local Security Policy Adjustments

Misconfigured security policies can interfere with RDP. Access `secpol.msc`, navigate to `Local Policies > Security Options`, and review policies for potential conflicts, especially those related to RDP and network security.

Network Troubleshooting

Tools like `telnet` can help diagnose port accessibility issues. Ensuring the RDP port (default 3389) is open and not blocked by firewalls is critical. Use `telnet YOUR_SERVER_IP 3389` to check connectivity.

Firewall Configuration

The Windows Firewall might inadvertently block RDP connections. Creating a new inbound rule to allow traffic through port 3389 can resolve this. Access this through `Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Advanced settings`.

All these solutions should help you to resolve the "RDP - An Internal Error Has Occured" error if it appears on your screen.

Conclusion on the "RDP - An Internal Error Has Occured"

Tackling the "RDP - An Internal Error Has Occurred" error requires a detailed understanding of both the potential causes and the appropriate resolutions. By systematically applying the solutions outlined in this guide, IT professionals can effectively troubleshoot and resolve this issue, ensuring their remote connections are stable and reliable.

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