RDP Wrapper Library by Stas'M


The goal of this project is to enable Remote Desktop Host support and concurrent RDP sessions on reduced functionality systems for home usage.

RDP Wrapper works as a layer between Service Control Manager and Terminal Services, so the original termsrv.dll file remains untouched. Also this method is very strong against Windows Update.

NT Version	Screenshots
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Windows 8
Windows 8.1
Windows 10

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This solution was inspired by Windows Product Policy Editor, big thanks to kost :)

— binarymaster

Attention:

It's recommended to have original termsrv.dll file with the RDP Wrapper installation. If you have modified it before with other patchers, it may become unstable and crash in any moment.

Information:

• Source code is available, so you can build it on your own
• RDP Wrapper does not patch termsrv.dll, it loads termsrv with different parameters
• RDPWInst and RDPChecker can be redistributed without development folder and batch files
• RDPWInst can be used for unattended installation / deployment
• Windows 2000, XP and Server 2003 will not be supported

Key features:

• RDP host server on any Windows edition beginning from Vista
• Console and remote sessions at the same time
• Using the same user simultaneously for local and remote logon (see configuration app)
• Up to 15 concurrent sessions (the actual limitation depends on your hardware and OS version)
• Console and RDP session shadowing (using Task Manager in Windows 7 and lower, and Remote Desktop Connection in Windows 8 and higher)
• Full multi-monitor support for RDP host
• ...and if you find a new feature not listed here, tell us ;)

Porting to other platforms:

• ARM for Windows RT (see links below)
• IA-64 for Itanium-based Windows Server? Well, I have no idea :)

Building the binaries:

• x86 Delphi version can be built with Embarcadero RAD Studio 2010
• x86/x64 C++ version can be built with Microsoft Visual Studio 2013

Links:

• Official GitHub repository:
  https://github.com/stascorp/rdpwrap/
• Active discussion in the comments here:
  Enable remote desktop on Windows 8 core / basic - Andrew Block .net
• MDL Projects and Applications thread here:
  RDP Wrapper Library (works with Windows 8.1 Basic)
• Some ideas about porting to ARM for Windows RT (post #23):
  [Q] Mod Windows RT to enable Remote Desktop
• Adding «Remote Desktop Users» group:
  http://superuser.com/questions/680572/

Tutorial videos:

• Updating RDP Wrapper INI file manually (now use installer to update INI file)
• How to find offsets for new termsrv.dll versions

Files in release package:

File name	Description
RDPWInst.exe	RDP Wrapper Library installer/uninstaller
RDPCheck.exe	Local RDP Checker (you can check the RDP is working)
RDPConf.exe	RDP Wrapper Configuration
install.bat	Quick install batch file
uninstall.bat	Quick uninstall batch file
update.bat	Quick update batch file

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I download the installer or binaries?

In the GitHub Releases section.

Is it legal to use this application?

There is no definitive answer, see this discussion.

The installer tries to access the Internet, is it normal behaviour?

Yes, it works in online mode by default. You may disable it by removing -o flag in the install.bat file.

What is online install mode?

Online install mode introduced in version 1.6.1. When you installing RDP Wrapper first time using this mode, it will download latest INI file from GitHub. See this discussion.

What is INI file and why we need it?

INI file was introduced in version 1.5. It stores system configuration for RDP Wrapper — general wrapping settings, binary patch codes, and per build specific data. When new termsrv.dll build comes out, developer adds support for it by updating INI file in repository.

Config Tool reports version 1.5, but I installed higher version. What's the matter?

Beginning with version 1.5 the rdpwrap.dll is not updated anymore, since all settings are stored in INI file. Deal with it.

Config Tool shows [not supported] and RDP doesn't work. What can I do?

Make sure you're connected to the Internet and run update.bat.

Update doesn't help, it still shows [not supported].

Visit issues section, and check whether your termsrv.dll build is listed here. If you can't find such issue, create a new — specify your build version for adding to support.

Why RDPCheck doesn't allow to change resolution and other settings?

RDPCheck is a very simple application and only for testing purposes. You need to use Microsoft Remote Desktop Client (mstsc.exe) if you want to customize the settings. You can use 127.0.0.1 or 127.0.0.2 address for loopback connection.

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Change log:

2016.08.01

• Version 1.6.1
• Include updated INI file for latest Windows builds
• Installer updated
• Added online install mode
• Added feature to keep settings on uninstall
• RDP Config updated
• Fixed update firewall rule on RDP port change
• Added feature to hide users on logon

2015.08.12

• Version 1.6
• Added support for Windows 10
• INI file has smaller size now - all comments are moved to KB file
• Installer updated
• Added workaround for 1056 error (although it isn't an error)
• Added update support to installer
• Newest RDPClip versions are included with installer
• RDP Checker updated
• Changed connect IP to 127.0.0.2
• Updated some text messages
• RDP Config updated
• Added all possible shadowing modes
• Also it will write settings to the group policy

2014.12.11

• Version 1.5
• Added INI config support
• Configuration is stored in INI file now
• We can extend version support without building new binaries
• Added support for Windows 8.1 with KB3000850
• Added support for Windows 10 Technical Preview Update 2
• Installer updated
• RDP Config updated
• Diagnostics feature added to RDP Config

2014.11.14

• Version 1.4
• Added support for Windows 10 Technical Preview Update 1
• Added support for Windows Vista SP2 with KB3003743
• Added support for Windows 7 SP1 with KB3003743
• Added new RDP Configuration Program

2014.10.21

• Installer updated
• Added feature to install RDP Wrapper to System32 directory
• Fixed issue in the installer - NLA setting now remains unchanged
• Local RDP Checker updated
• SecurityLayer and UserAuthentification values changed on check start
• RDP Checker restores values on exit

2014.10.20

• Version 1.3
• Added support for Windows 10 Technical Preview
• Added support for Windows 7 with KB2984972
• Added support for Windows 8 with KB2973501
• Added extended support for Windows Vista (SP0, SP1 and SP2)
• Added extended support for Windows 7 (SP0 and SP1)
• Some improvements in the source code
• Installer updated to v2.2
• Fixed installation bug in Vista x64 (wrong expand path)
• Local RDP Checker updated
• Added description to error 0x708

2014.07.26

• Version 1.2
• Added support for Windows 8 Developer Preview
• Added support for Windows 8 Consumer Preview
• Added support for Windows 8 Release Preview
• Added support for Windows 8.1 Preview
• Added support for Windows 8.1
• More details you will see in the source code
• Installer updated to v2.1

2013.12.09

• C++ port of RDP Wrapper was made by Fusix
• x64 architecture is supported now
• Added new command line installer v2.0
• Added local RDP checker
• Source code (C++ port, installer 2.0, local RDP checker) is also included

2013.10.25

• Version 1.1 source code is available

2013.10.22

• Version 1.1
• Stable release
• Improved wrapper (now it can wrap internal unexported termsrv.dll SL Policy function)
• Added support for Windows 8 Single Language (tested on Acer Tablet PC with Intel Atom Z2760)

2013.10.19

• Version 1.0
• First [beta] version
• Basic SL Policy wrapper

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Supported Terminal Services versions:

• 6.0.X.X (Windows Vista / Server 2008)
• 6.0.6000.16386 (Windows Vista)
• 6.0.6001.18000 (Windows Vista SP1)
• 6.0.6002.18005 (Windows Vista SP2)
• 6.0.6002.19214 (Windows Vista SP2 with KB3003743 GDR)
• 6.0.6002.23521 (Windows Vista SP2 with KB3003743 LDR)
• 6.1.X.X (Windows 7 / Server 2008 R2)
• 6.1.7600.16385 (Windows 7)
• 6.1.7601.17514 (Windows 7 SP1)
• 6.1.7601.18540 (Windows 7 SP1 with KB2984972 GDR)
• 6.1.7601.22750 (Windows 7 SP1 with KB2984972 LDR)
• 6.1.7601.18637 (Windows 7 SP1 with KB3003743 GDR)
• 6.1.7601.22843 (Windows 7 SP1 with KB3003743 LDR)
• 6.1.7601.23403 (Windows 7 SP1 with KB3125574)
• 6.2.8102.0 (Windows 8 Developer Preview)
• 6.2.8250.0 (Windows 8 Consumer Preview)
• 6.2.8400.0 (Windows 8 Release Preview)
• 6.2.9200.16384 (Windows 8 / Server 2012)
• 6.2.9200.17048 (Windows 8 with KB2973501 GDR)
• 6.2.9200.21166 (Windows 8 with KB2973501 LDR)
• 6.3.9431.0 (Windows 8.1 Preview)
• 6.3.9600.16384 (Windows 8.1 / Server 2012 R2)
• 6.3.9600.17095 (Windows 8.1 with KB2959626)
• 6.3.9600.17415 (Windows 8.1 with KB3000850)
• 6.4.9841.0 (Windows 10 Technical Preview)
• 6.4.9860.0 (Windows 10 Technical Preview Update 1)
• 6.4.9879.0 (Windows 10 Technical Preview Update 2)
• 10.0.9926.0 (Windows 10 Pro Technical Preview)
• 10.0.10041.0 (Windows 10 Pro Technical Preview Update 1)
• 10.0.10240.16384 (Windows 10 RTM)
• 10.0.10586.0 (Windows 10 TH2 Release 151029-1700)
• 10.0.10586.589 (Windows 10 TH2 Release 160906-1759 with KB3185614)
• 10.0.11082.1000 (Windows 10 RS1 Release 151210-2021)
• 10.0.11102.1000 (Windows 10 RS1 Release 160113-1800)
• 10.0.14251.1000 (Windows 10 RS1 Release 160124-1059)
• 10.0.14271.1000 (Windows 10 RS1 Release 160218-2310)
• 10.0.14279.1000 (Windows 10 RS1 Release 160229-1700)
• 10.0.14295.1000 (Windows 10 RS1 Release 160318-1628)
• 10.0.14300.1000 (Windows Server 2016 Technical Preview 5)
• 10.0.14316.1000 (Windows 10 RS1 Release 160402-2227)
• 10.0.14328.1000 (Windows 10 RS1 Release 160418-1609)
• 10.0.14332.1001 (Windows 10 RS1 Release 160422-1940)
• 10.0.14342.1000 (Windows 10 RS1 Release 160506-1708)
• 10.0.14352.1002 (Windows 10 RS1 Release 160522-1930)
• 10.0.14366.0 (Windows 10 RS1 Release 160610-1700)
• 10.0.14367.0 (Windows 10 RS1 Release 160613-1700)
• 10.0.14372.0 (Windows 10 RS1 Release 160620-2342)
• 10.0.14379.0 (Windows 10 RS1 Release 160627-1607)
• 10.0.14383.0 (Windows 10 RS1 Release 160701-1839)
• 10.0.14385.0 (Windows 10 RS1 Release 160706-1700)
• 10.0.14388.0 (Windows 10 RS1 Release 160709-1635)
• 10.0.14393.0 (Windows 10 RS1 Release 160715-1616)
• 10.0.14901.1000 (Windows 10 RS Pre-Release 160805-1700)
• 10.0.14905.1000 (Windows 10 RS Pre-Release 160811-1739)
• 10.0.14915.1000 (Windows 10 RS Pre-Release 160826-1902)
• 10.0.14926.1000 (Windows 10 RS Pre-Release 160910-1529)
• 10.0.14931.1000 (Windows 10 RS Pre-Release 160916-1700)
• 10.0.14936.1000 (Windows 10 RS Pre-Release 160923-1700)
• 10.0.14942.1000 (Windows 10 RS Pre-Release 161003-1929)
• 10.0.14946.1000 (Windows 10 RS Pre-Release 161007-1700)
• 10.0.14951.1000 (Windows 10 RS Pre-Release 161014-1700)
• 10.0.14955.1000 (Windows 10 RS Pre-Release 161020-1700)
• 10.0.14959.1000 (Windows 10 RS Pre-Release 161026-1700)
• 10.0.14965.1001 (Windows 10 RS Pre-Release 161104-1700)
• 10.0.14971.1000 (Windows 10 RS Pre-Release 161111-1700)
• 10.0.14986.1000 (Windows 10 Build 160101.0800)
• 10.0.15002.1001 (Windows 10 Build 160101.0800)
• 10.0.15007.1000 (Windows 10 Build 160101.0800)
• 10.0.15014.1000 (Windows 10 Build 160101.0800)
• 10.0.15019.1000 (Windows 10 RS Pre-Release 170121-1513)

Confirmed working on:

• Windows Vista Starter (x86 - Service Pack 1 and higher)
• Windows Vista Home Basic
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• Windows Vista Business
• Windows Vista Enterprise
• Windows Vista Ultimate
• Windows Server 2008
• Windows 7 Starter
• Windows 7 Home Basic
• Windows 7 Home Premium
• Windows 7 Professional
• Windows 7 Enterprise
• Windows 7 Ultimate
• Windows Server 2008 R2
• Windows 8 Developer Preview
• Windows 8 Consumer Preview
• Windows 8 Release Preview
• Windows 8
• Windows 8 Single Language
• Windows 8 Pro
• Windows 8 Enterprise
• Windows Server 2012
• Windows 8.1 Preview
• Windows 8.1
• Windows 8.1 Connected (with Bing)
• Windows 8.1 Single Language
• Windows 8.1 Connected Single Language (with Bing)
• Windows 8.1 Pro
• Windows 8.1 Enterprise
• Windows Server 2012 R2
• Windows 10 Technical Preview
• Windows 10 Pro Technical Preview
• Windows 10 Home
• Windows 10 Home Single Language
• Windows 10 Pro
• Windows 10 Enterprise
• Windows Server 2016 Technical Preview

Known issues:

• Beginning with Windows 8 on tablet PCs inactive sessions will be logged out by system - more info
• Beginning with Windows 10 you can accidentally lock yourself from PC - more info
• RDP works, but termsrv.dll crashes on logon attempt - Windows Vista Starter RTM x86 (termsrv.dll 6.0.6000.16386)
• If Terminal Services hangs at startup, try to add rdpwrap.dll to antivirus exclusions. Also try to isolate RDP Wrapper from other shared services by the command:
  sc config TermService type= own
• RDP Wrapper can be removed by AVG Free Antivirus and Norton Antivirus - first make sure you downloaded official release from GitHub, then add it to exclusions.

Installation instructions:

• Download latest release binaries and unpack files
• Right-click on install.bat and select Run as Administrator
• See command output for details

To update INI file:

• Right-click on update.bat and select Run as Administrator
• See command output for details

To uninstall:

• Go to the directory where you extracted the files
• Right-click on uninstall.bat and select Run as Administrator
• See command output for details