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Unable to connect to computer with no display connected!

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Christer Johansen, User (Posts: 7)
Nov 07, 2021 8:16:28 pm EST
Support level: Free or trial
I am running a small home set up (less than 10 computers) with my own RU server for security, and this has been worked just fine. Until recently, when all of a sudden I cannot connect to and remote control one specific computer. I have tried just about "everything", including uninstalling the host and deleting all settings to start over a few times, but that makes no difference. I'm running the latest versions of all the RU software (host 7.0.2.0, viewer 7.0.2.0, and RU server 3.0.1.0), and I'm using "Custom Server Security" for all the computers. They are all configured exactly the same way and on the same physical LAN.

For the PC that Remote Utilities no longer can control the viewer will just show the usual message "Connecting to <computername>. Please, wait...

WHen I look at the log on the "host" computer, it looks like connections are established and ended normally, but the whole time the "viewer" window is just stuck with the "Connection to" message.

I can "Log on" to the computer in the "viewer" windows just fine so I see a miniature screen under "Logged on", I just cannot connect to it.

I didn't really think this could be a "missing display problem" as I havea few Intel NUC boxes with no display or display cable connected, and I can control them just fine. But not this relatively new AMD system with RTX 3070 graphics card, as soon as I unplug the HDMI cable I can no longer connect to it with Remote Utilities.

Now the whole purpose of using RU is to connect to such computers that are just left doing their things, with no need for an attached display.

Am I missing something here? RU is supposed to work even with no display connected to the "host", right?

How do I fix this issue so I can connect to the computer without having to have a display connected?

I did order a few of these "dummy HDMI plugs" that tricks the display card into believing that a display is attached, the kind that are usually used for "Mining rigs". But should that really be necessary?
Pauline, Support (Posts: 2876)
Nov 08, 2021 9:03:26 am EST
Hello Christer,

Thank you for your message.

Yes, when using Remote Utilities you should be able to connect even to a headless remote machine. Perhaps, the issue might have been caused by how the screen capture is processed inside the system with or without the physical monitor plugged in.
Please try enabling the Use legacy capture mode checkbox in the Host Settings -> Other tab and see if this helps to resolve the issue. After enabling the checkbox please make sure to restart Host in order for the changes to be applied. Please note that it's also possible to enable the feature remotely via the Remote Settings feature.

Hope that helps.
Christer Johansen, User (Posts: 7)
Nov 08, 2021 9:10:29 am EST
Support level: Free or trial
Thanks, Pauline, enabling the "Use legacy capture mode" indeed solved the issue with this specific computer. Seems like it's necessary for some but not all "headless" computers to enable this option then, good to know, thanks!

Christer
Pauline, Support (Posts: 2876)
Nov 08, 2021 10:22:51 am EST
Hello Christer,

I'm glad to hear we were able to help!

Seems like it's necessary for some but not all "headless" computers to enable this option then, good to know, thanks!

Yes, such issues might be occurring only on some machines, depending on the graphics card used, OS (e.g. Windows 10 vs Windows 7) or some other parts of the machine's configuration. However, enabling the Legacy capture mode feature usually helps to resolve the majority of similar issues.

Please let us know if you have other questions.
Brad, User (Posts: 1)
Aug 11, 2023 8:38:24 pm EDT
Support level: Free or trial
I understand this thread is old, but I'm having a similar problem with the remote host with three HDMI displays attached, but power is physically removed from the monitors using a smart outlet.   Remote Utilities works fine when the monitors are powered, but I can only view/interact with the primary display when power is removed.   Turn the power back on, and everything is like it should be.

I've tried updating the host and viewer and selected the legacy capture mode without luck.

Are there other suggestions you have that might help in this situation?

Thank you.
Pauline, Support (Posts: 2876)
Aug 14, 2023 3:10:36 pm EDT
Hello Brad,

Thank you for your message.

Could you please let us know if you've restarted Host after enabling the Legacy Capture mode in the Host Settings? Do the remote monitors have their own graphics cards?

Looking forward to your reply.
James Barton, User (Posts: 1)
Aug 14, 2023 3:16:04 pm EDT
Support level: Starter
Hi Pauline -

Yes, I restarted the host after legacy capture mode.   And all three monitors use the Intel® UHD Graphics 630 on an i5-10500T processor.    

Would a headless adapter with a passthrough on the two monitors that drop out when power is physically removed from all the monitors help?  

Thank you
Brad
Pauline, Support (Posts: 2876)
Aug 14, 2023 6:43:22 pm EDT
Hello Brad,

Would a headless adapter with a passthrough on the two monitors that drop out when power is physically removed from all the monitors help?

Yes, according to the messages from Christer above, this looks like a workaround that should work. However, in the meantime, I’ll forward the issue to our developers for a review, to see if we’re able to reproduce it in our environment and, if yes, to implement a fix for this issue.

Please let us know if you have more questions.

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