Remote Desktop Connection with WRT54G from Novice

Question

Well, I’m usually pretty good at using Google and forums to eventually figure out how to fix my problem but this one absolutely has me stumped and I’m hoping someone out there has an answer for me. For the record, I have probably a beginner/intermediate knowledge of computers so if you know the answer to my problem, try to explain it simply! ****TO ANYONE WHO TAKES THE TIME TO READ THIS THING AND CAN OFFER SOME ADVICE-THANK YOU!!!!***
THE PROBLEM
I would like to be able to use Remote Desktop to log into either of my home computers from basically any computer on the internet.
THE SETUP
I have two computers, whose names are LAPTOP and DESKTOP that are both running Windows Vista Ultimate. Both of the computers are connected to a Linksys WRt54G Router ; one wired, the other wirelessly. The Linksys router is then connected to a Westell DSL Modem that connects to AT&T’s internet service.
SETTINGS
My DSL service only provides me with a dynamic IP address so I signed up with no-ip.com. Through that site, I bought a domain name and downloaded their small program that runs in the background of my desktop computer. The program checks what my IP address is every couple of seconds and if it changes, it notifies their server so that anyone who types in my domain name is directed to the new IP address.
ROUTER (Firmware 4.20.6)
Basic Setup Page: The Router Name is just the model number, the Server Name is my DSL provider and the Domain Name is the name I chose and registered with No-IP.com. (www.mydomainname.com, for example.) DHCP Server is ENABLED. DDNS Service is DISABLED. Under Advanced  Routing, it is set in GATEWAY mode.
Security Page: Firewall Protection is ENABLED. Block Anonymous Internet Requests is NOT checked. Filter Multicast, Filter Internet NAT Redirection and Filter IDENT ARE checked.
Applications and Gaming Page: I chose two port numbers, one for each computer that I want to connect to. On the first line, I have Application: RDP, Port Range: 49200 to 49200, Protocol: Both, IP Address (The IP address of the computer I want to connect to) and the Enable box IS checked. [I did the same thing with the second line for the other computer, but with a different port number and that computer’s IP address)
Administration Page: Access Server is HTTP, Wireless Access Web is ENABLED, Remote Management is ENABLED through Port 8080, and UPnP is ENABLED.
WINDOWS VISTA SETTINGS
First, I went to the Remote Desktop Settings of the target computer and ENABLED Remote Desktop Connection and allowed computers running any version of Windows. I also confirmed that the box labeled “Allow This Computer To Be Controlled Remotely” WAS checked. I then made sure that I had a user name, it had a password associated and that it had Administrator priveledges. I went back to the Remote Connections screen and added the user name as being allowed to connect. (I think this is redundant since it’s both the owner of the computer and has Administrator Status.)
Next, per Randomly Googled Internet Advice, I went into the registry and changed the port number that Remote Desktop listens for incoming connections to Port 49200 to match the router settings. [Registry Entry that I modified was: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp]
Finally, I went to the Windows Firewall and Added (opened) port 49200 for use as a Remote Connection. I kept the protocol as TCP and confirmed the scope was set for Any Computer.
CURRENT STATUS
If I go to Explorer and enter my IP address with a colon and the specify port 8080, I can get the login screen for the router. Same thing happens if I just enter my domain name and port 8080. However, if I switch the 8080 port and use one of the ports I chose (49200), it cannot connect, either using the Public IP address or the domain name. (I’m trying to connect using a wireless card and not connected to my local network so I know it’s the same as if I was anywhere else.)
I’m not sure why it won’t let me connect; it feels like the router will not allow the connection to pass through it to the port I’m asking it to forward to. I’m guessing someone out there who took the time to read it is shaking their head at all the information I provided and knows the one dumb thing I missed!
Thanks again!

Answer 1

I'm attempting to do the same thing with my home network. the only differences are that i have cable internet from comcast and i'm running vista business. my router is the wrt54gs. i'm assuming that the web page is similar for adjustmants. To be honest i cannot figure out how to do a remote destop too. so i went to www.logmein.com and installed the program. once installed to to every computer you want to have access too and log into the website. then click on the add computer icom. full control app sharing etc... even better when you connect you have the option to deactivate the local host mouse and screen to prevent anyone seeing what your doing.
If you resolve the router issue would you let me know. plz thanks
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