For most servers, RDM works flawlessly, but for 2 Windows 2012 R2 servers, 2 minute delays

Today, I upgraded my legit enterprise version 8 to version 11 trial hoping it would solve my issue.

I've had issues in the past with 2012 R2 servers when connecting from RDM. Protocol error disconnects when attempting to launch the session, which has been fixed by backing up default.rdp and restarting.

However, for 2 new 2012 R2 servers I am experiencing something new. When I run MSTSC.exe from the window run box, I get the login prompt immediately, I login, and all is well. Tried renaming default.rdp again. Didn't work. I've deleted the servers and recreated them. Tried duplicating from sessions that work. Nothing makes a difference so far.


When I use RDM, after opening the session, it takes at least 2 minutes for me to see the corporate banner, I click OK, then wait another 2-3 minutes to be disconnected or to get the desktop. Sometimes it works after the 5-6 minute delays between screens. Other times, it disconnects.

We have allocated in next years budget to move my entire team to the latest version 11, but going to have to find an alternate solution, if I can't find a fix, since most of our servers will be 2012 R2 moving forward.

My desktop OS is Windows 7 SP1. One of my coworkers is running Windows 10 and an even older version of RDM Enterprise and these 2 servers work for him.

Version 11.0.14.0
.Net v.4.030319
Remote Desktop 6.3.9600.16415

**EDIT - Found my solution. Unchecked the Activate network level authentication NLA on the Connection tab. Didn't see that option in version 8, but it's there under Advanced. Plain as day. I had unchecked NLA on the server because when it's checked on the server AND checked in RDM, there is a 2 minute wait and then I get "An authentication error has occurred. The local security authority cannot be contacted...This could be due to an expired password. Please update if it has expired...." My password has NOT expired.

So, the solution, for me, was to uncheck NLA on both the server and the RDM