Enable Network Level Authentication on XP Pro

I just tried to remotely control a server via RDP and got the error

The remote computer requires Network Level Authentication, which your computer does not support.

A quick search uncovered Microsoft KB 951608 which shows which two registry keys need editing to enable it. After you reboot of course.

  • Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then press ENTER.
  • In the navigation pane, locate and then click the following registry subkey: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa
  • In the details pane, right-click Security Packages, and then click Modify.
  • In the Value data box, type tspkg. Leave any data that is specific to other SSPs, and then click OK.
  • In the navigation pane, locate and then click the following registry subkey: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders
  • In the details pane, right-click SecurityProviders, and then click Modify.- In the Value data box, type credssp.dll. Leave any data that is specific to other SSPs, and then click OK.
  • Exit Registry Editor.
  • Restart the computer.

Now I’ve been able to connect to the remote site and get the job done.

Written on September 23, 2010