When using rdesktop from Linux to Windows Server 2012, file transfer isn't as straightforward as drag-and-drop between local machines. The -r disk: parameter enables disk redirection, but accessing the shared directory requires specific steps.

The correct command structure should be:

rdesktop -u administrator -p your_password -r disk:linux_share=/path/to/local/folder server_ip_address

Key parameters explained:

• linux_share: The label that will appear in Windows Explorer
• /path/to/local/folder: Absolute path to your Ubuntu directory
• Server IP must be accessible from your Ubuntu machine

After establishing the RDP connection:

1. Open Windows Explorer
2. Navigate to "This PC"
3. Look for a new device labeled with your share name (e.g., linux_share)

If the share doesn't appear, check these troubleshooting steps:

# Verify the share is properly mapped in your RDP session
net use

# Alternative connection method with debug output
rdesktop -u user -p pass -r disk:debug_share=/home/user/docs -d domain 192.168.1.100 > rdp_log.txt 2>&1

If disk redirection proves problematic, consider these alternatives:

SCP Transfer

# From Ubuntu to Windows (requires OpenSSH server on Windows)
scp /local/file.txt administrator@windows_server:C:\\Users\\administrator\\Desktop\\

Samba Share

# Mount Windows share on Ubuntu first
sudo mount -t cifs //windows_server/share_name /mnt/win_share -o username=user,password=pass

Windows Server 2012 may block access due to:

• Local policy restrictions on device redirection
• User Account Control (UAC) limitations
• Network Level Authentication requirements

To enable proper access:

# On Windows Server, run in PowerShell as Admin:
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Terminal Services" -Name "fDisableCdm" -Value 0
Restart-Service TermService -Force

For better performance with large files:

rdesktop -u user -p pass -r disk:fast_transfer=/big_folder -5 -P -z -x m server_ip

Where:

• -5: Enable RDP 5.1+ features
• -P: Enable bitmap caching
• -z: Enable compression
• -x m: Medium-quality graphics

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When working with rdesktop to connect from Ubuntu to Windows Server 2012, the -r disk: parameter enables folder sharing through disk redirection. This creates a virtual disk mapping between the client (Ubuntu) and server (Windows) machines.

The proper syntax for mapping a local Ubuntu directory to the Windows server is:

rdesktop -u username -p password -r disk:sharename=/local/path server_IP

For example, to share your home directory:

rdesktop -u administrator -p mypassword -r disk:ubuntu_home=/home/myuser 192.168.1.100

After establishing the connection:

1. Open Windows Explorer on the server
2. Navigate to "This PC" (or "My Computer" in older versions)
3. Look for a new drive labeled with your share name (e.g., "ubuntu_home")

If the shared folder doesn't appear:

• Verify the Windows Server has drive redirection enabled in Group Policy (gpedit.msc > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Device and Resource Redirection)
• Ensure your Windows user account has sufficient permissions
• Try restarting the Remote Desktop Services

If disk redirection proves problematic:

# Using scp if SSH is enabled
scp /local/file.txt username@server_IP:C:/destination/

# Mounting Windows share on Ubuntu
sudo mount -t cifs //server_IP/sharename /mnt/winshare -o username=user,password=pass

When using rdesktop:

• Consider using -g to specify a smaller window size for better performance
• Use -P for persistent bitmap caching to improve speed
• For production environments, implement SSL/TLS encryption with -a 16 for 16-bit color