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Is it possible for local USB devices to be accessed via a remote PC through remote desktop? Is there software or other configuration that can be done to support this? More specifically, I'm referring to the ability to access any USB device rather than just a flash drive. For example, I'd like the ability to plug in a USB smart card or fingerprint reader and have the remote PC recognize the device.

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What do you mean by "Accessed"? To copy files over remote desktop, browse the contents, what? Also the explanation is a little vague. – John T Sep 30 '09 at 22:31
Added some more details. – Taylor Leese Sep 30 '09 at 22:50
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Yes and no.

If you are talking about USB flash drives, it is possible and share them as a hard drive.

The same goes with a few compatible Plug and Play devices, but not everything.

Open remote desktop (Mstsc) and click the "Local Resources" tab, then click "More" under the "Local devices and resources" section.

From here, you should be able to set what is shared from your local machine to the remote.

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My question is actually more generic than just flash drives. For example, like a USB smart card reader or fingerprint reader. – Taylor Leese Sep 30 '09 at 22:48
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Take a look at the picture! Typically, Smart card reader will get understood by your local computer as such, and you can simply send the smart card over by ticking that option. For other devices, there is no one answer fits all - You just have to plug in and see if it shows up. – William Hilsum Sep 30 '09 at 22:49
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