Windows
VPN and remote desktop software missing after hard drive replacement
The machine no longer had the VPN and remote desktop software after a hard drive replacement. The technician reinstalled both and saved an RDP shortcut for easier access.
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2026-05-11.
Affects
Apps
- VPN software
- remote desktop software
What you see
- VPN and remote desktop software are no longer installed on the computer.
Why it happens
Likely The hard drive replacement left the VPN and remote desktop software not installed on the machine.
When it shows up
A Windows computer has had its drive replaced and the VPN and remote desktop tools are missing afterward.
You are in this case if:
- The VPN client is not installed on the machine.
- The remote desktop software is not installed on the machine.
1 fix below
The steps that killed it
The steps are behind a quick check
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Someone from XL.net killed this on a Windows computer on 2026-05-11. It is written up from that one repair, so it cites no outside page.