built-in vnc client is asking for a username for VNC server

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Level 1

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built-in vnc client is asking for a username for VNC server

Hello,

I'm trying to connect to a remote Linux machine, which is running a VNC Server, from my Mac running Lion. I know there are third-party VNC clients but I'd like to use the built-in VNC client that is used for screen sharing.

When I do a Finder Go to vnc:\\<ip address>:5901, I get a screen sharing login prompt and it's asking me for both a username and a password. Normal VNC clients only ask for a password. I can't seem to connect even if I clear the username part and enter the just the password. I've confirmed that I can connect to the VNC server from a Windows box running TightVNC. When I run TightVNC on the Windows box, I'm only prompted for the VNC server password and it works fine.

So what am I missing when using the built-in VNC client? Why is it asking me for a username? Is there a hidden VNC username on the server that I could supply that would get me past this?

Thanks for any help,

Tom

iMovie '11, Mac OS X (10.6.7)

Posted on May 17, 2012 8:26 AM

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Answer 1

May 17, 2012 10:59 AM in response to tmhudg

You probably need to check the VNC server. On TightVNC server on my PC you can either choose to specify user and password, or just a generic access name of the computer with a password. In the latter case Screen Sharing works if you check "registered user" (there's no name) and enter the password.

Rob

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Answer 2

tmhudg Author

Level 1

4 points

May 17, 2012 12:26 PM in response to Rob Gendreau

Thanks. The server doesn't have any way that I can see to specify whether to use either username/password or just password. This is the built-in VNC server in CentOS and all I really do is run vncpasswd to set the password.

As I mentioned, connecting to this server from a TightVNC client on a Windows box only prompts for a password so it seems like it should work the same from the Mac client.

I just downloaded Chicken of the VNC for the Mac and it works like TightVNC on the PC. In the connection profile, I just give it the password - no username - and it connects just fine.

Easy enough to use Chicken of the VNC I guess. Was just hoping to use native tools when possible.

Tom

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