You can adminstrate a remote server with Vista Admin Tools.
The Windows Vista operating system does not come with remote server administration tools installed; this means that you can't use a basic Vista machine to manage a remote computer running the Windows Server 2003 or 2008 operating system. If you want to perform such admin functions on a Vista computer, you must download and install Vista remote server admin tools from Microsoft. After you've installed the admin tools, you can activate the tools via the Programs and Features control panel.
Instructions
1. Open your Web browser.
2. Navigate to the Remote Server Admin Tools for Windows Vista download page at Microsoft.com/downloads.
3. Click the "Continue" button, then click "Continue" to run the Windows Validation tool. The tool scans your computer to determine whether you have a legitimate, nonpirated copy of Windows installed on your machine. You must complete this step to continue Vista admin tools installation.
4. Copy and paste the validation code that appears on your screen into the text box, and then click the "Validate" button.
5. Click "Download" and save the admin tools installation file to disk.
6. Double-click the downloaded file. A wizard initiates that installs the Windows Vista admin tools package to your computer.
7. Hold the Windows logo key and press "R" to open a Run command box.
8. Type "appwiz.cpl" in the command box and press "Enter" to open the Windows Programs and Features control panel.
9. Click the "Turn Windows Features on or Off" link on the left side of the program window and click "Continue" to proceed.
10. Check the "+" next to "Remote Administration" and then check the box next to all admin tools that you want to install.
11. Click "OK". Windows Vista installs all selected admin tools.
