Remote Connect over Internet on Windows 8

Ok, I'm having issues with Windows 8.1 Pro Preview's built in Windows Firewall preventing me from accessing my older laptop from my Windows 7 Professional laptop over the internet. I'm doing this as a test run so that I can run a tablet with Windows 8 or RT to my laptop that is currently on 7 Pro (plan to upgrade to 8 Pro when I do).

I am running with Network Level Authorization enabled (I think, at least it is checked . I've edited the listening port in the registry. My router is forwarding the port to the proper IP address within my network. I can remote connect directly inside my network or over the internet as long as I have Windows Firewall disabled. However, with it enabled, I cannot connect which is bothersome because I'd rather have the firewall enabled. Chances are I'll be using Norton Security Suite on my host laptop but if it ends up having the same issues, I want to be able to troubleshoot it.

I do have Remote Desktop allowed through the firewall. I even went into custom rules settings to make sure all is go. All ports are allowed by default so I don't understand why I cannot connect when the firewall is enabled.

Any help or suggestions is appreciated.

 

Try a program called Splashtop. I use it, and you can use it with the Firewall: Remote PC access software. Remote login for remote desktop | Splashtop
The free version for personal users works fine for everything I do (I use it to access my Win 7 laptop from my Win 8 Surface Pro). I don't think you need to pay monthly for all those "extra features"

 

I'd prefer to use the built in software if possible. Also, an edit to my op, when I said I connect from within my network, that is with the firewall on. Only over the internet I cannot connect if it is on.