Help! I Need Some Remote Assistance
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Despite what you may think, there are those of us who aren't experts in everything that is technology. It's hard for us to admit, but occasionally, we do need help. In this article we will discuss how to get that help using Remote Assistance in Windows XP.
This article is a semi-continuation of a previous article I wrote, called Windows XP Tips for Task Manager. Whereas that article dealt with certain features of Task Manager that could help you service your own computer, this article will show you how to get someone else to do it for you. Until Windows XP and Remote Assistance, you and the person helping you would have to be in the same room and at the same computer. But this excellent feature allows a user to temporarily control a friend's computer in order to fix their problems.
(Remote Assistance Screen Shot)
Before getting started, there are a couple of prerequisites to using Remote Assistance:
Both users must be running Windows XP.
Both users must be either connected to the Internet or on the same local network.
As a fail-safe communication method, make sure you are on the phone with your friend.
There are three ways to start a Remote Assistance session. The first and easiest way is through Windows or MSN Messenger. The following is a step-by-step guide to setting up Remote Assistance with these Messengers:
Both you and your friend should start Windows or MSN Messenger, enter your passport-approved email address and password (if either of you don't have one, get one by clicking on the appropriate link and filling out the necessary information), and "sign in."
One of you double click the other's name to start a conversation.
Whoever needs help should follow the necessary path (for either Windows or MSN Messenger) and click Ask for Remote Assistance (or just Remote Assistance). The person who made the request will see a message confirming this, while the other person will see a message asking if they want to accept the request.
If the other person accepts the request, the original person will get one last chance to allow this person to view their screen and initiate the Remote Assistance session.
If that user clicks "yes," the other user will then see a new screen with a control panel on the left and the other person's screen on the right. You can communicate by typing in the Message Entry box in the lower left corner.
To take control of the user's computer, click the "Take Control" icon in the upper left corner. Again, a message appears asking if they want to let another user share control of their computer.
If the users clicks yes, then the session will begin.
The session will end when either user presses Esc, which immediately breaks the connection.
Next: RA Invitation Through Email or File >>
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