Video:How to Use Windows XP Remote Assistance

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Transcript:How to Use Windows XP Remote Assistance

Hi, I'm Don Schechter for About.com Computing. Today I will show you how to get help using Remote Assistance in Windows XP.

Why Windows XP Remote Assistance is Helpful

Remote Assistance is a great way to get help using your computer. It allows another user, in another location, to connect to your computer from their own computer as long as it has the same operating system, such as Windows XP. The other user will be able to view your computer screen and tell you how to do something. With your permission, the other user can even use his or her mouse and keyboard to work with you on your computer to solve a problem.

Requirements for Windows XP Remote Assistance

There are certain specifications that must be met to use Remote Assistance. First, both you and your assistant must be using either Windows Messenger or a compliant e-mail account such as Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express. Also, you and your assistant need to be connected to the Internet while using Remote Assistance. If Windows Firewall is turned on, Remote Assistance will temporarily open firewall ports.

Tips for Using Windows XP Remote Assistance

If you are working on a corporate or local area network, firewalls might stop you from using Remote Assistance. In this case, check with your network administrator before using Remote Assistance.

The first step in using Remote Assistance is to make sure that it is enabled. To do this, go to the "Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel." Once you are in the "Control Panel" click on "System." A box with many tabs will appear. Click on the "Remote" Tab. Under the Remote Assistance section, make sure the "Allow Remote Assistance" box is checked. Click on the "Advanced" button. Here you can allow your computer to be controlled remotely by checking the box. You can also set the amount of time that Remote Assistance invitations to other users will be active. Mine is set on 30 days. Click "OK."

Starting Windows XP Remote Assistance

To start Remote Assistance Click Start, and then click "Help and Support." Click "Invite a friend" to connect to your computer with Remote Assistance. Now click invite someone to help you Windows XP remote assistance is a great way to get help using a PC from someone who is not in the same physical location. See how to get Windows XP remote assistance.

To now invite someone through windows messenger which I don't have installed or through email. type the email address of the person whose help you want and click invite this person. You can include a message in the email that is generated and write the name that you want to appear in the message. After you click continue you can set the duration of time that the invitation is good for as well as create a password for the invitee to enter.

Now someone else on a different computer that is connected to the internet can access your computer. Be careful when using Remote Assistance because other users can look at, edit, and change settings on your computer. Make sure that the other user helping you is someone you trust and that you are present when your computer is being accessed by someone else. Finally click send invitation. Once the recipient receives the email and follows the link he or she can remotely access your computer. If you go back to the help and support center you can view the status of sent invitations.