How to Send a Remote Assistance Request in Windows XP

Windows XP users can send requests for assistance across networks.

If you are using a computer running the Microsoft Windows XP operating system (OS), you can send requests for assistance to people with computers on the same network, or computers connected to the Internet. Remote assistance allows a remote user, such as a support technician, to look at your computer screen in real time, and use a chat window to talk you through the solution to your problem. Send remote assistance requests using Windows Messenger, email, or by saving the request as a file on an accessible network.

Things You'll Need

• Connection to a network

Instructions

1. Click "start," then click "Help and Support." This will open the Help and Support Center in a new window. Under "Ask for assistance," click "Invite a friend to connect to your computer with Remote Assistance." This opens the Remote Assistance page in the Help and Support Center window.

2. Click "Invite someone to help you" on the Remote Assistance page. This opens a selection page. You can use Windows Messenger to send a remote assistance request to a support technician if you are both using the Windows Messenger chat service. Click the Windows Messenger "Sign In" button to start a Windows Messenger session, then use the Messenger interface to send the remote assistance reguest, which appears as a link in the recipient's Messenger interface window.

   If you do not use Windows Messenger, you can send the Remote Assistance request in an email. In the email section of the Remote Assistance window, type in the email address of the person you want to sent the request to. Click "Invite this person," then type a message for the recipient of the request. Choose a password for the request, for added security, when prompted, then click "Send Invitation." The recipient will receive an email containing your message and a link to the Remote Assistance request,

3. Click "Save invitation as file" if you prefer not to use Windows Messenger, or send the request via email. With this method, your request information is contained in a file that you can save in any shared network location, such as a file server, that the person you are sending the request to, can access. Once you have clicked "Save invitation as file," type in your name, and set an expiration limit for the invitation. Click "continue" and type in a password to protect the invitation file. Click "Save Invitation," then select a location on the network to save the file.

   Inform the support technician that you have saved a Remote Assistance invitation, and where the invitation is saved. If you have protected the invitation file with a password, you will need to give this password to the technician who must access the request.

Tips & Warnings

• Always password-protect remote invitation requests. If they are used by unauthorized personnel, your computer and data may be at risk.

• If you use Windows Firewall, Remote Assistance will automatically open firewall ports, and this may represent a security risk.

References

• Microsoft Support: Using Remote Assistance
• Microsoft Support: Using Remote Assistance via Instant Messaging
• Microsoft Support: Using Remote Assistance via Email
• Microsoft Support: Use Remote Assistance by Sending a file

Resources

• Windows Networking: How To Use Remote Assistance In Windows XP