How to Use Remote Assistance in XP Home Edition

Remote Assistance allows Windows XP Home and Professional users to request help with their computer from more experienced users and support professionals. Remote Assistance allows you to send a support request to another user so they can take full control of your computer's screen, operating it from across a network. Once connected you can watch as the person helping you accomplishes their task.

Instructions

Request Assistance

1. Click "Start," "Help and Support," "Invite a friend to connect to your computer with Remote Assistance."

2. Click "Invite someone to help you."

3. Click "Save Invititation as a file."

4. Type your name into the name field.

5. Click the pull-down dialog box and set an expiration time for the invitation. This is important as you likely do not want the remote invitation to be available forever.

6. Enter a connection password.

7. Click "Save Invitation" and choose your "My Documents" folder.

8. Open your preferred email or messaging program and send the Remote Invitation file you created to the person helping you.

9. Provide the password you created to the person who is helping you.

Assist Others

1. Open Remote Assistance File Invitation that was sent by email or messaging program by double-clicking it on your hard drive.

2. Enter what password will be used for the remote session. This must be provided to you by the individual who generated the Remote Assistance File Invitation.

3. Click "Take Control" above the task bar to begin interacting with the other person's computer. They must be present at the computer screen to confirm the control request.

References

• Microsoft: Start a Remote Assistance Session by Sending a File