Windows Vista Windows Remote Assistance

Windows Remote Assistance is a built-in tool that allows users to connect remotely and control the guest operating system. Windows Remote Assistance is a very useful tool for providing remote assistance when users need help. The tool is similar to VNC and NetOp. Windows Remote Assistance is an excellent way for network administrators to remotely help frustrated users. Windows Remote Assistance sessions require password authentication. In addition, Windows Remote Assistance sessions are secured and encrypted.

You can launch Windows Remote Assistance by clicking the Start menu and typing Windows Remote Assistance and clicking Enter. Windows Vista will automatically launch Windows Remote Assistance. Click Invite someone you trust to help you.

You can invite a guest to connect through instant messaging or through email. For the purpose of this tutorial, click Use email to send an invitation.

Please note at the bottom of the Windows Remote Assistance dialog whether Windows Firewall is blocking Windows Remote Assistance. In order to unblock Remote Assistance, click the Start button and type Firewall and choose Windows Firewall.

In the left panel, select Allow a program through Windows Firewall.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
Click the Exceptions tab.

Scroll down to Remote Assistance and select the box to the left of Remote Assistance and click OK.

As previously mentioned, you must setup a password for your guest user. Please note that the password will not be included in the email invitation. You must manually send the password to the invitee. Enter a password twice and click Next.

Windows Vista will draft the following email:

Hi, I need help with my computer. Would you please use Windows Remote Assistance to connect to my computer so you can help me? After you connect, you can view my screen and we can chat online. To accept this invitation, double-click the file attached to this message. (If you are running Windows Vista, you can also save the file to a location on your computer. Then you can open Remote Assistance, click Offer to help someone, and then open this file.) Thanks. Note: Do not accept this invitation unless you know and trust the person who sent it.
After your email has been sent, the Windows Remote Assistance dialog will wait for an incoming connection.
You must keep Windows Remote Assistance open or your invitee will be unable to connect.

When your invitee double-clicks the file attached to the message and enters the password they will be able to remotely control your computer.

Remember that the password is not included in the email so you must manually communicate the password to the invitee.

Related Articles

• Remote Assistance in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003
• Enable Remote Assistance in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003
• Remote Desktop in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003

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