Get help with Remote Assistance
When you run into a computer problem that you don't know how to resolve, it helps to be able to turn to someone with a bit more experience. If you're an experienced user, you may be the person your coworkers, friends, or family members turn to when they are having computer trouble. With the Remote Assistance feature in Windows Messenger, you can work with your online contacts to solve problems, answer questions, or complete tasks. Whether you are asking for help or assisting others, Remote Assistance gives you a simple way to connect in real time.
On This Page
What you need to use Remote Assistance
To use Remote Assistance, both computers will need:
| • | Microsoft Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Home Edition. |
| • | A network or Internet connection. |
| • | Windows Messenger. |
Asking for Remote Assistance
To ask a contact for assistance:
1. | Start Windows Messenger, and sign in. |
2. | Choose a contact that is online, and start an instant message or voice conversation. |
3. | On the I want to menu, click Ask for Remote Assistance. |
4. | If your friend accepts the invitation, you will see a dialog box asking you to confirm permission. Click Yes if you want to continue. |
Your contact can now see your desktop and guide you through a process, test a feature that isn't working properly, or otherwise help you resolve any issues you are experiencing with your computer or software.
Note: Although you relinquish control of your computer temporarily, you retain control over the Remote Assistance session itself. You can end the session immediately by clicking the Stop Control button or by pressing the ESC key.
For more information
Watch a short video demonstrating Remote Assistance. Watching the video requires that you have Windows Media Player.
Broadband: Watch the video now.
Dial-up: Download the video now (instructions).
