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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Technology
Jack Schofield

Getting Windows XP's Remote Assistance to work

I cannot get Windows XP's Remote Assistance to work. When my father (200 miles away) asks for remote assistance, I'm told that I need to update my version of Messenger in order to do this. I am already using Version 8.1. Steve Twigg

Remote Assistance, based on Windows Messenger, usually worked very well. You're using Windows Live Messenger, which is an entirely different program: it's a replacement for MSN Messenger. I suspect that if you install Windows Messenger 5.1, then Remote Assistance will work fine. However, Microsoft has generated so much confusion with Windows Live Messenger, Windows Messenger, MSN Messenger and Windows Messenger Service -- all different! -- that it's probably easier just to use something else.

If you are using XP Pro, you can use Remote Desktop Connection to take over your father's PC remotely. It's more powerful than Remote Assistance. To run it, go to Start | Programs | Accessories | Communications and select Remote Desktop Connection. There are client versions for remote PCs running Windows 95, 98, 98SE, Me, NT and 2000.

Otherwise I find LogMeIn works well and there is a free version. I use it to operate my home PC via the web.

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