Connect to a friends computer to help them by using Remote Access

If you have Windows XP it has built in remote access software that helps you connect to a friends computer, by invitation, to help them by taking remote access control of their computer system. This means you could be in the USA and be helping your friend in Australia to find a solution to his or her
computer problems. The technology to gain remote access to basically anyone’s computer is available on most computer users start menu. I regularly give my friends computer support from the comfort of my own
home.

What you need to use the Help and Support tool to gain remote access

  1. An broadband or cable internet connection.
  2. Windows Xp on both computers.
  3. An email address or be signed into Windows Live messenger.

It is very easy to connect two computers over the internet. One computer can take control and fix problems on the other computer. Following these steps to use the Help and support software that is built in to Windows.

  1. Sign in to Windows Live Messenger and have your friend do the same thing.
  2. Go to the start menu and choose Help and Support (shown below) Just the computer user that wants to invite does this.
  3. The Help and Support Center will appear. Click on Invite a Friend to connect to your computer with Remote Assistance. Located under the Ask For Assistance menu.
  4. Then press Invite someone to help you. The window below will appear.
  5. Choose your friends name from the Windows Messenger contact list.
  6. Click on Invite this person.
  7. This will allow your friend to see your desktop. If they want to control your they must press the Take control button and the other person must agree by pressing ok..
  8. Check out the last Screenshot below…This is what I see when I am in control of my friends computer…I can go on the internet or read their emails etc..

The screenshots on the below are in order. Please click on to enlarge and see the picture. This will help yo understand what to press and what comes next. The first screen shot shows where to find help an support in Windows XP.


Free computer help - Start menu
Free computer help - remote computer helpfree computer education and help - Help and support Center



free computer education
free computer education

This post was written by...

– who has written 923 posts on Computer Tips.

My name is Milica Pantic but everyone calls me Mitz. …I am a computer freak but I do not always talk in tech language. Hope you enjoy my website and learn everything you need to know in an easy to understand way.. If you like what you see please join: Follow Tips4pc On Twitter | Become A Facebook Fan | Subscribe RSS Feed | Tips4pc Youtube Channel

{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

Aliasgar Babat January 9, 2013 at 11:28 am

Great article regarding remotely connecting to a friend’s computer in order to provide remote support. Nowadays, many people are deploying on premise remote support appliance such as Bomgar or RHUB appliances in order to avoid monthly cost as compared to hosted services and to offer free technical remote support to their family members, friends, relatives etc. Some people also use various remote support tools such as logmeinrescue, gosupportnow, GoToMyPC etc. for providing remote technical support.

Reply

Joe October 14, 2012 at 10:40 am

I have a friends computer but is not working well, he is in a war zone and can’t get to fix it, can I install xp on his computer using mine here?

Reply

Mitz October 16, 2012 at 12:06 am

Hi Joe
It would be difficult for you to do that as you would need to use some software for the connection. You could run a few diagnostics and fix something for him if he can access Windows to connect to you.

Reply

hana September 3, 2011 at 6:48 pm

can i enter and monitor in other computer withaout invitation , its urgent and is there any wyas, pls let me know

Reply

fawaz February 18, 2011 at 9:57 am

he mitz…thanks for replying..but i got it fixed….

Reply

fawaz February 11, 2011 at 8:02 pm

hey…my wifes pc need assistance from me…she is in another country…as you explained, she sent an invitation to me, i got that, but while connecting an error pops up saying could not connect….can you help me with this…

Reply

Mitz February 13, 2011 at 7:53 am

Can you give me the exact error message?

Reply

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