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Remote Assistance using Windows XP

Using the built-in Windows XP Remote Assistance feature, it is possible to get desktop support remotely from technet solutions. Using this feature, many IT problems and application support issues can be solved instantly. If you have Windows XP installed on the machine you require help on, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Create a Hotmail account and sign into Messenger

The easiest method to connect to technet solutions is via a free Hotmail account. If you do not have a Hotmail account, you can sign up for a free one at http://www.hotmail.com. Once you have created a hotmail account, sign into Windows (or MSN) Messenger which is installed with Windows XP. Click Start - All Programs and choose Windows Messenger (fig. 1). Sign into Windows Messenger using your full Hotmail email address and password (fig. 2).

Note:

It is not required to have a hotmail account to use Remote Assistance - the setup is a bit more complicated however. If you do not wish to setup a free hotmail account, please contact us.

(fig. 1)

(fig. 2)

Step 2: Sign in and add a new contact

Once you are signed into Windows Messenger, click Tools - Add a Contact... (fig. 3). Click on Next in the resulting box making sure By email-address or sign-in name is selected (fig. 4). Type remotedesktopsupport@hotmail.com in the text box and then click on Next (fig. 5). Finally click on Finish (fig. 6).

(fig. 3)

(fig. 4)

(fig. 5)

(fig. 6)

Step 3: Initiate the Remote Assistance

After you have added remotedesktopsupport@hotmail.com to your contacts list, click on Actions - Ask for Remote Assistance...(fig. 7). Click on the technet solutions Remote Desktop Support entry in the My Contacts list then click on OK (fig. 8).

(fig. 7)

(fig. 8)

Note:

In order to receive Remote Desktop support, TCP port 3389 will have to be opened on your hardware firewall if you have one. If you are using a software firewall, you may be prompted to allow an incoming or server connection from the Messenger service - in this case allow the connection. If you require Remote Desktop support, please call Vic on 042 585 3095 or on 03 9894 5371.