Best Remote Troubleshooting Program

[bpatters69]

Hello folks,

I have been uncerimoniously chosen as the PC help guy for my mom, mother in law, grandfather and grandmother. Most of the users have fairly new PCs with XP Home. For the most part, I just need to take control of their desktop so I can un-fix, the fix that they put in place - if you catch my drift.

I know PC Anywhere is an option. I found a copy that is PC Anywhere XP. Is PC Anywhere a "good" option? I want something that is easy to use without a lot of fuss. Like I said, I just need to take control of a desktop. All of my users have DSL or Cable Modem.

Thanks, Bill

 

[jfall]

When not just use the remote desktop that comes with Windows XP?

 

[JackMDS]

Windows XP Pro includes a Remoter Desktop, and there are many third party Remoter Control programs as well.

Whether to use Win Remote Desktop (RTP) or a regular remote program might depend in the way you are using it, and who, or what is on the other side. RDT is more like an OS thing rather than an application.

I use RDT between spots that I need to Connect to Repetitively for long periods of time and when on the other side there is someone who understands how it works. I would set it up, and insist that No one would touch the settings.

Otherwise I use Ultr@VNC (free program). Its provides: Remote Control, File Transfer, and Chat between LAN computers or over the Internet. It takes only few minutes to set it.

For security purpose, and to avoid System's load on the system resources I want the remote application out of the picture once the session is terminated. Ultra@VNC and few other VNC variants provide this capacity.

In most cases, even if some one "played" with the system I still will be able to connect with VNC.

You will find every thing you need in order to set it here: Ultr@VNC - Installation, and Settings

If you decide to go the RDT way, here you have two links with help for Win Remote Desktop (RDT).

Link to: Set Up Remote Desktop Web Connection with Windows XP.

Link to: How to use remote Desktop Access in Windows XP.

:sun:

 

[bpatters69]

Many thanks, Jack. I will try the program.

 

[znaps]

I use TightVNC, probably pretty similar to Ultr@VNC. It's simple - my mum installed the server herself and set up a password, and it's very reponsive with me in the USA and her in Ireland.

The only hassle is if they have a direct connection to the net and get a different dynamic IP every time they reboot - typically if you're removing malware etc, you'll need to reboot the remote machine and the IP will change. If they are behind routers and the VNC server is installed as a service you shouldn't have that problem.

 

[bpatters69]

I have a Netgear Router and Norton Firewall on my PC. Do I have to configure either the software or hardware firewall to use Remote Assistance? Do I need to open specific ports on the Router?

I tried the Remote Assistance and I got a host name could not be resolved error. I tried both requesting remote assistance and having my mother in law request remote assistance. Thanks, Bill