[Wogster]

Hi,

Mobo, if your out there...you probley have an answer for me, or anyone else can help please...

I've heard since XP has come along, that there's a way of connecting two computers via the internet. My Dad is often having troubles with his and I come to the rescue (sort of), I find it hard trying to explain solutions over the phone or e-mail, I just can't go running over to his place all the time.

I have heard that through XP, I could see my Dad's desktop, as well as his files...is this true? Would his stuff just act as a file on my desktop, and as long as his computer is turned on, I can see in...?

If this can be done, how do I do it, how do I proceed? I would want it so I can see his, but not him see mine... I'm the fixer, and he the fixee.

Thanks, Wogster.

 

[jashar]

I think you can set up a vpn to connect just like you do when you connect to your home pc with a laptop away from home. This might help, http://www.microsoft.com/windows200...chinfo/reskit/en-us/intwork/inbe_vpn_pmms.asp

 

[Bob Cerelli]

The previous link is for Windows2000 server, which is a little different to configure than XP.

First off, you need XP Pro to be a VPN server.

Instructions for the server can be found at:
http://www.onecomputerguy.com/networking/xp_vpn_server.htm

Instructions for the client can be found at:
http://www.onecomputerguy.com/networking/xp_vpn.htm

 

[virtualgeorg]

Also, if you go to help there is a "Ask for Assistance" section.
The first option is "Invite a friend to connect to your computer with remote assistance"

Then this will send an email to the person you want to grant access to your PC.

You can send an invite via MS messenger or email. The other person who receives the email can then take control of your pc.

I don't know about Home edition but it works in Pro.

-George

 

[Wogster]

I have XP Pro, am I the server (one who see's all), and my Dad's computer is XP Home, is he the client..?

 

[Bob Cerelli]

Instructions for how to set up remote assistance can be found at:
http://www.onecomputerguy.com/networking/winxp_remote_assistance.htm

Personally I've found it a bit cumbersome to have to e-mail them and wait for the reply etc.

I've been using a program called RAdmin. Very fast and easy to use. So small it fits on a single floppy disk. pcAnywhere seems to lock up too much and unless you have the latest version, which costs quite a bit, XP is very slow as a host.

 

[virtualgeorg]

It still works ok for me when people call for support on the phone as he mentioned. Just tell them to email you while you got them on the phone and then fix thier problem. It can take you 3 times as long trying to explain things to some people if you know what I mean

I also use ultra VNC when the other person doesn't have XP as I saw it recommended in here often and its free.

I will also check out RAdmin

 

[Bob Cerelli]

The main reason I keep forgetting about UltraVNC is that I don't use it that much. It is likely because of my situation but I'll detail my two main issues.

1. I haven't found a way to easily label the client you are connecting to by name. You need to remember each one's IP address. Also, if there are multiple computers behind a router, in addition to the IP address, you need to remember each one's port assignment. I'm way too old for that.

2. The second issue has to do with file transfer. UltraVNC cannot transfer a directory. You need to create it first on the host, then go into the directory on both computers, select the files on the client and transfer them. With other remote control software I just select the directory on my computer and transfer it. It creates the directory and any subdirectories at the same time. Since I do this a lot, I prefer someof the other programs.

Another one I started using this past month or so is NetOP. It is the only other than Norton that I've found that allows for local printing. In other words you can take control over a remote computer but print to your local printer.

If neither of these are an issue, and likely they are not, then UltraVNC would work fine. I just like to mention them in case someone wants to use it on a lot of computers.

 

[virtualgeorg]

Bob, glad you mentioned the remote printing issue. I have been looking for something like that and will give NetOp a go.

Thanks much!
-GB