How to Use Remote Assistance in Windows Live Instant Messenger

Has it happened to you when you wish you could teleport to your friend’s house to show him how to install software or play an online game because he just can’t get it via chat or phone conversation? Or were you on the other side where you just can’t seem to make something work on your computer and you wish your friend is right beside you to show you how to do it? Perhaps this article can help you get or provide the assistance needed to solve computer problems.

Remote Assistance allows a user to temporarily connect and control a remote computer to solve problems. I will show you how to use remote assistance in Windows Live Messenger to help you solve computer problems.

1. If you have not signed up yet with Windows Live Messenger, please do so. Please get the most recent version of Windows Live Messenger or upgrade as necessary. Then log in with your username or ID and make sure you are both on each other’s contact list.

2. Step 2
   
   Start a conversation

   Double click your friend’s name from the list to start a conversation window. At this stage you may want to describe the nature of your problem to your friend so he can have a better idea on how to help you.

3. Step 3
   
   Request remote assistance

   When you are ready, click the Show Menu button on the upper right most corner and go to Actions then Request remote assistance. An invitation to start using Remote Assistance will be sent to your friend. Ask him to accept it.
   
   If you are using a different version and do not see the Show Menu button, then look for Actions from the pull down menu at the top of the conversation window. It is also available in the Menu of the Windows Live Messenger itself.

4. Step 4
   
   Confirmation

   After accepting the invite, you will receive a confirmation if you will allow the connection. There is a warning that the person will see your screen… and that’s the idea so choose Yes.

5. Step 5
   
   Request Control

   At this point, he is only able to see what’s going on with your screen, but does not have any interaction or control over your computer. So he should press Request Control and you will get notification if you wish to let the person share control of your computer. So hit Yes so he can start helping you with your computer problem.

6. Step 6
   
   Disconnect

   When he is done, just hit Disconnect or close the window to end the Remote Assistance session. And there you go... very easy steps to get help from a friend.
   
   Remote Assistance may sound so complicated, but actually it is a handy tool that is easy to use from Windows Live Messenger when you need to ask for help from a friend or relative and vice-versa. You do not need to be an expert to use this tool, just the willingness to help