for all your computing needs…

In Part 1 of this three part series, I will show you how to shout out for remote assistance.  If you have Windows 7, help is just a few clicks away.  Click on the Start button and type Windows Remote Assistance in the search box.  You will be presented with two options…

• Invite someone you trust to help you
• Help someone who has invited you

Select “Invite someone you trust to help you ” and you will have three more options to choose from…

• Save this invitation as a file
• Use e-mail to send an invitation
• Use Easy Connect

Select “Save this invitation as a file” and save it to your desktop.  After you saved the file a window will appear that contains a password.  For your safety this invitation is only valid for a limited time so I would advise you to call the person that will be assisting you to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

Next, open your default mail client and select the recipient and attach the invitation file before clicking the send button.  When the recipient receives the attachment they will ask you for the password that Windows Remote Assistance generated.

You will receive a message that confirms your invitation was received and they request permission to view your screen.  Once you grant them permission you can either chat via the Remote Assistance window or you can grant them permission to take control of your computer as if they were sitting in front of it.

Another thing worth mentioning, this feature is available with Windows XP and Windows Vista as well.  With Windows XP, the process of calling out for help is slightly different but if you are seeking help from a knowledgeable assistant they will be able to guide you through it.