I posted this on the Dell forum, but no response yet.

The request for Remote Assistance is the first thing listed on the right column in the XP help. I have it on my main computer because I had a crash and had to reinstall XP to a new hard drive.

On my Dell Laptop, and my friends HP computer, the companies have replaces that page with a customized first page. It does not have the link available. Go through the search and the only thing it tells you is to go to Start/Help & Support. That is the changed page and it is not there. My friend desperately needs my remote assistance.

Does anyone know how to get th the WinXP help page? (Is it only available on XP Pro?)

I just love these companies that put in a customized start page and leave out something so important that Microsoft put it in as the first item.

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

It can be initiated using Windows Messenger:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/remoteassist/viaim.mspx

I guess it is time for us to setup Windows messenger. I will print that out and work on it.

I thought there might be more than one way to skin this cat.

Much thanks.

Was hoping to do it in email, but any way that works is a good thing.

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

Boy, they really make you jump through hoops to sign on. They rejected my email address because it is Verizon. I had to use a different one, thank goodness I have mail at my website.

Now I have to talk my friend through the process.

I could not find 'Ask for Remote Assistance' in the tools section, then realized that I had to click on them first to see it. Now to have her sign up then add me to her contacts.

Something that should be so simple has to get so convoluted.

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

Thanks, that might have a bearing on it. But I did not have it installed here and the help screen shows it by messenger or by email.

How can they put out such a great tool and then make it so difficult tool to use? (I guess that is aimed at Dell and HP, not at Microsoft.)

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

If you help people often I would investigate the VNC programs.

It connect the two computers and allows you to take control of that computer. You see their desktop and control it, you can install and uninstall items. Even walk the other party through things, they can see what your doing.

And the program is free! And easy to install on both ends.

It can really slow down a computer so caution is needed especially if the computer is controlling a laser.

Can you expound on how it slows you down.

Does it only slow you down when you are connected to another computer? Or does is bog down the system even if not in use?

If it is only slow when connected it could be the amount of data going over the Internet. But she is in real trouble and I see this sort of thing as the only way.

She has multiple logo directories on the system due to her great inexpert employees with different logos in each. I had her make a root directory called Logos, then had her do a search for everything .plt. Had her copy all to that directory. They went in only as shortcuts, which messes up when used in Gravostyle.

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

Harvey:
Do you know that Microsoft Net Meeting is already on your computer if you have XP. You start it by going to Run,,conf.exe.

I have used this with a software company that I bought from and had some problems. Dude signed on to my machine, took control with my permission and fixed the problem right before my eyes. It's free, already on the machine. Maybe you can use that to help. I didn't know it was on there until he told me how to do it.

I'll look into it.

I just found out she has access by using a wireless card that is mooching off other computers in the mall that do not have an encrypted wireless setup. (Makes me cringe.)

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

It only slows you down when using, and then it varies between computers. I really just wanted to let you know it may have a drawback and to be aware. It usually is not a problem but something to be aware of.

I would not leave it running when I am not using it.

Steve

Thank you for the good advice.

Nothing yet on the Dell forum. Multiple good answers on this engraving forum.

Admittedly I am a bit jaded, but this forum rocks.

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

Harvey,

another possible solution is GoToMyPC, you can use it free for 30 days, they will not charge you if you cancel before the trial expires, this is a very good service take a look here www.gotomypc.com

Ruben