Question:Sometimes, you have a computer problem, and you have no idea how to explain it, because your knowledge of computers might not be so great. Luckily, Microsoft invented Remote Assistance. Remote Assistance allows you to invite another person who is running Windows XP and is connected to a local Intranet or Internet to be able to see your computer screen and use Windows messenger to chat with you about the problem. If you want to, you can then give that person permission to work remotely on your computer (take temporary control), without that person ever leaving their desk!
WARNING! ONLY GRANT CONTROL TO SOMEONE IF THEY ARE TRUSTWORTHY!Answer:Before we continue, you will need to make sure that you have Remote Assistance enabled on your computer, so you don't have any issues when the other person tries to connect. Remote Assistance is enabled by Windows Default, but you sould always double check. Let's see if Remote Assistance is enabled...
(1) Click on Start -> Control Panel.
(2) In the Control Panel, click on Performance and Maintenance.
(3) In the Performance and Maintenance window, click on the System icon. The System Properties dialog box will now open.
(4) Click on the Remote tab, and then click on the Advanced button. The Remote Assistance Settings dialog box will now open.
(5) Make sure that the "Allow this computer to be controlled remotely" check box is checked.
(6) If it is, you may click on cancel and exit back to the desktop. If the check box is clear, then put a check mark in it, and click on OK to close the Remote Assistance Settings window, and click on OK again to close the System properties window. You may now exit to the desktop.
How to request Remote Assistance from another user:(1) Log on to Windows, if you have not done so already.
(2) Click on Start -> All Programs -> Remote Assistance. The Help and Support Center now displays the Remote Assistance page.
(3) Click "Invite someone to help you". If you are asked to sign on to Widows messenger, do so. (You will need to register for a "Passport" or MSN Messenger username in order to proceed. If you have already registered an account simply login. By the way, these "Passports" are FREE!)
Your Remote Assistance options are now displayed. You can either send a Remote Assistance Request over Windows Messenger or by e-mail.
(4) Click on the name of the person you are going to invite to help you; or type his/her e-mail address in the "Type an e-mail address" box, and then click on the 'Invite this person" button. If you have decided to invite this person using Windows Messenger, then
skip to step 11.
(5) When the Remote Assistance invitation opens, type an explanetory message in the message box, and then click on continue.
(6) You will now be prompted to specify the duration of your invitation. Select as much time as you want.
(7) If you want to require the person helping you to enter a password before they are allowed to help you, then enter a password in the "Type Password" and "Confirm Password" boxes, and then
tell the person assisting you what the password is.(
When you are ready to send your invitation, click on the "Send Invitation" button. Please note that this request will be sent as an e-mail, so Windows will need to use your default e-mail program to send the message out. This means that you MUST have an e-mail client. You cannot use your Yahoo! web-based account with this! Outlook or Outlook Express are the easiest to deal with here. You will be notified by Windows that an automated e-mail is attempting to be sent from your computer, and it will ask you if you want to let the message go through.
(9) Click on the accept/yes button to send this successfully. Once sent, you will see a confirmation message appear.
(10) Going back to the Help and Support Center, click on "View invitation status" to view your invitation, or make it "expire" which will cancel the Remote Assistance Request from being used.
(11) When your friend accepts your invitation, you will see a confirmation box telling you that Remote Assistance will now start. Click Yes to allow your buddy to view your screen and chat with you. The Remote Assistance Window will now open. (Please be patient if these steps go slowly. Depending on your computer's speed, the program might still be loading). A window will now open on your buddy's computer as well with your screen inside. At this point, the two of you can chat by typing messages, or if you both have microphones and speakers, you can talk to one another for assistance. You can also send files at this time.
(12)
Optional: In the chat session, tell your buddy to take control of your computer. He or she will need to click on the "Take Control" button on the Remote Assistance toolbar. You will then receive a message asking if you would like to grant this person control over your computer.
(13)
Optional: Click Yes. You will both be sharing control over the computer at this time.
(14) Becuase not everyone is trustworthy, they might freak you out by the way they control your computer. If this happens, click on the 'Stop Control" button, or press the ESC key on your keyboard.
(15) When you are finished with the remote Assistance session, click on the Disconnect Button. You and your buddy may now close all Remote Assistance Windows.
THE END 
FlameEdited to fix code(s). —CBMatt
