| Windows Remote Assistance A component of Microsoft Windows |
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|---|---|
| Details | |
| Type | Remote controlling feature |
| Included with | Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 |
| Related components | |
| Remote Desktop Connection | |
Windows Remote Assistance is a feature of Windows XP and later that allows a user to temporarily control a remote Windows computer over a network or the Internet to resolve issues.[1][2] As it can be inconvenient for system administrators to personally visit the affected computer, Remote Assistance allows them to diagnose and often repair problems with a computer without ever personally visiting it.
In Windows Vista, Remote Assistance is a standalone application and does not use the Help and Support Center or Windows Messenger. It is based on the Windows Desktop Sharing API. Two administrators can connect to a remote computer simultaneously. Also, a session automatically reconnects after restarting the computer. It also supports session pausing, built-in diagnostics, chat and file transfer and XML-based logging. It has been reworked to use less bandwidth for low-speed connections. NAT traversal is also supported, so a session can be established even if the user is behind a NAT device. Remote Assistance is configurable using Group Policy and supports command-line switches so that custom shortcuts can be deployed.
Helpers can have multiple RA sessions open simultaneously—one session for each user they are supporting. However, users can have only one RA session waiting for a connection. The invitation that was created could be sent to multiple recipients—any of whom may connect. All subsequent connect attempts will be blocked until the first helper disconnects, after which another helper may connect. If the user disconnects the session, the RA application terminates and no further connections will be allowed.
In Windows 7, Windows Remote Assistance is based on RDP 7 and uses PNRP when connecting using the Easy Connect option.[3] With Easy Connect, only a password needs to be shared instead of an invitation file, and two computers can establish a P2P connection over the LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet (WAN) without a relay server.
Windows Vista Remote Assistance Under the Hood
PDF Microsoft 7 Resource Kit for Remote Assistance