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How can I enable Remote Assistance in Windows XP or Windows Server 2003?
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Petri IT Knowledgebase Team
Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 install the Remote Assistance feature by default.
To check your configuration:
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Go to Control Panel > System > Remote. You can also right-click My Computer (if the icon is shown on the desktop).
Note: A faster way for opening up the System applet is to press the Windows Logo key on your keyboard and then press Pause/Break at the same time.
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The Allow Remote Assistance invitations to be sent from this computer box should be checked.
Note: There is a difference between the default settings of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. Make sure you get yours right.
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Press the Advanced button to Set the maximum amount of time invitations can remain open. The maximum is 30 days.
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If you want the expert user to be able to control your computer, check the Allow this computer to be controlled remotely box.
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Press OK.
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If you made any changes, press the Apply button.
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Press OK.
You can Allow Remote Assistance invitations to be sent from this computer by using the registry:
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Use Regedit to navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server-
Double-click the fAllowToGetHelp Value Name, a REG_DWORD data type, and set the data value to 1. A data value of 0 will deny connections.
Note: You do NOT have to restart for this change to become effective.
Links
Overview of Remote Assistance in Windows XP - 300546![]()
HOW TO: Configure a Computer to Receive Remote Assistance Offers in Windows XP - 301527![]()
Mobile Computing with Windows XP![]()
Description of the Remote Assistance Connection Process - 300692![]()



