Remote Assistance Software
Encyclopedia
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. As it can be inconvenient for system administrator
s 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
s are 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.
Note: Helpers can have multiple RA sessions open simultaneously—one session for each User they are supporting. However, Users can have only one RA session in the Waiting For Connect state. 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.
Remote assistance is 1:1 sharing mechanism wherein the helper (expert) can get to see and control novice's desktop. Application and region sharing is not exposed via RA in Windows Vista.
In Windows 7, Windows Remote Assistance is based on RDP 7 and uses PNRP
when connecting using the Easy Connect option. 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.
Improvements to Remote Assistance in Windows 7
Remote Assistance in Windows 7 builds upon the many enhancements introduced earlier for this feature in Windows Vista. These earlier enhancements improved upon the earlier Windows XP implementation of Remote Assistance and included:
- Connectivity improvements with transparent NAT traversal using Teredo and IPv6.
- An improved user interface that is easier to launch and use
- A standalone executable (Msra.exe) that accepts command-line arguments and can easily be scripted
- Improved overall performance with a smaller footprint, quicker startup and connect times, and optimized bandwidth usage for screen updates
- Enhanced security with mandatory password and integration with UAC
- New Offer RA via IM scenario and an open API for integration with peer-to-peer applications
- Additional Group Policy settings for improved manageability
In addition to these Windows Vista enhancements for Remote Assistance, Windows 7 adds the following new enhancements to Remote Assistance:
- Easy Connect, a new method for soliciting RA that uses the peer-to-peer collaboration infrastructure to simplify RA user interactions.
- An improved RA connection wizard that makes it easier than ever for users to solicit or offer help.
- New command-line arguments for the RA executable (Msra.exe)
Remote Assistance in Windows 7 and Vista deprecate the following features that were available on Windows XP:
- No more support for the MAILTO method of solicited Remote Assistance
- No more support for voice sessions
Windows XP
Windows XP is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops and media centers. First released to computer manufacturers on August 24, 2001, it is the second most popular version of Windows, based on installed user base...
and later that allows a user to temporarily control a remote Windows computer over a network or the Internet to resolve issues. As it can be inconvenient for system administrator
System administrator
A system administrator, IT systems administrator, systems administrator, or sysadmin is a person employed to maintain and operate a computer system and/or network...
s 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
Windows Vista
Windows Vista is an operating system released in several variations developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and media center PCs...
, Remote Assistance is a standalone application and does not use the Help and Support Center or Windows Messenger
Windows Messenger
Windows Messenger is a client by Microsoft that is included in the Windows XP operating system. Designed for use by corporate users as well as home users, it was originally created as a streamlined and integrated version of MSN 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
NAT traversal
NAT traversal is a general term for techniques that establish and maintain Internet protocol connections traversing network address translation gateways. Network address translation breaks end-to-end connectivity. Intercepting and modifying traffic can only be performed transparently in the...
s are also supported, so a session can be established even if the user is behind a NAT device. Remote Assistance is configurable using Group Policy
Group Policy
Group Policy is a feature of the Microsoft Windows NT family of operating systems. Group Policy is a set of rules that control the working environment of user accounts and computer accounts. Group Policy provides the centralized management and configuration of operating systems, applications, and...
and supports command-line switches so that custom shortcuts can be deployed.
Note: Helpers can have multiple RA sessions open simultaneously—one session for each User they are supporting. However, Users can have only one RA session in the Waiting For Connect state. 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.
Remote assistance is 1:1 sharing mechanism wherein the helper (expert) can get to see and control novice's desktop. Application and region sharing is not exposed via RA in Windows Vista.
In Windows 7, Windows Remote Assistance is based on RDP 7 and uses PNRP
Peer Name Resolution Protocol
Peer Name Resolution Protocol is a peer-to-peer protocol designed by Microsoft. PNRP enables dynamic name publication and resolution, and requires IPv6.PNRP was first mentioned during a presentation at a P2P conference in November 2001...
when connecting using the Easy Connect option. 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.
Improvements to Remote Assistance in Windows 7
Remote Assistance in Windows 7 builds upon the many enhancements introduced earlier for this feature in Windows Vista. These earlier enhancements improved upon the earlier Windows XP implementation of Remote Assistance and included:
- Connectivity improvements with transparent NAT traversal using Teredo and IPv6.
- An improved user interface that is easier to launch and use
- A standalone executable (Msra.exe) that accepts command-line arguments and can easily be scripted
- Improved overall performance with a smaller footprint, quicker startup and connect times, and optimized bandwidth usage for screen updates
- Enhanced security with mandatory password and integration with UAC
- New Offer RA via IM scenario and an open API for integration with peer-to-peer applications
- Additional Group Policy settings for improved manageability
In addition to these Windows Vista enhancements for Remote Assistance, Windows 7 adds the following new enhancements to Remote Assistance:
- Easy Connect, a new method for soliciting RA that uses the peer-to-peer collaboration infrastructure to simplify RA user interactions.
- An improved RA connection wizard that makes it easier than ever for users to solicit or offer help.
- New command-line arguments for the RA executable (Msra.exe)
Remote Assistance in Windows 7 and Vista deprecate the following features that were available on Windows XP:
- No more support for the MAILTO method of solicited Remote Assistance
- No more support for voice sessions