Hi I have a friend who has some problems on his PC. I'd like to troubleshoot and install some programs. The problem is he lives over 100miles away. Is it possiable to network our pc's through the net, or better yet take control of his pc? We both have cable modems (different providers) and the same op sys (XPpro). Thanks for any help.

MSN Messenger Remote Assistance will allow you to control his computer. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/remoteassist/viaim.mspx

Windows XP also has the remote assistant feature that can be used. Control Panel -> System -> Remote Tab. Help on how to use it is there as well.

Win VNC another option Jaymc.co.nr

Win VNC another option As an FYI: Originally developed by developed by AT&T Laboratories at the University of Cambridge, RealVNC (a.k.a. VNC or Virtual Network Computing)is a system that provides remote and cross-platform access to Unix and PC desktops. If you use RealVNC, you will be in direct violation of your EULA, which says, in part, "Except as otherwise permitted by the NetMeeting, Remote Assistance, and Remote Desktop features described below, you may not use the Product to permit any Device to use, access, display, or run other executable software residing on the Workstation Computer, nor may you permit any Device to use, access, display, or run the Product or Product's user interface, unless the Device has a separate license for the Product." i_XpUser

If you have firewalls or cable routers at either of your homes this may be a difficult task to complete. you will have to open the correct ports for what remote app you are using in the firewall and map them to the correct private ip address. otherwise you should be able to go.

I just used Remote Assistance and it is great! My daughter used Windows Messenger to ask for Remote Assistance. We each responded to a few prompts and I got control of her computer. Both of us use XP Home. She has the XP firewall, I use Kerio and a Linksys BEFX41 firewall/router with NAT. Kerio asked me a few times for permission. Since Linksys is a universal PnP device, Remote Assistance can talk to it directly. Remote Assistance tells the firewall to open ports as needed. I didn't have to do any extra setup on the Linksys. uPnP used to be worthless and dangerous. Now it is very useful. It is easy to enable/disable the feature. This MS site has a great FAQ. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/rafaq-technical.mspx