Remote Desktop From Windows 7 To Windows XP

I would like to provide tech support to all my family members who live halfway across town. I would like to fully control thier pc, but at the same time they would be able to view what I am doing. I have tried Microsoft's Remote Desktop Client, but I could not get a connection. I have used both the IP address (in command promt) and the public IP address, and still to no avail.

I would like to know what I am doing wrong or not doing. Is there any other remote desktop software that allows the features I mentioned? I also would like software that you do not need to install anything on the remote pc, because that defeats the whole purpose.

Thanks.

Remote Desktop and VNC aren't the best solution for what you want to do as they require setup on both computers and most often require a VPN connection.

I second the recommendation of TeamViewer. It is very easy for your remote family members to download and run, no setup is required of them. When they run it,they will be given an id and a pw that they can send you in an email which will allow you to connect to their computer. If you both have cameras, mics & speakers you can also have a concurrent chat session as you control their computer.

I know you don't want to install anything on the remote PC, but if you use LogMeIn.com you can set up a free account. All the other person needs to do is download the remote PC controller. I use it many times, and even people who know nothing about computers can still manage to download and install what they need for me to control their PC.

Thanks for all the replies, I will try all the recommended software.

Also, can I still control a remote pc with XP Home?

I used team viewer and it worked:)

No messing with router ports or nothing. Simple user interface, its free, has all the options I needed, the remote user only has to double click the "TeamViewer QS.exe" file and read to me the login info.

I really recommend this software over Microsoft's built in Remote Desktop client.

Thanks again everybody.

mitchell65 said:

Or you could try TeamViewer. Very easy to set up and use. Download from here: TeamViewer Download

team viewer is very good, A friend of mine use's it and works from his comp
to mine if i ever have small minor problems