Remote Assistance with a router

I have a wireless router/modem combo from Bell Canada and I cannot send/receive Remote Assistance requests successfully through Windows Live Messenger. I get to the part where I enter the password for the session, then it just times out. Is there a port or something I have to set?

 

you need to port forward 3389 for someone to connect in--sending shouldn't be an issue.

Might consider trying an alternative like crossloop

www.crossloop.com

works better than RA

 

How would I do this? I'm pretty noob at port forwarding ...

 

Chances are, you need to set up port forwarding for the port 3389 in your router for remote assistance. Usually, if both your router and the other person your helping/is helping you's router supports the UPnP standard and has it turned on, there should be no trouble. However, sometimes you have to set up things manually:

You'll need to make sure you create a static IP address for your machine: http://www.portforward.com/networking/staticip.htm will show you how.

You can go here http://www.portforward.com/english/routers/port_forwarding/routerindex.htm and select your particular router from the list. Then choose Remote Desktop as the program in the programs list. Follow the steps in the wizard to walk you through the port configuration process.

You might need to ask the person your helping/person helping you to do the same process of creating a static IP address for their computer and using port forwarding on their router.

Good Luck,

Ricky

 

download crosslop

Set up and account

Have the person you want to help you download and set up an account

Both of you load crossloop

You, the person asking for help, gives the other person an access code that appears on your screen when you start the program

Click Connect

He plugs in the access code--clicks connect

If a firewall warning appears on your screen, choose UNBLOCK and ACCEPT XXXX's ASSISTANCE

He will see a window on his desktop of your screen

 

Awesome!, Will definitely have to try this next time the family calls me for help while I'm at college!

 

Most routers have a Remote Session Connect Enable function that needs to be checked in order for you to connect either wirelessly/remotely. Not sure why you're using Windows Messenger - you should be accessing it directly via your browser if you set it up correctly.

For Linksys N Routers, the setup is in the Administration section under Management. Here's a snip from my 600N Dual-Band that shows the settings:

WRT600N ADMINISTRATION/MANAGEMENT PANEL

Here's the explanation:
Administration Tab – Management



This section of the Administration tab allows the network’s administrator to manage specific Router functions for access and security.



Router Password

Router Password and Re-enter to Confirm

You can change the Router’s password from here. Enter a new Router password and then type it again in the Re-enter to Confirm field to confirm.

Web Access

Web Utility Access
HTTP (HyperText Transport Protocol) - The communications protocol used to connect to servers on the World Wide Web. HTTPS - Uses SSL (Secured Socket Layer) to encrypt data transmitted for higher security. Select HTTP or HTTPS.

Web Utility Access via Wireless

If you are using your Wireless Router in a public domain where you are giving wireless access to your guests, you can disable wireless access to the routers web-based utility. You will only be able to access the web-based utility via a wired connection if you disable the setting. Select Enable to enable wireless access to the Routers web-based utility or Disable to disable wireless access to the utility.

Remote Access


Remote Management

To access the Router remotely, from outside the local network, select Enabled. Otherwise, keeps the default setting, Disabled.



Remote Upgrade

If you want to be able to upgrade the Router remotely, from outside the local network, select Enabled. (You must have the Remote Management feature enabled as well.) Otherwise, keeps the default setting, Disabled.

Allow Remote IP Address

If you want to be able to access the Router from any external IP address, select Any IP Address. If you want to specify an external IP address or range of IP addresses, then select the second option and complete the fields provided.



Remote Management Port

Enter the port number that will be open to outside access. Otherwise, keeps the default setting, 8080.

Backup and Restore


Backup Settings

To back up the Router’s configuration, click this button and follow the on-screen instructions.



Restore Settings

To restore the Router’s configuration, click this button and follow the on-screen instructions. (You must have previously backed up the Router’s configuration.)

UPnP

Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) allows Windows Me and XP to automatically configure the Router for various Internet applications, such as gaming and videoconferencing.


UPnP

If you want to use UPnP, keep the default setting, Enabled. Otherwise, select Disabled.



Allow Users to Configure

Keeps the default setting, Enabled, if you want to be able to make manual changes to the Router while using the UPnP feature. Otherwise, select Disabled.



Allow Users to Disable Internet Access

Keep the default setting, Enabled, if you want to be able to prohibit

any and all Internet connections. Otherwise, select Disabled.

 

OK please do not suggest other programs. Doesn't help.

Anyways I enabled 3389 and "XP Remote Assistance" to forward to my laptop but still no success. I disabled the app blocking altogether and no success. RA is allowed through Windows Firewall. I use AVG Free.

What's wrong?

 

Other programs are an easier way to do this when we do not have your modem to play with--you have not even mentioned the model number so that we could try and download a manual to see what you have.

Basically, you are asking us to help you build a something in the dark without telling us what you are trying to build.

Crossloop works through routers without remote assistance or port forewarding.

If you want to do it without that, then give us complete details starting with the wall socket, mention everything from the wall socket to the back of your computer

 

My modem/router combo is a 2Wire 2701HG-G. I found this site where it lists all the routers and walks you through setting them up, and I followed its instructions (forwarded port 3389 to FredLiu-PC), but no luck.

 

Try enabling uPNP on your router.

 

How? I do not see this option in my router control panel, and can't find it on Google ...

 

Don't know if you're still looking for an answer, but I'm trying to help a friend with a similar problem and thought I'd put my 2 cents in. I'm guessing you're a Bell Sympatico customer? Unfortunately the one-piece DSL/Router device they've provided you with doesn't support UPnP. Your best option may be to use the DMZPlus mode, which you can configure by going to the router's web page. Then send the RA invitation to your knowledgeable friend the normal way; they may have to modify the invitation to reflect your external IP address (I haven't tried this yet but will shortly) but after that they should at least be able to communicate with your PC.

Once you're done with the troubleshooting take the router out of DMZPlus mode again, so that you're not subject to any additional security risks. Also, try to avoid turning off any other security products (Windows Firewall, 3rd-party firewall, etc.) while you're being assisted unless absolutely necessary, since while you're in this mode you're effectively "on the internet" directly.

Ian ten Cate

P.S. If I try this out with my friend and it doesn't work, I'll post a follow-up so you know not to try it.

 

Try windows live mesh it uses the newest version of microsoft Remote desktop and was easy to set up you just need a windows live account. install the software on both computers and you are sorted.

 

I second the idea of windows live mesh. It's the next best thing to remote desktop. It's faster than crossloop or almost anything else.