Firstly you should click on the normal Windows Start button (or just press the 'Windows Logo Key' to the bottom left of your keyboard) and then click on 'Control Panel', which is usually half way up the right hand column.

Select 'System' from the Control Panel list - they are always in alphabetic order so it will be ¾ the way along the Classic list. The image to the left has 'System' in the bottom left hand corner where it is shown as 'Selected' which is why it is in blue.

If you are not seeing anything at all similar to the picture to the left then you may need to temporarily switch to 'Class View' which should be an option on the TOP LEFT of the window.

Remote Assistance needs to be turned on while you are requesting and obtaining help. If remote assistance is working but you are unable to allow the expert to take control of your keyboard and mouse then click on the Advanced button.

Remote desktop should always be turned off unless you or your I.T. EXPERT (it is not suitable for novices) know the risks and have them tightly managed. Never trust the 'Who can use Remote Desktop' to restrict access to you PC.

IGNORE this STEP unless you are using HAMACHI

IF you are using Hamachi to create a secure and private network over the Internet then you are probably doing so because you need a method of requesting Remote Assistance which works behind routers whether wireless or not.

It is important for Hamachi to be running while you initiate the Assistance request as well as when it is used for the assistance (by e-mail).

Ideally you will create one or more of your own private network and apply strong passwords to it which you then communicate in a resonably secure manner to the person(s) who is/are going to provide remote assistance.

Note that you MIGHT want to create more than one network because when two users join your network they will be able to 'see' each other and one or both of them may not want that to happen.

If the person who you want to provide assistance has a tiny but bright green 'blob' to the left of their nickname in Hamachi then you have a connection to their PC which Remote Assitance can use - BUT BY E-MAIL ONLY as far as I currently (2008) know.

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