Windows remote assistance: only one session per invitation?

[pafboing]

I finally succeed in getting my 78yo mother to send me a remote assistance invitation from her Windows RT tablet to my XP laptop. I start to breathe again. I help her, problem solved, session closed. Now, can I reuse the same invitation -as long as the expiration date has not been reached- for further RA sessions? If I just try to reconnect using the same file, it doesn't work.

 

[jimmysmitty]

I have not used RA myself but honestly I would assume that you would probably have to setup a new session each time. I think it is for security reasons as if someone gets mad and decides to remote back in and kill the OS they could that way.

 

[c3h8]

You don't have to resend the invitation, but you will need a new one. I believe when the invitation is created you set the expiration date

My Computer > Properties > Advanced > System Properties > Remote > Advanced
Max duration of invite will be capped at 99 Days with Windows 7.

 

[c3h8]

@jimmysmitty Remote Assistance has user authorization controls set from the host. You have to request IO access from the host before you can, the host also has to authorize login.

Alternatively, consider TeamViewer. Solid Program.

 

[pafboing]

c3h8: I don't understand what you're saying. Maybe I can put it more simply: is a RA invitation a one-time-only thing, or can it be reused by the expert for multiple sessions as long as the expiration date has not been reached?

I've used TeamvVewer with great success until I made the mistake of buying the Windows RT tablet without sufficient research: no TeamViewer for that platform (yet)!

 

[c3h8]

The latter. "it [can] be reused by the expert for multiple sessions as long as the expiration date has not been reached[.]"

You just need to modify the expiration date from the host machine, and re-send a new (extended period) invite.
By default they're capped at 6-hours.

 

[pafboing]

OK, thanks a lot. I have another problem then. The invitation is good for one month, but I can't connect a second time with it.

I assume the host need not have any running app or dialog or anything except maybe a background service before the second connection attempt...?

 

[c3h8]

Accessing the remote machine should require minimal interference, but each time you attempt to login will require you to be authorized (access/login authorization) by the host manually, regardless of invitation.

 

[pafboing]

Thanks again, c3h8.

 

[c3h8]

Unless you need the end-user to be able to observe your actions, RemoteDesktop will service you better.
Remote Assistance can still be enabled, but Remote Desktop you only need an IP Address (and port forwarding) and an account to login.