There is a feature within Windows Live Messenger v9 that allows a person to ask for remote assistance. BBut as I understand it, this works only if the router is UPnP enabled on both ends.

Today I tried this with a friend during an active chat session, and nothing happened. I suspect a router problem. as I am remote, I cannot configure the router for them.

What's a good way to render remote assistance?

Here's the scenario:

• it will be based on invitation only (it's not a remote desktop or "logmein" situation).
• It's a younger person, a computer novice, on the other end of the wire.
• I'll be assiting with their use of applications on the PC.
• I'd l ike to be able to SEE the screen, and also use the mouse and keyboard.

I have used Ultra-Vnc on the target machine and vncviewer on my machine, on a LAN. It works well.

But I don't think I can use that, because it's my kids' computer in my ex-wife's place, and I don't want her to accuse me of spying on her computer. That's why I need it to be invitation only.

Advice please.

Is there an easy way for me to set up Remote Assistance? IS there some other tool I can use?