How to Gain Remote Access to a Different Computer

By Bonnie Conrad

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The ability to connect remotely to another computer can be very useful. It allows technicians to connect to a computer and troubleshoot problems and allows computer owners to reach their files when they are out of the office or even on vacation. Connecting remotely to another computer takes only a couple of steps.

Step 1

Turn on the remote function on the computer you need to access by right-clicking on "My Computer" and choosing "Properties" from the drop-down menu. Click on the "Remote" tab and make sure the "Allow Remote Assistance Invitations to be Sent from This Computer" and the "Allow Others to Connect Remotely to This PC" boxes are checked.

Step 2

Click on the "Start" button and choose "Run" from the menu. Type "CMD" in the box and click "OK." When the black DOS window opens, type "IPCONFIG" at the prompt and record the IP address listed there. The IP address is four numbers separated by periods, such as 207.225.15.23. Record this number and keep it in a safe place. You will need it to connect remotely to this computer.

Step 3

Log on to the computer you want to use to connect to the other computer. Click on the "Start" button and choose "Run" from the menu. Type "MSTSC" in the box and click "OK." When the remote control box opens, type the IP address you recorded in the previous step and click "OK."

Step 4

Enter your credentials at the login prompt. You will see the desktop of the remote computer.

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