Thursday, January 26, 2006
Creating report from packetshaper units.
Still trying compile information from reports generated from a couple of packeteer units that were brought back from a customer's offices. One wasi n New Haven Connecticut and the other was in Bohemia Long Island. As much a I like to write, trying to get these reports right on is a pain. Since they are going to be billed, the report has to look and sound perfect. Sometimes when I do this stuff I think I'd rather be troubleshooting computer desktop or network problems instead. For those of you who have not had the opportunity to use the packeteer products, I've definitely have to give them a thunbs up. They make some good stuff, pricy but the data you can retrieve and the traffic shaping they could so on a very granular level is excellent. You know, I just remembered that the reason I'm doing t his report is to troubleshoot a problem. The one thing I have to mention about the packeteer remporting, and I hope they fix this, is that if the year changes over like it just di from '05 to '06, You can't get granular reports. The end date for the report has no year field so the report comes up blank because it's looking into the current year's future.
PIX VPNs going down. Computers can't connect.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Packeteer reports
Downloaded a bandiwdth usage report from a 6500 packeteer that was at a custoemrs main site. Looking to get the 2500 series packeteer connected up to my network so I could get the reports from it. The 2500 series was at the same custoemr remote office in connecticut office.
A little problem with the packeteer as far as reports go is the fact that with the year roll over from 05 to 06, the only way to get data for let's say a 2 week period from 05 is by command line. The GUI interface doesn't generate anything, not even an error, when selecting 2 weeks from the prior year. I think one of the things on the GUI that needs to be fixed to allow this is a field need to be added for the year when selecting a period of time the report should be run.
A little problem with the packeteer as far as reports go is the fact that with the year roll over from 05 to 06, the only way to get data for let's say a 2 week period from 05 is by command line. The GUI interface doesn't generate anything, not even an error, when selecting 2 weeks from the prior year. I think one of the things on the GUI that needs to be fixed to allow this is a field need to be added for the year when selecting a period of time the report should be run.
Monday, January 23, 2006
PC Remote Control over the Internet - 4RemoteSupport
PC Remote Control over the Internet
Home Server roundup - Lifehacker
Link to similar post on this topic - Computer Support - Adventure (Rated PG): Computer Remote Support Software
Computers make us more productive. Yeah, right. Lifehacker recommends the downloads, web sites and shortcuts that save time. Don't live to geek; geek to live. ... any files on your home computer using only a web browser ... from anywhere. Control your home computer from anywhere. Remote control your computer over the Internet. Assign a domain name to your network by using an admin page...
Computer Remote Support Software
4RemoteSupport desktop support software
Desktop support software can help any support business or company increase profits by providing their technical support staff for desktop support or server support the tool and ability to remotely control computer desktops and servers through the web for remote support.
Restart DCHP CLI Command over Remote Access - 4RemoteSupport
DHCP Problem
I connected to a customer's server computer using a subscription I have 4RemoteSupport for pc remote control on-demand software from a service provider. I had to check on a DHCP problem. This domain has to DHCP servers for redundancy. One had a portion of the IP subnet and the other has another portion of the subnet. It's split almost down the middle. It seems that for some reason the DHCP on one of their servers was not responding and all leases were out for computers on the first scope. The solution was a stop and restart of the services.
Restart DHCP process
Remotely access the server using 4RemoteSupport, Once you have control of the server restarting the processes is actually a simple process on Windows server . This works on all versions of Microsoft Windows server. Just ensure your on the right once that is running the DHCP service.
Open an elevated command prompt.
Enter
c:\> net stop dhcp && net start dhcp
The commands could be spit to two separate commands.
c:\> net stop dhcp
c:\> net start dhcp
On a Linux system
To stop the DHCP service, type the following command: # /etc/init.d/dhcp stop.
To start the DHCP service, type the following command: # /etc/init.d/dhcp start.
Link to post with related topic - Computer Support - Adventure (Rated PG): Remote Support Software
Remote Computer couldn't connect to Citrix Server.
Remote Computer couldn't connect to Citrix Server.
A remote computer couldn't connect to Citrix server. There was a Linksys router that was on the LAN that someone decided to use for the switch ports and not for routing. The outer features on the Linksys can't be disabled and the IP address had been changed but for some reason, either manually or by some other trigger, the Linksys defaulted to it's out-of-box IP address which happens to be the same as our production PIX. Some computers were having trouble connecting to the internet. Others were ok.
One the device removed
One the device was removed the problem went away. The remote computer is used by a telemarketer from home and was unable to connect to the citrix server through the VPN tunnel. It happens that the server she was connecting to for the published app was one of the systems having trouble with routing because of the second router being online with the same IP address. I used PC anywhere to connect to her desktop pc system and remote control it to see what she was experiencing and not my online pc remote support software that I usually use.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Citrix session printing poblem solved
From an earlier post - the problem was that computer session printers were not being created even though they were the previous day. Apparently someone got onto the console and changed thsi setting.
Citrix printing problem solved. There's a checkbox at the bottom of the Client Options page of the metaframe console that says STrat this application without waiting for printers to be created. In my case it was checked so anyone using the published app from their computer on this server would not have there desktop session printers created and therefore mapped.
On to the next adventure . . .
The new module is here!...The new module is here!... Computer remote control over the Internet
| The new module is here! . . . The new module is here! . . . The module for my lan equipment has arrived and I have it in my posession. I just need to work my way through some surrent technical problems on our old citrix server and some customer support issues. Once that's done, maybe I could start figuring out the frame-relay / ISDN problem. I need to figure out the whole thing from scratch. It's bad enough I don't do cisco everyday but ISDN rarely. The kicker as I stated in prior posts is that I'm bringing down this bank - from the main location to every branch will be affected. This is currently and will continue to be nerve racking. On to the citrix printing situation. There always seems to be a citrix printing situation. It would be great is I could get this done using Computer remote control over the Internet. The new server is creating desktop session printers ok. The old server which had not had anything changed on it has a problem with printers since the new 4.0 when online. The end-user computers that are starting the published app don't have their printers mapped. |
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
PC Remote Control Software for Computer Desktop support over the Internet
On Demand PC Remote Control Online Over The Internet.
For pretty affordable computer remote support software on demand over the Internet try 4RemoteSupport.com. The website link is www.4remotesupport.com. You can subscribe to the server without even having to use a credit card. Their evaluation is free for thirty days and it enables you to provide pc remote control over the Internet. This siet differs from other ones like in that with one account you could support computers on the Internet but also use the same account for LAN and WAN support. If your network configuration changes, you could easily change the configuration of the software through your profile page for free. Other services or support vendors will charge you to make these changes or offer annual software support that will do cover these changes but with 4RemoteSupport.com, you could change it as you need it.
PC Remote Control On Demand
Computer Remote Control for Support Over the Internet
The Citrix problem is still there. I'll be attempting to solve this mystery now. I'm going to need a lot of luck as this is a deep server problem with a lot of layers. There's the desktop, server, Citrix 3.0, ICA client, printers and their drivers. Plus there are users online in published apps while I'm trying to work out the problem. fast forward a bunch of years, and many upgrades and changes to Citrix, I still deal with Citrix issues. The most latest is Citrix with ProfileUnity Flexapp. Liquidware's profile unity can be useful if setup in the right environment for the right purpose. For the current situation, I can see it's benefits however it's been a struggle. Main issue has been recently, profile unity just stopped mounting virtual desktops for the users. Profile unity support said they've seen their software do this and recommend changing the system to use a service account rather than a user account. One of the initial problems with that statement however is Liquidware Professional services installed, configured and setup the software. So if this was a known issue that could occur, it all should have been setup to use a service account from the beginning. Liquidware is best useful for situation where desktops are pooled and there are many users. In the present environment, there are only 70 virtual desktops. They are persistent and the users are assigned to the desktop. So one of the best benefits for Liquidware usage is the ability to load the user's profile from different desktops accessed.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Citrix printing nightmare.
Computer Support - Adventure (Rated PG)
Added a second Citrix server to our network. The old one ia presentation server 3.0 and the new on is 4.0. Both are running 2003 server but the new is SP1 and the old doesn't have a service pack yet. everything seemd to have gone ok. One of the published apps is an old windows app and needed some reg hacks to work right. For some freak reason with a resolution to the problem still undetermined, session printers for client connecting to the old citrix server don't show in the application. They are listed on the server but not on the desktops. This is a big problem. Hacked away at it for a while today and got nowhere.
Added a second Citrix server to our network. The old one ia presentation server 3.0 and the new on is 4.0. Both are running 2003 server but the new is SP1 and the old doesn't have a service pack yet. everything seemd to have gone ok. One of the published apps is an old windows app and needed some reg hacks to work right. For some freak reason with a resolution to the problem still undetermined, session printers for client connecting to the old citrix server don't show in the application. They are listed on the server but not on the desktops. This is a big problem. Hacked away at it for a while today and got nowhere.
Update On the Point-to-Point T1
Computer Support - Adventure (Rated PG)
I haven't made it back to the custoomer with the T1 problem although my office called into the provider to check on the point to point T1. It was a good think I thought of writing down the circuit ID of the T1 before leaving. I haven't gotten any feedback about it yet. I havne't even had time to check on the status myself remotely from my office.
Their wireless access point seems to be doing better though. The last time I was on site I increased the db on one Ap and decreased on another . By doing that I pretty much split in half the coverage down the middle of the office. It worked out good.
I haven't made it back to the custoomer with the T1 problem although my office called into the provider to check on the point to point T1. It was a good think I thought of writing down the circuit ID of the T1 before leaving. I haven't gotten any feedback about it yet. I havne't even had time to check on the status myself remotely from my office.
Their wireless access point seems to be doing better though. The last time I was on site I increased the db on one Ap and decreased on another . By doing that I pretty much split in half the coverage down the middle of the office. It worked out good.
Online pc remote support software - Linktivity
Screen-sharing
Try this site out if your looking for pc remote control software that allows you to connect to a remote computer over the internet to provide desktop tech support on demand to. The end-user that's on the computer your looking to control remotely just clicks start and downloads a small executable program that connect the desktop to yours for screen-sharing.Enter a support and connect
Enter a support and connect. All this is done right from the homepage with a browser. They then click connect and the software downloads to their system with a configuration to connect back to yours. This concept is done I think by a lot of companies but they make you have the same configuration for your network. If it changes it's going to cost more money to get it changed by them. This online computer remote control for support site allows you to make changes on the fly. If your configuration changes you could change your settings through an account profile page. I opened an account an trying it out.
Another product which I've seen in action which is pretty good for collaboration software is made by Linktivity. This software package has a lot of bells and whistles. The same package does remote support too. You have to but a server for this software.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Point to Point T1 support.
Almost a year ago, I configured a customer with two T1 point-to-point circuits between two of thier offices. Used cisco routers on each end with CSU/DSU wic cards. I setup EIGRP for load balance and fail over. The load balance and fail-over fuctionality was working fine for a long time. The custoemr even experienced the first T1 having some trouble and the second taking up the full load untill the repair was made. This was evidence that in an actual event a T has problems, his compuetre systems in the remote office would continue to communicated over the network to the servers at the main site.
I received a call from another vendor that does on demand remote desktop support online over the Internet for custom medical software for the same customer and they said they were experiencing some packet loss. I trust this other company. Although their core technical experience and background isn't networking, if they say they saw this happening then I belive them and I have to investigate the network problem. They were onsite which was different at first since they normally remote in using Inquerio software.
I went to the remote side first and found that the smartjack LEDs weren't even lit. Checked all connections and they were fine - just the way I left them way back. the status on the routers is just plain old status down and protocol down. This usually means there is no live circuit. Did all I can at that moment. I wrote down the circuit ID and called into my office. I email the office manager lettng him know that the T1 cards in the telco smartjack weren't even lit and he checked his side. his side were lit but they didn't seem correct. I'll be out there next week to see what's happening.
I received a call from another vendor that does on demand remote desktop support online over the Internet for custom medical software for the same customer and they said they were experiencing some packet loss. I trust this other company. Although their core technical experience and background isn't networking, if they say they saw this happening then I belive them and I have to investigate the network problem. They were onsite which was different at first since they normally remote in using Inquerio software.
I went to the remote side first and found that the smartjack LEDs weren't even lit. Checked all connections and they were fine - just the way I left them way back. the status on the routers is just plain old status down and protocol down. This usually means there is no live circuit. Did all I can at that moment. I wrote down the circuit ID and called into my office. I email the office manager lettng him know that the T1 cards in the telco smartjack weren't even lit and he checked his side. his side were lit but they didn't seem correct. I'll be out there next week to see what's happening.
Computer Support - Adventure (Rated PG): Some articles about support software from findarticles.com
Computer Support - Adventure (Rated PG): Some articles about support software from findarticles.com
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
A fun packed day - here's the list.
There's more but can't remember and rather forget.
Today also brought about:
- A firewall config change for a customer.
- Checking over a Cisco router config for another company that's adding a frame-relay network to a custoemr's network.
- Picking out some Adtran gear for sales people in our city office.
- Remote control of a sale persons laptop in our city office to fix their email software program which of course they don't know how it broke.
- Scanning a remote office from a custoemr's main office trying to find a computer system that another support group claims is dropping packets when pinging a server at the main site.
- Changing of user passwords on a domain.
- Creating email accounts on an exchange server.
- Selecting BRI modules for our LAB's ATLAS 550.
- Trying to figure out in my head how I'm going to replace core routers at a customer's main bank office with destroying their business.
This was a regularly busy one.
Today also brought about:
- A firewall config change for a customer.
- Checking over a Cisco router config for another company that's adding a frame-relay network to a custoemr's network.
- Picking out some Adtran gear for sales people in our city office.
- Remote control of a sale persons laptop in our city office to fix their email software program which of course they don't know how it broke.
- Scanning a remote office from a custoemr's main office trying to find a computer system that another support group claims is dropping packets when pinging a server at the main site.
- Changing of user passwords on a domain.
- Creating email accounts on an exchange server.
- Selecting BRI modules for our LAB's ATLAS 550.
- Trying to figure out in my head how I'm going to replace core routers at a customer's main bank office with destroying their business.
This was a regularly busy one.
Computer Support - Adventure (Rated PG)
Computer Support - Adventure (Rated PG)
So today, among other things, brought an unusual challenge. A system that appeared to go to some weird freeze state. This one was a little different from others in the past. The monitor would go off and could not be turned back on until the computer was powered down and then restarted. They must be out there but I've never seen a computer desktop and the monitor go off when it did. They normally just freeze or blue screen. The system wouldn't do it in safe mode though but only in normal operation with no real way to force the computer lock-up. This was a computer support nightmare since problems are better when you can re-produce them and when they are more common. At first I started carefully looking for the magic bullet then broke out the elephant gun. I pulled my old trick out of the bad and removed all that I could from device manager and restarted the PC. Plug and play kicked in and all devices came back. The maneuver seemed to have workled but only time will tell. It desktop lasted about 40 minutes without a freeze. I couldn't do much more at that time.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Another virus removal day.
Computer Support - Adventure (Rated PG)
One of the best and commons lines from desktop end-users, "I was just doing a search then all of a sudden ...".
Well, the search address field keeps a history and the search field had in it pornxxx.org.
We'll, as we all know, that's all it takes. Click on one of those sites that come up in the results and most all of them are going to dump some piece of software on the system and make it come back when rebooted and download more and make the system run slower, etc.. You all know what happens. But they don't know what happened - of course not.
Spent an hour and a half cleaning another machine and getting their anti-virus/anti-adware/spyware software working again. Had to re-download and re-install that - some kernal error when starting. That software might get a post of its own. It's Eset. Really didn't know much about it 'till I saw it today. It didn't look bad and had protection against a lot of stuff.
I ran it afterwards one I got it working again and it did pick up on some stuff that ad-aware se missed. Didn't update ad-aware se though so it may have been running an older version. I just ran what was on the computer already plus I brought in hijack-this and ad-aware se. It seemed to do the trick. Using my on demand remote control pc support software to get remote access for desktop remote support was out of the question since the computer was taken of line.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Some Articles About Computer Support Software From Findarticles.com
Some of these actually are from the way past, yes 7 or 8 years ago.
Some of you guys (and girls) who were out there supporting systems back then like I was actually have used some of the old products referenced.
Symantec's Pcanywhere Is First Remote Control Software To Support Windows' Millennium - Product Information
Symantec Corp.: SYMANTEC'S PCANYWHERE IS FIRST REMOTE CONTROL SOFTWARE TO SUPPORT WINDOWS' MILLENNIUM.(Product Information)
EDP Weekly's IT Monitor, 10/9/00 · 1 page · More from publication
Software enables remote PC control and monitoring
Run on Windows 98/2000/XP/20003, Remote Desktop Control enables user to remotely view monitors of other users in network and access PCs to launch programs, ...
Product News Network, 12/15/05 · 1 page · More from publication
Beefed Up Remote Control - Software Review - Evaluation
CrossTec Corp's NetOp Remote Control 6.0 is a powerful remote-control suite offering more features than better-known competitors such as Raxco's Remotely ...
ENT, 9/22/99 by Stephen Swoyer · 1 page · More from publication
PC management, remote control
NetSupport Manager version 9.0 includes new features that enable systems administrators, technical support managers and telecommuters to remotely access, ...
Health Management Technology, 4/1/05 · 1 page · More from publication
Remote Control Software Supports NT 4.0 - Artisoft announced CoSessionRemote 32 8.0 - Product Announcement - Brief Article
Artisoft Inc. (Tucson, Ariz.) announced version 8 of CoSession Remote 32, software that enables users to access and control remote PCs. The new version ...
ENT, 2/4/98 · 1 page · More from publication
Remote-control software grows up
Tried-and-true remote-control software has become an indispensable network technology and vendors are building new security and management features around ...
Network World, 8/5/02 by Greene, Tim · 1 page · More from publication
Remote control - Network access and management products - CrossTec's NetOp Remote Control 7.5 - Brief Article
Remote control. (Network access and management products).(CrossTec's NetOp Remote Control 7.5)
Communications News, 1/1/03 · 1 page · More from publication
Netopia Announces Version 8.5 of Industry-Leading Timbuktu® Pro for Windows; New Features Make Remote Control and Support Software Easier to Use and
EMERYVILLE, Calif. -- Netopia, Inc. (Pink Sheets:NTPA), a market leader in broadband gateways and service delivery software, today announced the availability ...
Business Wire, 8/31/05 · 1 page · More from publication
New electronics help Safeline get connected: explorer software/hardware package for metal detectors maintains networks, enables remote diagnostics and
New electronics help Safeline get connected: explorer software/hardware package for metal detectors maintains networks, enables remote diagnostics and more.(Technology Spotlight)
Food & Drug Packaging, 2/1/05 · 1 page · More from publication
Users control remote PCs
A start-up is launching an appliance that lets help desk staff take control of remote computers without the time-consuming tasks of installing and maintaining ...
Network World, 10/17/05 by Greene, Tim · 1 page · More from publication
Remote pings and remote control
GEARHEAD INSIDE THE NETWORK MACHINE Regarding last week's look at PingPlotter from Nessoft, we should have noted that the release of the next version, ...
Network World, 9/5/05 by Gibbs, Mark · 1 page · More from publication
Software delivers remote server management solution
Used with IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) v2.0-compliant KVM-over-IP client software, KVM-over-IP remote management technology enables ...
Product News Network, 9/2/05 · 1 page · More from publication
Remote Access Via Software
Setting up an IPsec VPN is the most common means of providing remote access to corporate applications and resources. As we point out in this story, SSL-based ...
PC Magazine, 8/19/03 by S. Jae Yang · 1 page · More from publication
Vector begins offering its new Internet gateway solution - PC-Duo Enterprise Remote Control 8.0 - Brief Article
INTERNET BUSINESS NEWS-(C)1995-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD UK-based desktop management solutions provider Vector Networks Ltd has launched version 8.0 of its PC-Duo Enterprise Remote Control produ
Internet Business News, 5/21/03 · 1 page · More from publication
Remote possibilities: not in your office? remote control software make it simple to access your computer
Symantec's pcANYWHERE32, Traveling Software's Laplink and Microcom's Carbon Copy 32 are three popular remote access software. They allow access to one's ...
Entrepreneur, 11/1/97
You could see more at http://ww.findarticles.com/p/search?qt=remote+control+support+software - there's like 12 to 12 more pages of this stuff.
My articles are in there too somewhere - not bragging or nothing . . . :)
Interesting old article on support.
Good technical customer service
This is an old article that's dated back to '97 (whew that's eons in the tech world)
It shows however how the industry was growing at that time. Now it's just have become huge. I'll have more to say on that. Here's the article.
I've got to give credit - I didn't write it.
It's from https://www.helpdesksolutions.com/Publications/remote.htm
Reach-out and Touch That PC via Phone, LAN Or Internet
Printer August 1997 Computer News
Good technical customer service is finding the right solution in the shortest amount of time. Both of these factors aim at the getting the customer, whether it is a co-worker or an external customer, back to work with the least disruption. Two factors have made this more difficult as the desktop has replaced the glass house environment of the mainframe. The first component is the flexibility of the graphical user interface (GUI), which allows each person to customize his or her desktop while still using the same application as everyone else. The second is a more mobile work force. Customer service staff have been dealing with the GUI problem for several years, but supporting a mobile work force is just now becoming a reality as more members of the staff use computers away from the office.
To cope with the GUI, the help desk has found that some problems cannot be diagnosed over the phone. These problems must be solved by a visit to the caller's office, or the caller’s PC must be shipped in for problem diagnosis and repair.
Diagnosis and repair
As the number of mobile users increases, a visit to the caller’s office is impossible and shipping the PC to solve the problems just does not make sense.
At the same time that these problems are becoming more critical, businesses are continuing to look for ways to reduce the cost of desktop support. (The Gartner group estimates $3000 - $4,800 per PC per year.) Happily, some new tools are entering the market place and some old tools getting a second look to help with these problems. All of these tools provide remote-control access to the customer’s PC.
A remote-control application allows a support person to
view the customer’s screen,
take over the customer’s desktop, or
modify files on the customer’s PC.
I can already see the security folks shaking their heads and saying, "Too big a risk." There is some truth to what they are saying, the customer can control that risk by limiting the access to his or her PC by a help desk analyst. The remote control packages can require both log-on names and passwords. Some other options include limits to sessions and the retiring of log-on names and passwords after a specified amount of time.
Remote-control applications can quickly improve the productivity of both the help desk analyst and the customer. When the help desk analyst can view the customer’s desktop, communication improves.
Better communication between the two parties
Better communication between the two parties with the same goal and the same vision results in a shorter resolution time. This often eliminates visits by technical staff to the customer’s office to troubleshoot a problem.
When the help desk analyst can take control of the customer’s desktop, then the analyst can demonstrate exactly how to execute a function within an application. If a picture is worth a 1000 words, then a demonstration must be worth 10,000. With remote-control, the idea of just-in-time training has real meaning. Just-in-time training will improve the customer’s productivity and possibly eliminate future calls to the help desk, which, in turn, will help increase the productivity of the help desk.
If the help desk analyst is allowed to modify files on the customer's desktop, then many problems that presently require visits to customer’s office can be eliminated. This saves time for both the customer and the help desk analyst, increasing the productivity for both.
Several PC vendors, including Compaq, IBM, NEC, and Dell, are including remote-control client software with their hardware products. (I'll comment on some of this stuff since since then alot has changed) These remote-control applications perform by using either the LAN, a modem, or by Internet. Several of the remote-control packages that work under Windows 95 are Microcom’s Carbon Copy for Windows, Artisoft's InSync CoSession Remote, Traveling Software's LapLink for Windows 95, Danware Data A/S's NetOp for Windows, Symantec's Norton pcAnywhere32, Stac's ReachOut, and Avalan's Remotely Possible/32. Three of these--pcAnywhere32, LapLink, and Remotely Possible/32 for Windows 95--have 32-bit architectures.
Since all of these products support TCP/IP, remote-control via the Internet is now a viable possibility. Help desk analysts can access their customer’s desktop from anywhere in the world, saving on long distance charges.
Remote control over the Internet does have its stumbling blocks. For example, in order to connect to another PC over the Internet, you must know it's TCP/IP address. Unfortunately, if the customer’s PC normally accesses the Internet via an on-line service or a modem connection to an Internet service provider, the PC may be allocated a different TCP/IP address with each session.
Remote-control is another tool that the customer service industry has begun to implement to reduce the cost of providing support for each desktop within the company.
Chat Software on web sites
https://www.helpdesksolutions.com/publications.html
I have to add this now and more later.
Since that time when that article was written a whole new category of software has become most prevalent and at the tip of all support type peoples lips, and that is remote support software. Also commonly referred to as 4RemoteSupport online PC remote support software . This type of software often combines remote access and remote desktop control. There are other software tools and utilities that fall under the category of support software as well. One of the most common and well known is Chat Software on web sites.
Now the term online pc remote support software is not a new idea or concept but it's a category that says this software or service is design to support computers remotely not just for the sake of remote controlling even though at the core of all such packages or services is a remote controlling feature (software). A nice package name for the old remote access tool. Remote support software has another twist in that the different packages out there have one things in common or at least a common motivation. Since LAN remote control is now-days to most of us a no brainer or a piece of cake to implement, 4RemoteSupport remote support software aim or goal is to work over the internet. In a previous post I started to explain some of the differences among the techniques used. Yes, I know - I didn't finish but I will.
Recovering XP passwords
Haven't tried this myself yet but it sounds good . . .
Dont worry when u forgot the administrator password on Windows XP. The following instructions will help u to recover it.
1. Place your Windows XP CD in your cd-rom and start your computer (it’s assumed here that your XP CD is bootable – as it should be - and that you have your bios set to boot from CD)
2. Keep your eye on the screen messages for booting to your cd Typically, it will be “Press any key to boot from cd”
3. Once you get in, the first screen will indicate that Setup is inspecting your system and loading files.
4. When you get to the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER to Setup Windows now
5. The Licensing Agreement comes next - Press F8 to accept it.
6. The next screen is the Setup screen which gives you the option to do a Repair.
It should read something like “If one of the following Windows XP installations is damaged, Setup can try to repair it”
Use the up and down arrow keys to select your XP installation (if you only have one, it should already be selected) and press R to begin the Repair process.
7. Let the Repair run. Setup will now check your disks and then start copying files which can take several minutes.
8. Shortly after the Copying Files stage, you will be required to reboot. (this will happen automatically – you will see a progress bar stating “Your computer will reboot in 15 seconds”
9. During the reboot, do not make the mistake of “pressing any key” to boot from the CD again! Setup will resume automatically with the standard billboard screens and you will notice Installing Windows is highlighted.
10. Keep your eye on the lower left hand side of the screen and when you see the Installing Devices progress bar, press SHIFT + F10. This is the security hole! A command console will now open up giving you the potential for wide access to your system.
11. At the prompt, type NUSRMGR.CPL and press Enter. Voila! You have just gained graphical access to your User Accounts in the Control Panel.
12. Now simply pick the account you need to change and remove or change your password as you prefer. If you want to log on without having to enter your new password, you can type control userpasswords2 at the prompt and choose to log on without being asked for password. After you’ve made your changes close the windows, exit the command box and continue on with the Repair (have your Product key handy).
13. Once the Repair is done, you will be able to log on with your new password (or without a password if you chose not to use one or if you chose not to be asked for a password). Your programs and personalized settings should remain intact.
I tested the above on Windows XP Pro with and without SP1 and also used this method in a real situation where someone could not remember their password and it worked like a charm to fix the problem. This security hole allows access to more than just user accounts. You can also access the Registry and Policy Editor, for example. And its gui access with mouse control. Of course, a Product Key will be needed to continue with the Repair after making the changes, but for anyone intent on gaining access to your system, this would be no problem.
And in case you are wondering, NO, you cannot cancel install after making the changes and expect to logon with your new password.
Cancelling will just result in Setup resuming at bootup and your changes will be lost.
Ok, now that your logon problem is fixed, you should make a point to prevent it from ever happening again by creating a Password Reset Disk. This is a floppy disk you can use in the event you ever forget your log on password. It allows you to set a new password.
Here's how to create one if your computer is NOT on a domain:
Go to the Control Panel and open up User Accounts.
Choose your account (under Pick An Account to Change) and under Related Tasks, click "Prevent a forgotten password".
This will initiate a wizard.
Click Next and then insert a blank formatted floppy disk into your A: drive.
Click Next and enter your logon password in the password box.
Click Next to begin the creation of your Password disk.
Once completed, label and save the disk to a safe place
How to Log on to your PC Using Your Password Reset Disk
Start your computer and at the logon screen, click your user name and leave the password box blank or just type in anything. This will bring up a Logon Failure box and you will then see the option to use your Password Reset disk to create a new password. Click it which will initiate the Password Reset wizard. Insert your password reset disk into your floppy drive and follow the wizard which will let you choose a new password to use for your account.
From:
http:///www.cyese.info/Forums/viewtopic/t=27.html
Dont worry when u forgot the administrator password on Windows XP. The following instructions will help u to recover it.
1. Place your Windows XP CD in your cd-rom and start your computer (it’s assumed here that your XP CD is bootable – as it should be - and that you have your bios set to boot from CD)
2. Keep your eye on the screen messages for booting to your cd Typically, it will be “Press any key to boot from cd”
3. Once you get in, the first screen will indicate that Setup is inspecting your system and loading files.
4. When you get to the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER to Setup Windows now
5. The Licensing Agreement comes next - Press F8 to accept it.
6. The next screen is the Setup screen which gives you the option to do a Repair.
It should read something like “If one of the following Windows XP installations is damaged, Setup can try to repair it”
Use the up and down arrow keys to select your XP installation (if you only have one, it should already be selected) and press R to begin the Repair process.
7. Let the Repair run. Setup will now check your disks and then start copying files which can take several minutes.
8. Shortly after the Copying Files stage, you will be required to reboot. (this will happen automatically – you will see a progress bar stating “Your computer will reboot in 15 seconds”
9. During the reboot, do not make the mistake of “pressing any key” to boot from the CD again! Setup will resume automatically with the standard billboard screens and you will notice Installing Windows is highlighted.
10. Keep your eye on the lower left hand side of the screen and when you see the Installing Devices progress bar, press SHIFT + F10. This is the security hole! A command console will now open up giving you the potential for wide access to your system.
11. At the prompt, type NUSRMGR.CPL and press Enter. Voila! You have just gained graphical access to your User Accounts in the Control Panel.
12. Now simply pick the account you need to change and remove or change your password as you prefer. If you want to log on without having to enter your new password, you can type control userpasswords2 at the prompt and choose to log on without being asked for password. After you’ve made your changes close the windows, exit the command box and continue on with the Repair (have your Product key handy).
13. Once the Repair is done, you will be able to log on with your new password (or without a password if you chose not to use one or if you chose not to be asked for a password). Your programs and personalized settings should remain intact.
I tested the above on Windows XP Pro with and without SP1 and also used this method in a real situation where someone could not remember their password and it worked like a charm to fix the problem. This security hole allows access to more than just user accounts. You can also access the Registry and Policy Editor, for example. And its gui access with mouse control. Of course, a Product Key will be needed to continue with the Repair after making the changes, but for anyone intent on gaining access to your system, this would be no problem.
And in case you are wondering, NO, you cannot cancel install after making the changes and expect to logon with your new password.
Cancelling will just result in Setup resuming at bootup and your changes will be lost.
Ok, now that your logon problem is fixed, you should make a point to prevent it from ever happening again by creating a Password Reset Disk. This is a floppy disk you can use in the event you ever forget your log on password. It allows you to set a new password.
Here's how to create one if your computer is NOT on a domain:
Go to the Control Panel and open up User Accounts.
Choose your account (under Pick An Account to Change) and under Related Tasks, click "Prevent a forgotten password".
This will initiate a wizard.
Click Next and then insert a blank formatted floppy disk into your A: drive.
Click Next and enter your logon password in the password box.
Click Next to begin the creation of your Password disk.
Once completed, label and save the disk to a safe place
How to Log on to your PC Using Your Password Reset Disk
Start your computer and at the logon screen, click your user name and leave the password box blank or just type in anything. This will bring up a Logon Failure box and you will then see the option to use your Password Reset disk to create a new password. Click it which will initiate the Password Reset wizard. Insert your password reset disk into your floppy drive and follow the wizard which will let you choose a new password to use for your account.
From:
http:///www.cyese.info/Forums/viewtopic/t=27.html
Rcontrol.exe in the %systemroot% Folder
Had to let the customer know that maybe he needs to find another add-on or software.
Friday, January 06, 2006
rcontrol.exe for Windows AD
OK.
I tried this tool out that's provided by Microsoft. It's just an add-on tool for computer remote control in the domain. It's supposed to enable an on demand remote control option in the context menu in AD computers and users. Well, I installed it and it did modify the domain/forest shema and added the menu item when I right clicked on the computer. I didn't do anything. I of course followed the directions on how to install and met all the criteria for desktop and server and yes I added the rcontrol.exe to the target systems %systemroot%/system32/ folder. Oh yes, I nmade sure that the target system had RDP running and enabled. At first I didn't put any user names in the list of allowed users but then added tha domain admin account. It made no difference. I was able to RDP to the computer withg no problem but when I tried to use this add-on, it didn't fly. Maybe someone has it running on their domain but my first shot at it didn't go so good. I must say I was real scheptical it would even owrk because I have not heard any buzz anywhere over it.
There some registry changes that could be made that once running on your network enables you to tweak things a bit. Things like screen size, heigh, width, enabling console connection or not and a few others.
Found a short article at windowsitpro.com that has the reg keys and what they do
www.windowsitpro.com
It has to work first.
I'll ad more to this post when I get around to trying again.
I tried this tool out that's provided by Microsoft. It's just an add-on tool for computer remote control in the domain. It's supposed to enable an on demand remote control option in the context menu in AD computers and users. Well, I installed it and it did modify the domain/forest shema and added the menu item when I right clicked on the computer. I didn't do anything. I of course followed the directions on how to install and met all the criteria for desktop and server and yes I added the rcontrol.exe to the target systems %systemroot%/system32/ folder. Oh yes, I nmade sure that the target system had RDP running and enabled. At first I didn't put any user names in the list of allowed users but then added tha domain admin account. It made no difference. I was able to RDP to the computer withg no problem but when I tried to use this add-on, it didn't fly. Maybe someone has it running on their domain but my first shot at it didn't go so good. I must say I was real scheptical it would even owrk because I have not heard any buzz anywhere over it.
There some registry changes that could be made that once running on your network enables you to tweak things a bit. Things like screen size, heigh, width, enabling console connection or not and a few others.
Found a short article at windowsitpro.com that has the reg keys and what they do
www.windowsitpro.com
It has to work first.
I'll ad more to this post when I get around to trying again.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Remote Support Software - Cisco
Cisco Webex
There are a lot of software companies out there (on the internet that is ) that have on-demand remote pc control PC software for online remote desktop support available. I mean there are tons. features and functions vary among some of the tools but at the core the goal is to get remote access of a computer wither over the web online or inside your own network such as a LAN which includes WiFi networks.
High-end to Free
There's everything from the hi-end Cisco Webex to free stuff that takes a little more work and know how to get going but are usable.
There are also the tried and true types like pc-anywhere for remote PC support on-demand that were all familiar with. At least those of us that are in the computer business in one way or another. The VNC flavors that are mostly free and have been around for ages. VNC though has been a good useful tool for many years and for thousands of companies and it still does the job. Plus it has a very small footprint and is very versatile.
The remote support software industry is just booming. Remote controlling computers over the internet seems to be the thing. A very useful thing. Especially when the tech person doesn't have too much to get the remote system under there control.
I'll have more on the next post . . .the baby is crying and I have to give the wife a hand and take this "call" .
Computer Support - Forum,Tech Information,Downloads, Etc.
Really cool site I found - my.techsupport.ca
They have way too much to list. It's not just the information and links they have but the format of the site itself. It's one of the best looking sites -I think. It just had a big renovation done and it looks great. Check it out if you have computer questions. They have a forum too. They have on demand pc remote support online over the web.
For remote control software for on-demand Remote Computer Support .
Support portal offering technical support, manufacturer's support site directory, and IT career center. Support can be obtained by posting your problems and/or questions in our forums. Additional information can be found in our "Computer Web Directory". Please add your computer related site if you have one.
www.mytechsupport.ca
1/3/2006
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