Showmypc.com is a website that can be used to remote into someone’s computer, with their permission. We use it quite often when troubleshooting client machines. We typically use other ways to log into servers and network computers remotely. However, for standalone systems, it works well.
There are numerous programs and services that will allow you to remote into a computer. We use this because it is free and it works. They offer a paid for version that has additional features you may be interested in. For a quick remote in, the free version works well.
We use it as follows.
When someone needs help with a computer and the repair procedure is complicated, we prefer to remote in. It saves a tremendous amount of time and avoids errors in translation like “D” versus “B” and “S” versus “F” when dictating commands and such.
Both parties will click on the “ShowMyPC” icon on our home page. This one also works.
Both parties will be prompted to install the software by clicking “Run” at the prompts, twice. With Vista users you may be prompted to click “continue” also.
*******NOTE*******
If you see security type messages, choose the options that will allow the process to continue. For example, you may see "Block" or "Unblock". Choose "Unblock". You may see "Allow" or "Deny". Choose "Allow". You may see "Continue" or "Cancel". Choose "Continue". You get the point.
The goal is for both users to end up at this prompt or something similar. The version numbers may be different, but as of now, this is pretty much what the prompt looks like.
The client will then click the “Show My PC Now” button. At this time the client may see one or more security type messages from Windows security, your antivirus software, or firewall. Whatever the prompts are, choose PERMIT, ALLOW, UNBLOCK or whatever will make the process proceed uninterrupted.
For example, you may see a security message asking if you should “Block” or “Unblock” this process. Choose “Unblock”. The computer thinks something bad might be happening and wants you to give permission for things to proceed. It's normal.
We then have the client look at the ShowMyPC Collaboration window and note the long number on the right side of the window, next to the envelope icon. This is a unique “Share Password” for this session only. See below.
The number will be invalid after the session ends. If the Collaboration window is not showing, minimize all windows. It may be hiding under one of the other open windows.
This is the number the client will give me. I will press the “View Remote PC” button on my computer and it will prompt me to enter that number. Again, I am entering a special one-time code that was generated by the computer I want to view. No one else knows this number and it will become useless when this session is done.
Once I enter the code and wait a few seconds, a window appears and lo and behold, I am looking at the client screen. The client will see their mouse cursor moving around and windows popping up everywhere as I work. I always get some sort of response about how weird this is. I can run the client desktop almost like I was sitting in front of their screen.
To exit the session, both parties just close out any ShowMyPC windows that are present.
So, what are the limitations?
If either person is using a phone modem, it will be painfully slow, if it works at all.
Satellite Internet users will connect faster than a phone modem but it will still be slow and may not work.
Various keyboard commands do not translate remotely. For example, if I want to start the Task Manager on the remote computer, I would right click their task bar and start it that way instead of the trusty Control-Alt-Del.
The free version will time out after 1 hour, or so I have been told. I have not used a connection that long.
You may get disconnected suddenly for no reason. If so, you do not have to generate a new number. Just click “View Remote PC” again and it should have saved the number. Try connecting again.
Sometimes it flat out will not work due to circumstances beyond anyones control. Their computer may have additional security that is blocking a connection. Perhaps the network the client computer is on is blocking the connection. Their computer may be failing in such a way that their Internet connection is not working properly.
Overall, we like the product. Click here for more questions and answers.