If the end user's computer requires rebooting, the Quick Assist connection will be reestablished automatically, but the end user will need to log back in to the computer using his or her Windows login password. Because Quick Assist requires two people to initiate the connection, you can't use this solution while the end user is away from his or her desk someone must be present at both ends to establish the connection.

Either party can disconnect the Quick Assist connection at any time. The tool's built- in Network Address Translation (NAT) allows a session to be established even if the user's computer is behind a firewall or NAT device. In Windows 7, Remote Assistance is based on the newer RDP 7, which uses Windows' Easy Connect technology offering an alternative connection option based on a password instead of a share code.

In Windows Vista, Quick Assist's technology is based on the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) found in the Remote Desktop Connection app included in all professional editions of Windows since Windows XP Professional. An earlier version of Quick Assist, called Windows Remote Assistance, was originally introduced in Windows XP. A few features and limitations of Quick Assist are described below. To end a Quick Assist session, either party can press the End button located in the Quick Assist menu. Once the connection is made, it remains active indefinitely, and the remote support person inherits all the access and rights to the troubled computer as the troubled computer's end user. The recipient has 10 minutes to launch Quick Assist and enter the code to establish the remote- control connection. You can send the Security code ( 273464 in this example) to the person with the troubled computer via email, text message, or even a phone call.

Open quick assist