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Resolved Question

is there a way to fix computer probs from another ...

Dec 7, 2014 12:14AM PST

is there a way to fix my dad's computer probs from my computer? I live several hundred miles from him and can only get up to visit him about every 6 weeks or so. when I do go, I spend a good part of a day (sometimes more) cleaning up his laptop from stuff he accidentally downloads, updates that don't automatically download, scheduled clean-up programs that don't run for whatever reason. Occasionally he will call me with a problem (if he can't wait for my next visit) and I can sometimes walk him through it, but he is in his 80's and easily confused/frustrated. If I could work on his computer from my home, it would make things easier for us. We are both on Windows 7. Thank you for any advice and help you can offer.

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johannapnc has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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Remote
Dec 7, 2014 12:49AM PST

You can set up TEAMVIEWER, it has to be set up on both systems, then you can/could do remote manipulations etc. There is a free version for setting up a limited amount of computers, 2 or 3, then the pay version where you can do multiples. Again, it has to be set up on both systems and then you'd exchange passwords from the TEAMVIEWER hook up and you can then do a remote. It is a little tricky to set up...but it does work.

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thanks
Dec 7, 2014 3:24AM PST

thank you for your help, I'll look into it!

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Teamviewer
Dec 7, 2014 4:06AM PST

I have it set up on a couple of my systems and have used it to do remote clean ups on a couple of friends systems, as I said, it is a bit tricky to get up and running, I'd suggest reading the tutorials and then proceed form there.

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Answer
It's not a feature of Windows
Dec 7, 2014 12:27AM PST

There is remote desktop but most agree that's another problem waiting to happen. If you do such work, I worry and don't want you to be upset but wouldn't you google something like GOTOMYPC ALTERNATIVES?

The big problem is that malware can break it and you're back to the beginning.

How about a ChromeBook? It does all that web stuff and has no known issues like Windows PCs.
Bob

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one of the reasons i asked...
Dec 7, 2014 3:23AM PST

...is because I had no idea where to start, or what phrase to google. what is the other problem waiting to happen? malware can break what? can't afford to buy two new computers. thanks for trying to answer my question.

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Why buy 2 computers?
Dec 7, 2014 3:35AM PST

Even one trip to the counter to clean off malware can cost more than a Chrome laptop. These are often found from 99 to 199 bucks and don't have you cleaning up all the time.

"malware can break what?" Your remote access setup.

These come and go all that time such as 190 bucks 14 inch models like
http://www.woot.com/offers/hp-14-dual-core-chromebooks-w-free-4g-21?ref=cnt_wp_0_50

You claim you live several hundred miles so the cost of travel could easily be that much. My nod is to a ChromeBook.

You've proven it again that Windows is too much a burden in some situations. I guess you could install Linux and show them the browser and be done with it.
Bob

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i assumed
Dec 7, 2014 7:10AM PST

Sorry, I assumed that my father would have to have the same type computer as me for it to work. Thanks for the info, I'll look into it!

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Answer
what all sort of software or programs does he use?
Dec 7, 2014 4:43AM PST

Bob's suggestion of Chromebook is excellent for older person who only browses internet and downloads email. The worst that happens since it's Linux or Unix based is a browser may get corrupted, but Firefox has a Reset to Default button that corrects it all.


To use the same computer, some easy linux distro like Mint 17 MATE will keep the trojans and virus away. Ubuntu is a bit different than windows, but still an easy to use version.

Mint
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMHjUqRfmC8

Ubuntu 14.04
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHEHPRDVEp4


There are ways to boot to a LIVE DVD and then turn on remote administration where you could fix anything bad enough the computer wouldn't even boot, but it takes some learning on your part. For him, he'd only need to know how to put the DVD in, choose to boot to it instead of the hard drive, and then follow instructions you put on sheet of paper to turn on remote administration.

There is a remote administration function in Windows, but if it can't boot, that's not very helpful.

In such case where it can't boot, then the Linux LIVE DVD can be used to access the windows partition.

At the least, you could order and ship him a bootable LIVE DVD and he'd at least have that nearby so you could guide him on the phone how to boot it, and then he'd be online with a browser at least till his windows was fixed and could save anything to folder on hard drive if wanted.

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thank you
Dec 7, 2014 7:23AM PST

he mostly does email, cruises the internet and plays solitaire. he also uses the bank's website and occasionally figures out how to order stuff off amazon. one of the problems is that he will click on a pop-up to get rid of it and has downloaded some crap that way. I've begged him not to do that, but... you know. He hasn't gotten to the point that it won't boot up for a few years, I guess he listens to me some. But I do keep a back-up of his computer on a flash drive that I think I could walk him through if necessary. If I write down very explicit instructions he can usually follow them. Thanks for your advice and I will check into it!