How can remotely control another computer over my network?

[JBHaire52]

I have two computers on my home network; a laptop running Windows XP Home Edition and an older desktop running Windows Me. I would like to be able to fully control my desktop remotely via my laptop over this home network (hopefully being able to fully cancel out the need for the desktop's monitor, mouse and keyboard). However, I am not quite sure how to proceed. I know that there is a remote desktop connection feature available in Windows XP Pro, but alas I am only running the Home Edition and to my knowledge the home edition is only capable of acting as a remote desktop connection client not a host. Is there software or internal settings that I can configure to accomplish this task? As of now I have all of the desktop’s drives enabled for sharing however I keep getting error messages when I try and delete anything off of the drives, hence creating my want for a way to completely control my desktop remotely.

Any advice would greatly be appreciated.

[YeOldeStonecat]

Remote Control software.

VNC is free

PcAnywhere is better...but you pay for it.

[JeffL]

Or you could upgrade to XP Pro for the remote desktop options.

That option works well because unlike VNC it is natively integrated into the shell and can even route your systems sound to the local computer.

Of course this is probably the most expensive of all options.

[objohn]

Or another free option, is to use Microsoft Netmeeting. It has a function called Remote Desktop Sharing, which you can use for remote control.
I control over 500 pc's this way at work.

OJ