Rescue computer with remote access
-
I recently received a call from a colleague asking about accessing a computer that seems to have crashed.
Reboots cycle through attempts at the repair, but repeatedly fail. As they are about 400+ miles away I can't directly access it, but want to do what I am able from here.
Setting up a Linux LIVE USB seems like a good option, but that still leaves me with the need to connect to it. Most live USB drives will allow to connect via the network - so that shouldn't be an issue. But my first tool of consideration is ConnectWise / ScreenConnect.
This option requires installing ICEDTEA, and doesn't seem to be native to the Fedora Live USB I have,.. so it would need to be installed. Testing this here,.. resulted in you have just run out of disk space - partial fail.
So - other than pressing on with ICEDTEA - what other options could be used:
-
Why not a LiveUSB and teamviewer or some other such remote access software to backup the user data?
-
Is the goal to recover the system or to backup any data on the disk if you can access it?
I immediately think "need to backup the data" when these types of issues arise, but then a tiny SAM appears on my shoulder and screams "if it wasn't backed up it wasn't worth the money".. . .
-
I'd use SSH and / or teamviewer.
-
Does it have Intel vPro?
-
Installing to Live CD won't work because it has no disk to write to. So it's always at 100% used space.
-
Best process is probably to have them do a fresh Windows install where they are. If the hardware has failed, there's nothing you'll be able to do. If it is Windows that has failed, accessing from a Linux LiveCD will still leave you in a very difficult position. Chances are a clean install is your best bet.
-
@scottalanmiller said in Rescue computer with remote access:
Installing to Live CD won't work because it has no disk to write to. So it's always at 100% used space.
The client could create a live USB, no? Then @gjacobse would simply need to walk them through the reboot process.
-
@dustinb3403 said in Rescue computer with remote access:
@scottalanmiller said in Rescue computer with remote access:
Installing to Live CD won't work because it has no disk to write to. So it's always at 100% used space.
The client could create a live USB, no? Then @gjacobse would simply need to walk them through the reboot process.
Yes, in theory a LiveUSB might work.
-
I guess a question is a goal. Is the goal to get a good, working Windows machine?
-
@gjacobse Fedora may be your preferred solution, but does Ubuntu come with the dependencies to get Screenconnect to work with nothing "special" besides installing the software?
-
@scottalanmiller Based on the desire to create a liveUSB, my understanding is a goal to backup any data on whatever system this is.
-
@dustinb3403 said in Rescue computer with remote access:
Why not a LiveUSB and teamviewer or some other such remote access software to backup the user data?
That is my next attempt - it just fleshing out the plan.
-
@gjacobse said in Rescue computer with remote access:
@dustinb3403 said in Rescue computer with remote access:
Why not a LiveUSB and teamviewer or some other such remote access software to backup the user data?
That is my next attempt - it just fleshing out the plan.
OK, so let's start there, what is the primary goal?
Backup data or get a working desktop (and ignoring the data)?
-
@scottalanmiller said in Rescue computer with remote access:
I guess a question is a goal. Is the goal to get a good, working Windows machine?
Goal is... ignore the OS - Looking for the homework files,... can figure out the OS down the road.
-
@gjacobse said in Rescue computer with remote access:
@scottalanmiller said in Rescue computer with remote access:
I guess a question is a goal. Is the goal to get a good, working Windows machine?
Goal is... ignore the OS - Looking for the homework files,... can figure out the OS down the road.
Oh, this is just file recovery?
-
@gjacobse said in Rescue computer with remote access:
@scottalanmiller said in Rescue computer with remote access:
I guess a question is a goal. Is the goal to get a good, working Windows machine?
Goal is... ignore the OS - Looking for the homework files,... can figure out the OS down the road.
So the most simple approach would likely be to walk the client step by step on how to make a liveUSB of Fedora or Ubuntu, and get access to the system via ScreenConnect or Teamviewer.
Fedora media writer
<this media>
connect to wifi
download this
install this
ok what is the code?Looking at maybe an hour's worth of effort.
-
I agree, LiveUSB might be the best option. Mount the old Windows drive, copy the files directly to Dropbox or Google Drive or whatever.
-
RE: @DustinB3403 @scottalanmiller
Yes,.. that is the plan - Live USB and rescue. Deal with the OS later,.. if at all.
-
@gjacobse You have a plan, time to execute.
