CrossLoop is an easy-to-use desktop sharing tool that allows any two people anywhere in the world to connect live via computer. When both users install CrossLoop (a free and secure program based on TightVNC), one can easily connect to the other. From there, you can see and control everything on the other persons PC, making remote troubleshooting remarkably easier. For a complete walkthrough on setting up CrossLoop, continue reading.

1. Head over to the Crossloop download page and download the installer. Crossloop runs on Windows 2000 and newer, requires 128MB of RAM, 2MB of hard drive space and a broadband Internet connection.

   After the download has completed, run the installer file. The installation is quick and painless. Double-click the new CrossLoop icon on your desktop. You’ll be prompted to create a new account or login to an existing one. Click the Create Account button.



2. Enter the required info in the spaces provided. Make sure to place a check in the box labeled I accept the CrossLoop Terms of Services and Privacy Policy (after you’ve read them, of course). Click the Register button when you’re done.



3. After your account has been successfully created, click the Continue button.



4. Before you go much further, you’ll need to check your email (the account you specified in step #2). Click on the link that CrossLoop sent to confirm your account.


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5. Once you’ve done that, enter your login info, place a check in the Remember Me box if you don’t want to enter your password each time you use CrossLoop, and then click the Login button.



6. Now you’ll be presented with two options: Access – which allows you to connect to someone elses computer, or Share – which allows someone else to connect to your computer.

   If you want to connect to someone elses computer, have them sign in to CrossLoop, click the Share tab, and read/email/IM you the Access Code number. Make sure they click the Connect button, as you won’t be able to connect to them, even if you have the Access Code, until they do.



7. On your CrossLoop screen, make sure the Access tab is selected, enter the Access Code you were given by the person who wants you to connect to them, and then click Connect.



8. The person you’re connecting to will be prompted with a “do you want to allow this” screen. In order for you to connect to them, they’ll need to click Yes.



9. Both of you will probably be presented with a Firewall prompt (assuming you’re using the Windows Firewall). And both of you will need to click Unblock to allow the CrossLoop connection.


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10. And now you have full control over the other persons PC. You can move their mouse, what you type on your keyboard will appear on their screen etc. In the screenshot below, you can see that I connected to a PC where the person was playing Texas Hold ‘Em.

    Now you can fix friends, parents and other relatives computer problems without having to 1) repeat yourself 20 times, 2) explain what and where the “start” button is, 3) lose your mind and 4) much more quickly.


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11. After you’ve used CrossLoop once or twice, you may want to customize the settings. To do so, click the “cog” button on the main screen, and alter the settings to suit your needs.

Now that you can help your friends and family by remotely troubleshooting their PC problems, you might want to consider using CrossLoop to make some extra cash.