This time, we’re going to get around completely independent of any third-party hosts using an open-source of the VNC protocol. The folks at the UltraVNC project have developed a customizable VNC server in a single executeable that doesn’t require installation or even make use of the registry: UltraVNC SC (SingleClick). Once created, operation is a breeze: download it, run it, share a session, close it, delete it. Finis.

To get started, you’ll need to create your own custom SC executable. Download the SC creation package straight from UltraVNC. I have also provided a sample archive of my own used to successfully generate the executable. Once extracted, you’ll need to edit some files. Some, such as the icons, logo .bmp and rc4.key* file are optional. Minimally, you’ll need to edit helpdesk.txt. The options are pretty self-explanatory, and are also described on the SC webpage. When complete, zip the custom files back up, name the file uniquely, and upload here. The username and password at the time of writing this were foo and foobar, respectively. You’ll want to use the 2nd generator on the page, entitled “UltraVncSC based on REL1.00 (TEST)”, because the other version won’t work.

Now we’ll set up your host PC. Download the UltraVNC viewer package to your local machine (the one you will be offering support from). For simplicity, I’ve created an archive with the minimum necessary files. You’re also welcome to download the full package from the UltraVNC website, if you so desire.

Extract the contents of the archive anywhere, and make sure you make note of the path, because you’ll need this information to either run the viewer with the proper arguments from the Windows Run dialog box (or for creating a shortcut).

When you’re ready to receive VNC sessions, run the viewer on your host with the following options:

vncviewer -listen -dsmplugin MSRC4Plugin.dsm

* NOTE: You’ll want to generate your own encryption key. To generate a new rc4.key file, open the viewer by running it and double-clicking on the system tray icon, select Config, and Gen Key. Rename this key rc4.key and copy it to the folder containing your customized helpdesk.txt and other custom files.

When the listener is running and someone executes the SC application, you’ll be prompted to accept the incoming connection and the user’s desktop will miraculously appear on your screen. The full functionality of UltraVNC is supported, so you have quite a toolkit to provide remote administration and support facilities using the tool.

I’d suggest setting the helpdesk.txt to connect to a hostname created via a dynamic DNS service, such as DynDNS, to allow changes to your host IP if necessary. You may also choose to add multiple hosts (for having multiple technicians hosting support sessions, etc.). I’d also suggest setting up a support website with a link to the executable download and an explanation of the service you’re providing, if necessary, because most email servers will discard executable attachments (even in a .zip file!) if you attempt to disseminate the tool through this method.