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Table of Contents [Hide/Show] Summary Step 1: Download & Install    Software Download    ScreenConnect Installation Step 2: ScreenConnect Setup    Security Setup    License Setup Step 3: Testing in Your Network    Joining a Session    Customizable URL's Step 4: Configure for External Access    ScreenConnect Administrator Status Tab Step 5: Tips & Tricks    Useful Articles and Links

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Summary

ScreenConnect is a self-hosted remote support web application that you install on your Windows computer or server. The primary installation, that you download from our site, creates a web application that is accessed through your browser. Once you have installed the software and opened the ports your hosts (technicians) and guests (clients) can use the customizable URLs to access your ScreenConnect installation from anywhere in the world. Once connected, the appropriate client will be deployed to the host and guest to establish the connection and removed once the session is complete.

Setting up a self-hosted web application tool will require a few more steps than a hosted solution but the trade offs include no monthly fees, complete branding/control, enhanced security, and improved software performance. We know your time is important so if you have any questions as you step through the process please contact us for assistance.

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Step 1: Download & Install

To setup ScreenConnect you need three things: a compatible computer/server, the software, and a license (trial or purchased).

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Software Download

The software and trial licenses can be obtained from our Software Download Page. Visitors will typically be presented with several release options from our website including pre-release and stable software. Any release can be installed but the stable has been through more field and factory testing. More detailed information about each release can be found in our Release Notes.

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ScreenConnect Installation

The installation of the software takes about two minutes, prompting the user with a few dialog boxes before installing the software. To see what the process will look like refer to INFO-0007: Installation Process.

ScreenConnect Download

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Step 2: ScreenConnect Setup

Once installed our software will automatically launch the ScreenConnect Administrator page in your default browser. The application will open and prompt you to complete the setup by creating an Administrator login and entering your license key.

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Security Setup

Provide an Administrator User Name and Password for logging into ScreenConnect. Click Next to proceed.

Setup Wizard

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License Setup

Copy and paste the trial license key into the available text field. Click Next to proceed. If you don't have a trial license select the generate a trial license link.

Setup Wizard

• The software is a web application and therefore typically is bookmarked and launched via your browser. But for anyone on the administrator box, ScreenConnect can be optionally launched from the Elsinore/ScreenConnect install located with your other installed programs.

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Step 3: Testing in Your Network

After the setup, the software will prompt you to login to the host page where you can test support sessions on your internal network. External connections will require you to complete all four steps in this guide.

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Joining a Session

To see how guests or hosts will interact with ScreenConnect please reference INFO-0001: Joining and Hosting ScreenConnect Sessions.

1. Host Page - From this page hosts can create and join sessions. Hosts can create sessions via the Create Session Button, where they will be given the choice to create either a Listed Session (publicly available), Code Session (host creates a code the guest will use to join the session), or an Email Session (session information emailed to guest). The host can then choose to automatically join the session or join at a later time. Hosts also have access to create remote access clients that can be deployed to unattended systems.
   

   Host Page

2. Guest Page - Guests can join remote support sessions by visiting the Guest URL or a link in an email. Guest systems with an unattended client require no interaction by the guest for the host to connect to that system.
   

   Guest Joining a Session

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Customizable URL's

Each group (hosts, guest, and admins) have their own URL for accessing the software. We supply several variations of these URLs for each group, accessible from the Administrator/Status Tab/Browser URL Check.

Browser URL Check

Typical URL Structure

• Guest: http://externalipaddress:8040/Guest
• Host: http://externalipaddress:8040/Host
• Admin: http://externalipaddress:8040/Administration

As the administrator you can also access the webpages for each group via the links in the top right corner of the webpage, the guest URL is highlighted here.

URL Links

The URLs are the primary link for hosts, guests, and admins to interface with the software. These URLs can be customized to support Dynamic DNS or integrated into your company website.


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Step 4: Configure for External Access

In order for a guest or host to access your ScreenConnect installation from a computer outside of your network, you will need to forward the ports on your router and allow access across those same ports in your Windows and other firewalls. Its important to note that no changes need to be made to the host or guest firewalls. Changes are only required on the computer/server that is hosting the ScreenConnect web application. If you need assistance with this HOWTO-0001: Configuring firewall rules for external connections is a good resource or you can always contact ScreenConnect Support for assistance.

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ScreenConnect Administrator Status Tab

The Status Tab was specifically designed for new users, to provide guidance for any potential issues in your environment that would prevent the software from working as designed. If you have any warnings or failures after you have completed the setup and opened the ports on your router and firewall please refer to INFO-0011: The Administration Page for guidance or contact ScreenConnect Support.

Common issues reported:

• Browser URL Check - This warning is designed to alert new users that the URL currently listed in your browser may not work external of your network. Out of the box we provide several URL variations including the machine name, internal IP, and external IP address. For external accessibility hosts should use the URL that contains their external IP address when connecting to the software.

• External Accessibility Check - If you receive this error it typically means that you have something restricting access to your installation. For guests and hosts, not on your network, to see your new support site your firewalls and routers must forward traffic to ScreenConnect. HOWTO-0001: Configuring firewall rules for internet connections: is an excellent resource for configuring ports and your firewall rules.

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Step 5: Tips & Tricks

Now with the software installed, ports forwarded and a decent knowledge of how ScreenConnect works there are typically a few things many customers would like to do. Such as setting up unattended clients, change the logo, setup Email, and in general put the software through its paces. We are always happy to help but there are also a lot of good references for many of these common questions. We recommend you review our ScreenConnect Help Page and the ScreenConnect Forum for information. But if you don't see what you need feel free to contact us directly.

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Useful Articles and Links

Changing ScreenConnect Ports - If you don't want to use port 8040 and 8041 you can change those by following instructions in HOWTO-0003: Changing ScreenConnect ports.

Customize ScreenConnect - If you want to integrate ScreenConnect into your website or change the appearance start with HOWTO-0005: Customize ScreenConnect for your company.

Advanced Customization - Our development team spends several hours each week answering questions and providing sample code to users on our forum who want to tweak ScreenConnect a bit more than most users: ScreenConnect Forum.