DreamSupport Installation Instructions

So, you are thinking to yourself, this DreamSupport thing sounds pretty great. I know, I don't blame you. Really, it is the best thing that could have ever happened to you. I mean, come on, was there ever any question about that? Ok, so maybe there was, but still, I bet you are at least a little interested in getting this set up for your own use. Otherwise you wouldn't be on this page. So let's get to it!

Step 1 - Set up VNC Viewer

First things first, download the VNC Viewer from the UltraVNC project. The file you will download is a zip file containing two files. Extract the vncviewer.exe program to a destination of your choosing. In the examples below, we will assume you put it at C:\uvnc\ .

Once you have the file, create a new shortcut to the vncviewer.exe file wherever you would like (your Desktop is a convenient location). At the end of the shortcut path, add "-listen 5500" (without quotes). So, for our example, it would look like this: "C:\uvnc\vncviewer.exe" -listen 5500. This will be the program you launch whenever you want to be able to use DreamSupport. Some may wish to add this shortcut to their startup folder in the start menu so it runs every time your computer starts up.

Step 2 - Configure the Sub-domains

The great thing about DreamSupport is that it pulls all the information from the DH DNS Servers. So, it only makes sense that you would have to configure these in order for the program to be much use. Log into your DreamHost account, click Domains then Manage Domains. Find the domain that you would like to set the sub-domains up on, and then click "DNS".

At the top of the screen you will see the area to add the DNS Records. In the Name field, enter the sub-domain you would like to use. This will be transparent to the user, but using a meaningful name will be helpful to keep everything straight.

Leave the Type as "A".

Enter the IP address of the support computer in the Value field.

The Comment field is where the magic happens, and how DS not only distinguishes regular sub-domains from support domains, but also how it gets the label it should assign to the support computer. All support records should start with "Support:" in the comment field (No quotation marks), followed by the name of the support computer.

Click "Add Record Now!" and it should be saved. Repeat these steps for as many support computers as you would like.

Step 3 - Configure DreamSupport

Once you have the DNS Records set up, it is time to create the DreamSupport executable file. This will be the file you send to friends and relatives when they want your help. Download the DS Creator program here and extract it to a convenient location.

Open the location where you extracted the files, and run the DSCreator.exe file. You should see a screen that prompts you for a API Username and an API Key. You will need to create an API key using the DreamHost Panel. The only access you should grant the key is dns-list_records! The API key is stored in plain text in the support file, so if you give more access than that anyone has the ability to mess with your account. You have been warned.

Once you enter the API Username and Key, select the location where you want the file to be saved by clicking the Browse button.

Verify that everything is correct, then click "Generate". A file named DreamSupportInstaller.exe should be generated in the location you selected. Run the file and verify the list populates as expected. If it gives you an error, check the API Key and Username and try again.

Step 4 - Configure Firewalls, Routers, etc

Those who sit behind a firewall or a router will need to configure them to allow the incoming connections. The specifics of this vary wildly between devices, and so the specifics are well beyond the scope of this tutorial. What you need to know is that port 5500 needs to end up going to the computer that you set up the vncviewer.exe file on. If you do not know how to forward ports, see PortForward.com and you might be able to find instructions for your specific hardware.

Step 5 - Oh wait, that's it!

You read that right, that's all you have to do. Next time someone needs your help, just open run the VNCViewer shortcut, have them run the DreamSupportInstaller file, and you are good to go. No more having to rely on them spending 5 minutes just reading what is on the screen to you, or having to explain exactly where something is 5 times. And remember, if you run into any issues, you can always contact me. Good luck and have fun!