i dont like to use remote assistance on xp it is buggy and slow. have you updated the windows messenger to 4.7? if so and your parents have a name logged into it and contact you then click the remote assisitance link from it it should go through. if not(like i said it is buggy) check out the link below, it should cover about all your needs.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/e...moteassist.asp