Symptom
Note: This document applies to the Text Message feature, found in the Manage menu of Remote Desktop. It does not apply to the Text Chat feature.
If a text message is displayed on a client's screen, attempts to use the Control or Observe feature could fail in the following ways:
1. The text message dialog is not shown on the administrator's screen while controlling or observing the client.
2. If observing a client, changes and updates on the client's screen are not displayed on the administrator's screen.
3. When controlling a Mac OS X client, the administrator's screen does not show interaction with the client computer other than moving the mouse, even though such additional action may be occurring. The actions (such as opening a folder) do appear on the client screen. At this point the client's screen is not in sync with the administrator's screen. On client computers using Mac OS versions 8.1 to 9.2.2, clicking anywhere outside the text message dialog will sound a system alert beep.
4. After effects of Controlling
If the text message is not dismissed and the Administrator stops controlling the computer, the Computer Status window indicates the client is "Controlled by: This Screen". No other Apple Remote Desktop commands can be used on this client computer while in this state. An alert message says "You can't use this command on computers that are sharing screens."
5. After affects of Observing
If the text message is not dismissed and the administrator stops observing the computer, the Computer Status window displays client status correctly. However, no other Apple Remote Desktop commands will be accepted by this client computer. An alert is displayed indicating "You can't use this command on computers that are sharing screens."
Solution
Mac OS 8 and Mac OS 9
If in an active Control session, press the Return or Enter key on the administrator's keyboard to dismiss the Text Message on the client and return to normal use.
If in an active Observe session, discontinue the Observe session and use the client computer's keyboard to dismiss the Text Message.
Mac OS X or Mac OS X Server
If in an active Control session, pressing the Return or Enter key on the administrator's keyboard may or may not dismiss the Text Message. If not, discontinue the Control or Observe session and use the keyboard or mouse on the client computer to dismiss the Text Message window.