Remote Assistance connection issue

I've just exchanged text with another using messenger.
When they requested remote assistance the message
Remote assistance connection could not be established
because hostname could not be resolved. I am coming
through a firewall on my end and the assistance requestor
has a Verizon DSL connection. What are the obstacles and
how can I address them? Advice sought.

P.S. If I am connected to the correspondent at work may
I leave for home and pick up the connection there?

Im having the same exact problem. I need someone to help
me get REMOTE ASSISTANCE back again. It used to work, but
its not allowing me to do anything due to a "VPN" thing.
MSN wont help, Microsoft wont help, and RoadRunner wont
either. Always passing the buck!
Sorry....but no help here.