Abstract: A remote diagnostic and monitoring system and method for use with an operation system having a multi-tasking interface to a real time control system, the remote diagnostic and monitoring system and method comprising a remote diagnostic task operating in an interface computer operatively connected to the operation system, a communication link, and a remote service computer coupled to the interface computer via the communication link. The remote diagnostic task operating on the interface computer can initiate and monitor from a remote location any of the procedures and controls run on the interface computer for controlling and monitoring the operation system. The remote diagnostic task receives instructions from a person at the remote service computer through the communications link and injects these instructions into the operating software of the operation system in a manner such that the remote source, i.e. the remote service computer, is indistinguisable from a local source.