Two options replace the old method of directly remoting into your office computer from off campus
- Use SU's remote desktop service to remote into a virtual Windows desktop, which has access to the G and H drives, including any files you may keep on the desktop.
- Use the virtual Windows desktop to further remote into your office computer (called Double Hop).
The option you choose dictates how you will connect to the virtual Windows desktop
Browser method - use if you don't need to double hop to your office computer (i.e., the virtual Windows desktop is enough)
- RDP Client method - use if you need to double hop to your office computer.
Reasons why you may want to double hop
- You use special fonts, such as the school's Grotesque and Plantin.
- You use software that is not available on the virtual Windows desktop.
- You need better performance.
- You want to leave files open and programs running to return to later.
Reasons why you may not want to double hop
- You find the virtual Windows desktop is adequate for your work.
- You want to avoid the extra complexity of working two layers deep.
Browser Method
Use this method if you don't need to double hop.
Some tips before you connect
Save your work to a network location
- Save to G: or H: network drives, or cloud-based OneDrive
- Files saved to the local C: drive will be removed permanently
Save your work often
Unexpected network outages, ISP issues, or problems with your home network or personal devices can result in disconnections. Saving often will help avoid losing your hard work and valuable time.
- Only one session can be active per user. Logging into another session will disconnect from the previous and reconnect on the new session.
- Google Chrome, Firefox, and Edge are the recommended browsers.
- Users are required to have their Microsoft Two-Factor Authentication setup before using remote access.
- Idle sessions will automatically be logged out after 4 hours.
Steps
- From a web browser, visit https://rds.syr.edu and sign in with your NetID credentials.
- Single click the SULabs icon.
- Allow access to local resources (if you have many network printers installed, you may want to uncheck Printer).
- Wait for Windows to login. It can take 3-4 minutes.
After login is complete you will see a Windows desktop. Any files and shortcuts that you are used to seeing on the desktop should reappear, although it may take a minute or two.
- Software installed on this virtual Windows desktop includes Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud.
- We don't recommend starting Outlook, as it can take a long time before it's usable; consider using sumail.syr.edu instead.
- If you start an Office app such as Word or Excel and see a 'Getting Office ready for you' window that won't go away, click the small 'x' in the upper right corner of the window.
- If you want to go full screen, click the small two-way arrow icon on the upper right.
- To quit, click the Windows start button, then your profile icon, then 'Sign out'.
RDP Client Method
Use this method if you need to double hop.
Some tips before you connect
- Users are required to have their Microsoft Two-Factor Authentication setup before using remote access.
- Idle sessions will automatically be logged out after 4 hours.
- The RDP file that is downloaded below in step 1 will occasionally expire. If it no longer connects, revisit this process to download a new file.
Steps
1. Acquire the RDP connection file
- From a web browser, visit https://rds.syr.edu and sign in with your NetID credentials.
- In the top right, click the gear/sprocket icon.
- In the Settings pane, select "Download the rdp file" then close or click out of the Settings pane.
- Now single click on the SULabs icon. This will cause an RDP file named "SULabs.rdp" to download. Check your downloads folder for this file. You can close the browser tab as we are done with it.
2. Connect to the virtual Windows desktop using the RDP file
3. Connect to your office computer from the virtual Windows desktop (double hop)
While logged into the virtual Windows desktop, in the Windows search box, type 'remote' and click Remote Desktop Connection.
Make sure you are using the search box of the virtual Windows desktop and not your own computer.
- Enter your office computer's name in the Computer box and click Connect. If you don't know the name, please contact us at archit@syr.edu.
- Enter your NetID password when prompted, and click Yes if you see an Identity prompt.
After a few moments you should be logged into your office computer. Remember that you are two layers deep. When you are done using your office computer, you may prefer to disconnect rather than sign out.
Disconnect in one of two ways:
a) Click the X on the bar at the top of the office computer's remote session, or
b) Click the Windows start button > Power > Disconnect
Do not shut down your work computer!
- After you disconnect from your office computer, you will still need to sign out from the virtual Windows desktop.
- From the virtual Windows desktop, click the Windows start button, then your profile icon, then 'Sign out'.
Tips for macOS
- If you minimize the office computer connection, you can then switch back from the virtual Windows desktop to the macOS environment by moving the mouse pointer to the upper edge of the screen, which will show the Mac menu bar.
- You can also swipe left and right on the touch pad (four fingers).
Troubleshooting - Connection Failure
- "This computer can't connect to the remote computer."
- This error could mean your office computer is off.
- If you get a black screen upon login to your office computer (double hop):
- Type CTRL-ALT-END (Windows) or CONTROL-OPTION-FN-LEFT ARROW (macOS) to bring up Task Manager on the remote office computer.
- In Task Manager click More Details, then click File > Run new task.
- Enter explorer.exe in the box and click Ok.
- This should bring back the desktop.
- If that doesn't help, again click File > Run new task.
- Enter shutdown -r in the box and click OK.
- This should restart the remote office computer. Close the remote computer window. Wait several minutes and try to connect again.