Connect to Arch RemoteLab

Owned by Andrew Molloy
Last updated: Jul 24, 2024
5 min read

The RemoteLab service offers Architecture students access to lab computers in Slocum from any location on or off campus via an Internet connection. Remoting into a lab computer is like sitting in front of it even though you are at a different location. You will have access to all the Architecture lab software.

We have a limited number of concurrent connections for RemoteLab, so we strongly recommend that you only use RemoteLab for special software applications. Please access all Microsoft Office applications either via Office 365 online or through the MS Office download on your own computer.

Note:

  • Please check if you can download and use any of the software from the software list on your own computer first, as that will give you the best experience depending on the horsepower of your computer.
  • It is strongly advised that you have a good internet connection for the best possible experience.
  • Performance of graphics-intensive projects and large files may vary depending on your internet connection.
  • The same lab policies apply, such as logins being limited to one machine at a time. Machines will still auto-logout after about 25 minutes of inactivity.
  • The remote machines don't have access to your USB memory sticks or portable hard drives; use your SU OneDrive, Google Drive, Email, Wormhole or WeTransfer to use your files on the remote machines.

On or Off Campus

  1. Use SU's remote desktop service (RDS) to remote into a virtual Windows desktop.
  2. Then use the virtual Windows desktop to further remote into the Arch RemoteLab (called Double Hop).

Step 1: Connect to an SU virtual Windows desktop.

You have a couple of choices for how to connect. Each link will take you to a new page with instructions. After you connect to the SU virtual Windows desktop, return to this page and complete step 2 .

Which method is best? The web browser is more convenient, but you may notice a slight degradation in graphical fidelity and less options to tweak the connection.

a. Connect through a web browser
b. Connect using a remote desktop app

Step 2: Connect to the Arch RemoteLab from the virtual Windows desktop (double hop).

 Click here for instructions...

  1. 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. 

  2. Enter arch-remotelab.syr.edu in the Computer box and click Connect. 
  3.  Enter your NetID with an "ad\" in front and password when prompted. 

    Click Yes if you see an Identity/Certificate prompt.

  4. After a few moments you should be logged into a lab computer.

  5. If you need to move files between your own computer and the remote computer:

    1. Use OneDrive or Google Drive.
    2. You can copy/paste text back and forth using Ctrl-C to copy and Ctrl-V to paste (macOS users will need to use Cmd-C and Cmd-V when using the Mac Finder or from the Mac desktop).

  6. When you are done using the lab computer, sign out (don't choose disconnect).

  7. To sign out, click the Windows start button, then your profile icon, then 'Sign out'.

  8. After you disconnect from the lab computer, you will still need to sign out from the virtual Windows desktop.

  9. From the virtual Windows desktop, click the Windows start button, then your profile icon, then 'Sign out'.

Connection Failure Messages

Errors you may encounter when connecting to an Arch RemoteLab computer. 

  • The following three errors usually mean that all Arch RemoteLab computers are in use or unavailable. Please try again later. 
    • "Your computer can't connect to the remote computer because an error occurred on the remote computer..."
    • "This computer can't connect to the remote computer."
    • "Unable to connect" with error code: 0x4 
  • "Unable to connect" may also be caused by using a VPN while connecting via the on-campus method. Either turn off your VPN or use the off-campus method.
  • A message says you are logged in somewhere else and it disconnects you.
    • Wait about 10 minutes and then try again. If you still can't login, email us at archit@syr.edu.
  • If you get a black screen upon login:
    • Type CTRL-ALT-END (Windows) or CONTROL-OPTION-FN-LEFT ARROW (macOS) to bring up Task Manager on the RemoteLab 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 computer. Close the ArchRemoteLab computer window. Wait several minutes and try to connect to RemoteLab again.