Before you start

If you're using Remote Desktop Program (RDP) to connect from your home to your office computer, you'll need to take the following steps before being able to complete the VPN connection process

Step 1: Open your web browser and go to https://vpn.humboldt.edu. Enter your HSU User Name and Password and then click Login.

Step 2: If you don't already know it, ask your ITC for your Fixed IP or DNS name and enter it into the box labeled My Computer.

Congratulations! You are now ready to connect your home computer to your office computer using HSU's Virtual Private Network.

Using the VPN

To access your HSU office computer from home or another remote location, you must leave your office computer switched on. For security reasons, be sure to log off from your office computer or lock your screen with a password-protected screen saver.

Opening the connection

Open your web browser and go to https://vpn.humboldt.edu. Enter your HSU User Name and Password and then click Login.

Accessing your applications

Step 1: Once you're logged into the VPN

• Click on the Resources tab
• Click on My Applications.

If you are using a PC, click on the Windows Remote Desktop - Windows icon
If you are on a Mac, click on Windows Remote Desktop - Mac icon

NOTE:

• If you have never connected to your office computer using the VPN, you may see the following dialog boxes. Follow steps 1a to 1e to complete this part of the process. Note that you will need administrative rights on the remote computer to do this.
  
• If you have connected previously, skip to Step 2 below.

Step 1a : On the first screen, click Run to activate the application over the connection.

Step 1b: When the Drive Mapping Agent screen appears, click OK. You may also see a User Account Control dialog box; click Yes if you do.

Step 1c: Accept the Drive Mapping Agent license agreement by clicking on I Agree.

Step 1d: On the Choose Components screen, leave the default settings as they are and click Install.

Step 1e: Once the installation is complete, click Close.

Step 2: You will see the following messages appear on your screen:

• Java loading
• SSL VPN Launching

You'll then see SSL VPN Agent is now running in the System Tray in the lower right corner of your screen.

Step 3: Click Connect.

After a few seconds, you should see your office computer login screen, with a Windows Title Bar at the top of the screen (see below); this confirms that your remote session is now active.

Your computer's screen is now effectively acting as the screen for your office computer, hiding the active windows on the computer you're actually using. The Windows Title Bar lets you minimize your office computer's screen or turn it into a floating window by moving the cursor over it. You can also hide this title bar by clicking the pushpin icon on the left of the bar so that it turns horizontal; you can recall it at any time simply by moving the cursor to the top edge of the screen.

Step 4: Click on the HSU-AD\Username icon

  Step 5: Enter your HSU password

You can now use the applications on your office computer just as if you were sitting in front of it. You can even print to your office printer, so hard copy documents can be ready and waiting for you when you get back to the.

Using Resources such as Network Folders

To access a network resource such as your network folders or other resources your ITC may have set up for you, just click on My Network Places from the main Resources screen. You can open these folders to see and access your files just as you would if you were working on the computer in your office.

Closing the connection

When you have finished using the remote connection:

Step 1: Log off from the VPN by clicking Logoff at the top right of the screen

Step 2: Click the [X] in the remote title bar or Windows Start -> Disconnect to close your Remote Desktop session.

When you change your password

Whenever you change your HSU password, you'll be prompted to enter both the old and new passwords for authentication purposes the next time you log into the VPN.

If you don't remember your old password, click the box labelled Forgotten your old password? Check to reset your private key and click Save.

On the next screen, click OK to automatically reset the private key and start your new VPN session.

If you need help

If you need assistance connecting to your office computer from your home or other remote computer, please submit a helpdesk ticket at help.humboldt.edu.