Information Technology
RDP-Windows
Secure Remote Desktop Documentation
- Secure Remote Desktop Overview
- Windows Secure Remote Desktop Configuration
- Mac Remote Desktop Configuration
- FAQ
- Checking Windows Remote Desktop Client Version
- Obtaining Updated Client
- Create Connection Specific RDP File - *Optional for Windows (Advanced)
- My remote session is slow using the Terminal Server Gateway
- I am being asked to type in my credentials twice
- I receive an ‘Access Denied’ error when trying to remote into my workstation
- A feature that I previously used during remote desktop is no longer available (such as printing, local drive redirection or the clipboard)
Secure Remote Desktop Overview
This page will provide the information that you need to utilize the new Secure Remote Desktop. This system will provide secure access to your workstation when not on the UCI network.
Minimum Requirements
- Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 running Remote Desktop Client 6.1 or higher
- Mac OS 10.5+ (using Cisco Anywhere VPN and Microsoft Remote Desktop)
Feature Availability
Below you will find a chart detailing what Remote Desktop features are available depending on whether you are on a UCI-managed (on the domain) workstation, non-UCI-managed (not on the domain) or a Mac computer.
Windows Secure Remote Desktop Configuration
Open the Remote Desktop client and click on “Options”.
Then click on the “Advanced” tab and then click “Settings…”.
Select “Use these RD Gateway server settings:” (may also say “RT Gateway server settings).
Enter the following information for the “Sever Name:”
tsgate.hs.uci.edu
Important: Check the box “Bypass RD Gateway server for local addresses”.Important: Check the box "Use my RD Gateway credentials for the remote computer".
Click “Ok”.
Click on the “General” tab then enter the hostname that you normally connect to (MYHOSTNAME was used in the following example). **Only use the hostname or IP address of your remote machine**
Click “Connect” and you should be able to authenticate with and connect to your remote machine.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Checking Windows Remote Desktop Client Version
Open Remote Desktop and click on the computer icon in the upper left-hand corner.
Click “About” and then check to make sure your version number is at least 6.1.xxxx
Obtaining Updated Client
Navigate to the following URL in your web browser (or click to open it automatically): http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=7208
Click on “Download”.
Click on “Run”.
Then click on “Run” again.
Follow any other prompts necessary to finish the installation. Reboot if necessary.
Create Connection Specific RDP File - *Optional for Windows (Advanced)
If you only connect to one HS computer but frequently connect to machines on other domains, you will find that you need to remove the “tsgate.hs.uci.edu” server to be able to properly connect to your other computers. To work around this you can create a shortcut that connects directly to your HS computer without affecting the server settings for your other connections. To do this, you need to save an .RDP file that has the correct into in it. Make sure you have followed the previous instructions and properly added the server into the advanced settings before proceeding.
With the server information and computer IP address or server already set, click on “Options”. You should see the screen below.
Click “Save As…” and give your .RDP file a name (such as UCI HS Connection in the example).
Select your desktop and the destination for your .RDP file. Under “File name:” enter the desired name for your .RDP file and click “Save”.
Now just double-click your newly created file on the Desktop and authenticate as usual. Now you can launch remote desktop using the old icon, remove the server settings that were setup previously and properly connect to your other computers.
My remote session is slow using the Terminal Server Gateway
Because the remote session is now authenticating and routing through a secure server, is it normal that the connection may be a bit slower than before. This is expected behavior.
I am being asked to type in my credentials twice
The Terminal Server will now require two authentications for remote sessions:
- Authentication for the Terminal Server
- Authentication for your remote workstation
However when the remote desktop client is properly configured, you should not be required to type in your credentials any more than you did before. Click on the appropriate link below for configuration information:
I receive an ‘Access Denied’ error when trying to remote into my workstation
Either you are attempting to remote into the wrong computer due to a typo in the hostname, or DNS has not updated. Check the spelling of your hostname and try again. If you still receive the error, try to remote in using your IP address instead (in the configuration steps, replace the HOSTNAME with your IP ADDRESS). If the problem persists contact the service desk.
A feature that I previously used during remote desktop is no longer available (such as printing, local drive redirection or the clipboard)
Depending on the workstation you are using to establish a remote connection, you may have limited access to some features. This is due to the upgrade in security and compliance. For a detailed list of the features available under any given circumstance please see Feature Availability.
Please contact the HIS service desk at 714-456-3333 with any questions or problems related to Secure Remote Desktop.
You can open a ticket relating to problems with Secure Remote Desktop by visiting the following link: Service Now