Windows instructions - RDP access using VPN & Duo Security
- Geoffrey L Foxcroft
- Before leaving the office for the day, locate the host name and IP address of your work computer.
Hostname: Go to Start, find “Computer”, right click and choose properties from the fly out. Take note of the “Full computer name” including ”.austin.utexas.edu”.
IP Address: Go to https://www.whatismyip.com/ and take note of your current IP address (e.g. 128.83.40.147). You will need this information in order to connect to this computer from home. - When at home, install the VPN client.
NOTE: This step requires that you are already enrolled in Duo Security. If you have not done so yet, you need to enroll at https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/duo/register/duo_login/?next=/apps/duo/register/
a. Install UT VPN by visiting https://vpn.utexas.edu and login with your EID and password. If automatic installation fails, click on the “Windows Desktop” installation and run the installer after the download finishes.
b. Once the installer launches, click on Run
c. Click on Next
d. Make sure “I accept the terms…” is selected, then click on Next
e. Click on install
f. Click on Yes. The VPN client will then install
g. Click on Finish and you are done install the VPN client
Launch Cisco VPN connection.
For Windows 7 and earlier, you will find your Cisco VPN connection by clicking on Start/All Programs/Cisco/Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.(If you are using Windows 8 or 10, use the search field to find the VPN client. Search looks like the picture below and it is located at the bottom left corner of the screen next to the Windows button).
Once launched, you will need to populate the Connect field by entering “vpn.utexas.edu”, then click Connect.
Logging into the VPN.
a. For Username, enter “your EID@vpn-cfordp”
b. For Password, enter your EID password.
c. For Second Password (this is the Duo Security field), read the Connection Banner section and type in the method you preferNOTE: The LAN team prefers the “phone (Send a call to your registered phone number)” method.
Once connected, the padlock will appear on the globe icon in the bottom right corner of your screen.
NOTE: you may have to click on the up arrow to expand hidden icons.Find and open Remote Desktop Connection.
If using Windows 7, click on Start/All Programs/Accessories/Remote Desktop Connection. If you are using Windows 8 or 10, use the search field to find Remote Desktop Connection. Search looks like the picture below and it is located at the bottom left corner of the screen next to the Windows button).
- Enter the hostname or IP address of your work computer. We recommend the host address because your IP may change, but in some cases depending on your network settings, you may have to use your IP address.
A certificate security warning will pop up.
Check the “Don’t ask me again for connections…” box to prevent it popping up in the future, then click on Yes
Remote Desktop will then search for and connect to your work computer.
Login to your work computer using your EID (User name) and password.
NOTE: For user name, you may need to type in Austin\yourEID.
When done with your session, disconnect from the VPN.
To do so, right click the AnyConnect icon (globe with padlock on it and it is located at the bottom right of your screen.
Then click on “VPN disconnect”.
NOTE: You may have to click the up arrow to expand hidden icons.