How to Remote Desktop to a Cornell Networked PC From a PC

Connect to your JCB desktop computer remotely with Remote Desktop Connection over the JCB VPN, including how to find your computer name and sign in.

Before you begin

• The Cisco VPN client installed and working (see Related articles below to install it and connect).
• Your JCB desktop computer powered on (you cannot turn it on remotely).
• Your Cornell NetID and password.
• Your desktop's full computer name (Step 1 shows how to find it).

Steps

1. On your JCB desktop, open File Explorer, right-click This PC, and select Properties.
2. Under "Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings," note your full computer name (for example, jcb-d-kdf52.business.cornell.edu). Desktop names start with JCB-D- and laptops with JCB-L-, followed by your NetID.
3. Open Cisco AnyConnect and connect to cuvpn.cuvpn.cornell.edu.
4. Enter your NetID and Cornell password, then complete Duo authentication. Confirm the Cisco VPN icon appears in your system tray.
5. Press the Windows key, type Remote Desktop (or mstsc), and open Remote Desktop Connection.
6. Click Show Options, then in the Computer field enter the full computer name from Step 2.
7. In the User name field, enter CORNELL\YourNetID (for example, CORNELL\kdf52), and check Allow me to save credentials.
8. Click Connect. If prompted, enter your Cornell NetID password, check Remember me, and click OK.
9. If a certificate security warning appears, click Yes to continue. This is normal the first time you connect to a computer.

Expected result

A remote session opens and you see your JCB desktop's screen. You can now work on it as if you were sitting in front of it.

Troubleshooting

Before you report a problem, try these quick checks:

• The computer can't be found: confirm you are connected to the JCB VPN, and double-check the full computer name spelling and format.
• Access is denied, or sign-in fails: make sure your user name is in the form CORNELL\YourNetID (not just your NetID) and your Cornell password is correct. If it still fails, your account may need Remote Desktop permissions, so contact the Helpdesk.
• Cannot connect to the remote computer: confirm the desktop is powered on and your VPN is active, then try disconnecting and reconnecting the VPN, and restart Remote Desktop Connection.

You must be connected to the JCB VPN and your desktop must be powered on before Remote Desktop will work, and no one can use that desktop in person while you are connected to it. Keep your VPN connection active for the whole session.

Related articles

• How to Install Cisco VPN Client on a PC
• Connecting to the JCB VPN

Still need help? Contact the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business Helpdesk at itrequests@business.cornell.edu or 607-255-6300.