Remotely connecting to a BCIT lab computer

Priority access to lab computers is given to individuals physically present in the lab.  Before getting started, please ensure that you have Installed and Connected to GlobalProtect VPN.

Follow the steps below to access BCIT Windows lab computers from a Windows device: 

1. Navigate to the appropriate Computer Lab Access page. 
2. Click Connect on an available computer.
   
   
3. Click Download to open the connection file.
   
   
4. A file will download and a pop-up will appear at the top of your browser.  Click on the downloaded file.
   Note: If you are unsure of where the downloaded file was saved, check your downloads folder.
5. The Remote Desktop Connection screen will appear.  Click Connect
   
6. A certificate message may appear. Click Yes
   
7. Enter your BCIT credentials:
   
   
   • Username: Your BCIT email address 
   • Password: Your BCIT password
   • Click OK
8. You are now remotely connected to the lab computer. 

Priority access to lab computers is given to individuals physically present in the lab.  Before getting started, please ensure that you have Installed and Connected to GlobalProtect VPN.

Follow the steps below to access BCIT computer labs from a Mac: 

1. Download and install the Windows App.
   Note: Requires macOS 12.0 or later. 
2. Navigate to the appropriate Computer Lab Access page.
3. Click Connect on an available computer.
   
4. Click Download to open the connection file.
   
   
5. Open the downloaded Remote Desktop connection file.
   
   
6. Enter your BCIT credentials:
   (Insert screenshot) 
   • Username: Your BCIT email address 
   • Password: Your BCIT password 
     
7. Click Continue to accept the certificate and connect.
   
8. You are now remotely connected to the lab computer. 

Priority access to lab computers is given to individuals physically present in the lab.  Before getting started, please ensure that you have Installed and Connected to GlobalProtect VPN.

Follow the steps below to access BCIT computer labs from a Chromebook:

1. Open the Google Play Store and search for Windows App.
   
   
2. Confirm the app is compatible with your device.
   
   
3. Select Install.
   
   
4. Navigate to the appropriate Computer Lab Access page.
5. Click Connect on an available computer.
   
   
6. Click Download to open the connection file.
   
   
7. Open the downloaded file and follow the prompts.
8. When prompted, enter: 
   1. Username: Your BCIT email address 
   2. Password: Your BCIT password
9. You are now remotely connected to the lab computer. 

To end your remote session: 

1. Sign out of the workstation as you normally would by
   1. Clicking on the Windows icon
   2. Click on ‘Your Name’
   3. Click on Sign Out
      

Issue:

After navigating to the Remote Computer Access page and launching a remote computer connection, instead of being prompted for login credentials you see the following error message:

Error message Windows device:

Error message on a Mac device:

Solution:

Ensure that you have Installed and Connected to GlobalProtect VPN before trying to remotely connect to a lab computer.

Issue:

When logging into a remote computer connection, you see the following error message:

Solution:

Access to Restricted labs have unique Computer Lab Access page links and are restricted to students registered in specific courses.  You will see this error message if you are not authorized to log into this computer lab.  To connect to a General Access or Specialized Lab please refer to their respective Computer Lab Access pages.

Issue:

I cannot find the restricted lab that I need to connect to in the Computer Lab Access page.

Solution:

Access to Restricted labs have unique Computer Lab Access page links and are restricted to students registered in specific courses. Please contact your program area or instructor for the appropriate Computer Lab Access page for the lab that you require access to. 

Issue:

After downloading the remote computer connection file, there is an error message indicating that “There is no application set to open the document”.

Solution:

MacOS and Chromebooks require the Windows App to open the remote computer connection file.  Please refer to the How to remotely connect to a BCIT lab computer.

Issue:

When navigating to a Computer Lab Access page, there are no stations available to connect to.

Solution:

Priority access to lab computers  is given to individuals physically present in the lab.  The computer lab access pages show real-time availability of lab computers so there may be periods throughout the day where computer labs are being fully utilized.  As an alternative you may try connecting to a different a Computer Lab Access page to find an available lab station or you may have to try again at a later time.

Issue:

I was connected remotely to a lab computer and my session has been disconnected.

Reasoning:

Please note that priority access is given to individuals physically present in the lab.  If you are connecting remotely, please ensure that you are saving your work frequently to avoid data loss.  For more information on saving your work, please refer to the Accessing Your Stored Files in OneDrive, ShareIn/ShareOut and BCIT Network Drives knowledge base article.

There are a few possible reasons as to why you may have been disconnected from a remote session:

1. Lab computers will be automatically signed out after 30 minutes of inactivity. A warning message will appear 15 minutes before sign out.  For more information please refer to the Automatic Sign Out Timers knowledge base article.
2. An individual that was physically present in the lab logged into the lab computer.  In this scenario, you will be presented with an alert indicating that someone is trying to log into the same lab computer.  It is recommended to save your work and log out.  If no action is taken, your remote session may be disconnected when the user that is physically present logs in.  Please refer to the Computer Lab Access page to find an available lab station or try again at a later time.