Windows Remote Access

https://remotewindows.cbs.mpg.de (RemoteWindows — guest network, other networks)

https://centralwindows.cbs.mpg.de (CentralWindows — internal network) --> see CentralWindows

This service allows you to connect to a virtual Windows desktop (CentralWindows) from the Internet or the guest network.

Request procedure

Access to this service is secured by Two-Factor Authentication which needs to be set up first.

  1. Install the Google Authenticator app (Android / iOS) on your mobile.
  2. Come to IT with an ID card and your mobile to get the second factor.
    • Do not store any authentication keys with cloud services, as offered by the Google Authenticator! It is better to transfer the code to a backup smartphone for security reasons.
  3. Have a look at the things you should know before using the service.
  4. Follow the instructions on this page to using this service.

Things you should know before using this service

  • To use the browser-only version (recommended), select "Light version..." after your initial login. Alternatively, you can adjust this setting later through the configuration menu. Look for the small cogwheel icon in the top right corner of the Citrix StoreFront window.
  • Only the IT is allowed to install software.
  • Be sure to save your data frequently.
    • Servers are restarted every Sunday at around 2:00 a.m., ending all active sessions.
    • Sessions will also be terminated during emergencies or urgent maintenance. Outside of business hours, sessions are not typically ended unless it's for the weekly restart or an emergency.
    • Data not saved before these events will be lost.
  • The processed data should be backed up several times in shorter intervals on the home drive M:\ or the other data drives (X: Z: )! For very important or large documents it is recommended to save alternately under 2 different file names (e.g. brief1a.doc, brief1b.doc).
  • Automatic saving and quick saving in MS Office should always be switched off!
  • Ensure you select the appropriate printer prior to each printing task. Basic settings may occasionally vary due to events such as server updates, user profile resets, etc.
  • Once you have completed your tasks, ensure to save and close all documents. Then, properly log out of Windows (Sign Out). Otherwise, Windows settings may not be saved (e.g. default printer).
  • Unfortunately, cloud services (e.g. ownCloud) cannot be used via client software on CentralWindows. See FAQ.

FAQs

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Where can I find information about maintenance and breakdowns?


Please use the IT channel of the Minerva Messenger. https://minervamessenger.mpdl.mpg.de/mpi-cbs/channels/it

Back to FAQ start

Can I use a different app for the Two-Factor Authentication?


You can use any TOTP-capable app on your mobile. But if something doesn't work, we can only provide support for the Google Authenticator.

Important: Please make sure to not synchronize the TOTP secret to any cloud.

Back to FAQ start

RemoteWindows does not accept my username and password. What can I do?


Please make sure to enter your username (not your email address), the same password you use for your email account and the remote access token from your authenticator app.

Back to FAQ start

RemoteWindows does not accept my Google Authenticator token. What can I do?


The Google Authenticator uses a time-based algorithm (TOTP) to calculate the tokens, thus it only works when the time on the smartphone is set correctly.

Solution: Enable the automatic time synchronization on your smartphone and check the timezone settings. Also keep in mind that the token changes every 30 seconds. So using an old token (e.g. from a screenshot) will not work.

Steps:
  1. Open the settings on phone.
  2. Look for something like "Date & Time".
  3. Enable the automatic time synchronization.
  4. Make sure that the time zone is set correctly.


Back to FAQ start

How can I enter full screen in the browser-based (light) version?


  • Open your browser and navigate to the Windows desktop light version.
  • Press F11 on your keyboard to toggle full screen mode in the browser. For laptops, you may need to combine certain keys with the Fn key.
  • You can return to the previous mode by pressing the F11 key again.


Back to FAQ start

Can I use an ownCloud client or similar on the central Windows desktop?


No. As an alternative, please access the portals of the cloud providers via the browser to work with individual files or log in via RemoteLinux, where you can use ownCloud.
But you can transfer files with WinSCP.

Bildschirmfoto_2024-08-22_13-17-22_.png

Predefined Icon for your Owncloud Account is on your CentralWindows/RemoteWindows Desktop. Do not install any software yourself! Doing so puts both your data and the system stability of other users at risk.

Back to FAQ start

How to fix resolution/scaling issues (icons too large etc.)?


If Windows ask you to increase the scaling to a higher resolution, consistently decline by selecting No.

Should you encounter issues with the display size, log out of Windows before making any adjustments to the browser settings. Maximize the browser window first, then modify the scaling (font size) to be larger or smaller based on the problem, using the CTRL + mouse scroll. After these adjustments, log back into RemoteWindows.

Back to FAQ start

Can I use multiple monitors?


Yes, but please note that we cannot support such constellations due to staffing reasons. Please wait after starting the Windows desktop until the windows/symbols have fully built up. Only then, change the image size by moving the window frame edges.

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Keyboard layout is not correct


To ensure that the keyboard layout is correct, set the operating system keyboard language, the preferred browser content language and the language on the Windows desktop appropriately. The default setting is German keyboard layout (QWERTZ). Changing your browser's content language may help if you are having problems directly after logging in. The Firefox instructions can be found here.

Back to FAQ start

How can I fix mapping issues when using an Apple keyboard?


The Apple system language, the browser language and the Citrix language setting should be set to the same language, then there will be no problems.

Back to FAQ start

I have installed the Citrix Workspace App and I get a prompt to create an account or log in. What should I do?


Cancel the process at this point. We will implement/document a direct login to the app at a later date. You log in as usual via the browser, start the desired desktop and then select the Citrix Workspace App (Citrix Receiver) to open this file for the following download or (better) use the lightversion.

Back to FAQ start

This topic: EDV/FuerUser > WebHome > RemoteWindows
Topic revision: 22 Aug 2024, Korsawe
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