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Remote access to internal systems

There are various ways to connect remotely to internal university systems if your job requires this.

Launch Virtual Desktop

For access to network shared drives or web-based internal systems such as SITS, you can access the Virtual Desktop service via the button above. This system is designed for use with single tasks, and not for continual day to day use.

Important Notice - Please ensure that you log into OneDrive and save your work before logging out

  • Click the button above to open the AVD website.
  • You will be redirected to sign in with your REGNUM@stmarys.ac.uk for staff and REGNUM@live.smarys.ac.uk, then you password you will need to approve this with your MFA method.
  • Click on SessionDesktop to start a virtual desktop session.

For a better experience use the remote desktop app 

Launch LogMeIn

LogMeIn allows you to remotely connect to your PC on campus from any device with internet connectivity. If there is any specific software that is installed on your PC that you will need to access remotely, you will need LogMeIn access.

To request access to LogMeIn, please raise a support ticket and specify in the request details that you require LogMeIn access.

If you have been provided with LogMeIn access, and LogMeIn has been installed on your PC on campus, you can use the steps below to connect to this from any device with an internet connection.

  • Navigate to LogMeIn.com and log in with your LogMeIn account details.
  • Once logged in, you will see all PCs that have been assigned to your account. This will likely just be your desktop PC.
  • Click on the PC name to start the connection. You will be asked to log in.
  • Enter your St Mary's username and password. Make sure the "Log in to" box is set to SIMMS. Click Log In.
  • To initiate remote control of your PC, select the Remote Control option on the left hand side of the page.
  • If you are at the login screen and are unable to click "CTRL+ALT+DEL" to login, there is a button with three boxes in the top right of the LogMeIn window that sends a CTRL+ALT+DEL command through.
    LogMeIn CTRL+ALT+DEL Button

Please see the video guide below for further guidance:

Using a VPN allows you to simulate a connection to the university network from off-campus. This will allow you to connect to any network resources such as FollowMePrint and shared network drives.
VPN access can only be set up on a university managed laptop. 

To request VPN access, please raise a support ticket and specify that you need VPN access.

If you are having issues connecting to the VPN after this has been configured for you, please check the common fixes below:

Check Wi-Fi Connection

  • If you cannot connect to VPN whilst on your Wi-Fi you can try forgetting your home network and re-connecting to this. To do so, please click on the Wi-Fi symbol, right click on your wireless network, click Forget, and then reconnect to the network.
  • If you are unable to connect to your home Wi-Fi using a St Mary's laptop, please make sure that your proxy settings are disabled - please see below for guidance on this.
  • If all these methods do not work, please restart your router and check again.

Checking Proxy Settings

Sometimes the VPN will fail to connect if you have any proxy settings active. To turn off any proxy settings:

  • Click the Start/Windows key in the bottom left of your desktop
  • Click the Settings Cog
  • Select Network & Internet
  • On the left panel, click Proxy
  • Disable/untick the setting Use a proxy server underneath Manual Proxy Setup
  • Open a File Explorer window
  • ​On the left-hand bar, underneath the Quick-access list, right click on This PC
  • Click on Map network drive...
  • In the new window that appears, paste the link to the Shared Drive you have been sent. It will look something like:
  •     \\mailpost\staff\SharedDrive
  • To make sure the drive connects every time you log in to the PC, make sure you tick the Reconnect at sign-in checkbox.