Faculty and staff members can access their office computer from home using a Windows tool called Remote Desktop. This allows you to login to your office computer from a site off-campus and access files and programs. This is both convenient and efficient, as you can work directly on the files on your office computer, rather than copying them to CDs or emailing them to yourself for work later.

To us the Remote Desktop Connection when you are off campus, you must use VPN (or Virtual Private Network) software] to connect to the UT network.

Please note that we cannot guarantee connectivity from home. These instructions work in most, but not all, cases. If you are unable to connect, check to make sure you have established a connection to campus through VPN software.

Computers with Windows 7

McCombs-owned computers with Windows 7 often have the permissions restricted. This means faculty and staff may not be able to setup Remote Desktop themselves. Instead, you can have Tech Support set up the Remote Desktop for you. Submit a ticket at the Tech Support Help Desk site.

Computers with Windows XP

Step 1 : Set up your work computer

Step 2: Set up your home computer

Step 1: Set up your work computer

First, you must configure your office computer to be logged in to from off campus. Follow these instructions on your office computer:

1. From the Start menu, open the Control Panel.
2. Double-click System. (If you do not see System, click the link that says “Switch to Classic View”)
3. Click the Remote tab.
4. In the Remote Desktop section, check “Allow users to connect remotely to this computer.”
5. If you haven’t already, write down your full computer name, which is listed in this section. Be sure to include the .mccombs.utexas.edu in the name.
6. Click Select Remote Users.
7. Click Add.
8. Type mccombs\username where username is your McCombs logon account. This is the same account you use to log into your work computer, usually last name + first initial, e.g., smithj.
9. Click OK to close all screens, and close your Control Panel.

Your office computer should now be set up for connection from off-campus.

Step 2: Set up your home computer

To connect from home, your home computer must have Windows XP installed. Windows 2000 and earlier versions will not have Remote Desktop installed. In addition, you must use VPN (or Virtual Private Network) software to connect to campus. Read our VPN page to learn more about installing VPN and using it to connect to your office computer.

Now, from your home computer, follow these instructions:

1. Establish a remote connection using the VPN software.
2. From the Start menu, go to Programs > Accessories > Communications > Remote Desktop Connection.
3. Click the Options button.
4. For computer name, type in the full name of your computer (step 5 above).
5. User name: your McCombs logon account. This is the same account you use to log into your work computer, usually last name + first initial, e.g., smithj.
   Password:
   your McCombs password (this is case sensitive)
   Domain:
   McCombs (this is not case sensitive)  
6. Click Connect.

The next time you try to connect, you should only have to enter your password; it should remember the rest of the settings.