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Remote Desktop Help and FAQ

This FAQ is dedicated to Remote Desktop general questions, Afterhours, and Zambezi known issues. When you click on the links below, please read the answer that applies to your situation. Answers vary for Zambezi and Afterhours. Most of the problems and questions answered below were tested on a Windows XP Professional with SP2 console and client. Answers may vary for other OS and Windows versions.




What is the difference between Zambezi and Afterhours?

Zambezi

Zambezi is a remote server for graduate students and faculty only. Zambezi is available at all times, except for down time for upgrades, and patches. Zambezi is installed with the majority of the software that is available at the Social Sciences Computing labs. Zambezi is intended for software usage on enormous data sets that take long periods of time to compute. Zambezi users are given 100MB of space for data storage. Accounts are set to expire one year after creation, unless otherwise stated.

To set up an account, please email remote@ssc.ucla.edu. Please include your Student ID number, your full name, which department you are associated with, and expected date of graduation. Please clearly state that you are interested in a Zambezi account. A complete list of software available for Zambezi users can be found on our software page. Software packages may change temporarily due to updates, licenses, or version changes.

AfterHours

AfterHours allows anyone with a Social Sciences Computing lab account to remote into the computer labs during off-hours. Please visit http://access.labs.ss.ucla.edu for a more detailed description of AfterHours. The UCLA VPN client is necessary for AfterHours. Please create an account at the Social Sciences Computing lab located at 2041 Public Policy. A complete list of software available for AfterHours can be found on our software page.

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Where can I download the Remote Desktop software?

AfterHours and Zambezi

If you are working from a Windows XP machine, the remote desktop software is already installed on your computer. Click on the Start menu and go to Programs-Accessories-Communications-Remote Desktop Connection.
You may also find it under Programs-Accessories.



If you are working from a Windows Vista machine, the remote desktop software can be found by clicking on the Start menu and go to All Programs - Accessories - Remote Desktop Connection

If you are not running Windows XP or Vista, then please download the remote desktop software from one of the links below:

Windows OS: Latest Remote Desktop Connection for Windows [5.2.3790]

Mac OSX: Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac

Linux: rdesktop: A Remote Desktop Protocol Client

As with any software you install on your computer please be sure to have a current backup before you proceed and be warned that you proceed at your own risk!


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Why do I need the VPN Client and where can I download it?

The technical answer: A VPN is a secured private network connection built on top of publicly accessible infrastructure. Basically, a VPN is a security feature. It allows us to authenticate users trying to access Social Sciences Computing's resources.

Zambezi
The VPN client is necessary to access Zambezi and to transfer files. It is supported by BOL and can be found here. Please see question 4 on how to transfer files.


AfterHours
The VPN client is necessary to access AfterHours. It is supported by BOL and can be found here. Instructions are also provided. When connecting to the VPN, you will need your BOL ID and password. If jbruin@ucla.edu is your UCLA email, then jbruin is your BOL ID. When connecting to an available machine you will need your Social Sciences ID and password. Your Social Sciences ID is your initials followed by the last 6 digits of your student ID number. For example, Jane Bruin with student ID number 123456789 will have the Social Sciences ID: JB456789.

As with any software you install on your computer please be sure to have a current backup before you proceed and be warned that you proceed at your own risk!


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How come I can't cut/copy/paste files from my computer to the remote computer?

AfterHours and Zambezi
Because you are accessing a computer across the network, it is not possible to cut/copy/paste files from your local computer to the remote computer or vice versa. In most cases, you CAN cut/copy/paste text from your local machine to the remote machine or vice versa. See below on how to transfer files.

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How do I transfer my files from the remote machine to my local computer? Or vice versa? What if I'm on a MAC?

Click here for directions on how to tranfer files in AfterHours.

Zambezi
In order to transfer your files from your local machine to Zambezi, your folder must be enabled for sharing whether you are on a MAC or a PC. Please email remote@ssc.ucla.edu to enable your folder for sharing. Please provide your Zambezi log-in, your name, and your Student ID.

Users are now required to use the VPN software offered by BOL to transfer files. This is due to vulnerability CA Advisory 2003-20. Please download and run the VPN software from FAQ #2.

Click here for directions on how to tranfer files on Zambezi from a MAC.

Windows XP and Windows Vista


After your folder is enabled for sharing, you can choose to quickly transfer files or map a network drive. These two options only apply to machines running Windows 2000, XP, and Vista.

Quickly Transfer Files

  • Click on the Start Menu of your local computer and click on "Run..."
  • Type \\Zambezi.labs.ss.ucla.edu



  • A Log-in box will appear. Type in the domain you log into, SSCLABS, followed by '\' and type in your Zambezi log-in and your password.


  • After you successfully log in, click on your folder and navigate to your files. You can now transfer your files from Zambezi to your local computer. If you have any problems please email remote@ssc.ucla.edu.


Map your shared folder on Zambezi to your local computer

  • Open My Computer on your local machine and click on Tools - Map Network Drive.
  • Pick a drive letter that you would like your shared folder to be associated with.
  • In the Folder text box type in \\Zambezi.labs.ss.ucla.edu\LOG_IN_NAME. For example: \\Zambezi.labs.ss.ucla.edu\JB123456


  • The mapped drive to Zambezi will now show up under Network Drives when you click on My Computer.


  • After you successfully log in, you can now navigate to your files and transfer them to your local computer. If you have any problems please email remote@ssc.ucla.edu.
  • If you incorrectly type in your password or log-in ID, the drive will still be mapped under My Computer, but when you click on the mapped drive you will get an "Access Denied" error. If this happens, right click on the mapped drive and click on Disconnect. Start over.


Transferring files onto Zambezi from a MAC

Transferring files from Zambezi to a MAC and vice versa has only been tested on Apple OS 10.4. Transferring files has not been tested on any previous Apple OS.

  • Select Finder, click on "Go" and select "Connect to server."
  • Type "afp://Zambezi.labs.ss.ucla.edu" and click Connect.



  • At the login screen, type in your log-in, and password and click OK.



  • Select your shared file and click OK.



  • The shared drive will now appear on your desktop.


AfterHours

Transfering files from a MAC in AfterHours is still being worked on at this time.

  • Before you connect to an available machine, open the Remote Desktop Connection Software and click on the fourth button called "Options."


  • Click on the third tab which is Local Resources. Under Local devices check the box next to Disk drives.


  • Click on the first tab, General, and log in to an available computer.
  • You will be prompted with a warning that says that mapping drives across the network is potentially unsafe. Be aware that transferring of files over the network may cause files, especially large files, to become corrupt and unreadable. Always make a backup. Most Internet providers dedicate most of the broadband connection to downloading. Only a small proportion of the connection is dedicated to uploading. If you are transferring a file from your local computer to the remote computer, you may experience a slow transfer rate.


  • After you succesfully log into a remote machine, click on My Computer of the remote computer. Under "Other" there will be the mapped drives of your local computer. They will say something like C on COMPUTER_NAME


  • You can now navigate to your files on the remote machine and transfer them to your local computer. If you have any problems please email remote@ssc.ucla.edu.

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How can I toggle between my local computer and the remote machine?

AfterHours and Zambezi
You can toggle between the remote machine and your local machine by clicking on the "_" symbol at the top. This will minimize your remote session.

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How do I print from the remote machine to my local printer?

AfterHours and Zambezi
Printing from the remote machine to your local printer is still being worked on at this time.

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The light brown trapezoid at the top of the remote computer disappeared, how do I get it back?

AfterHours and Zambezi
Place the mouse cursor at the top center of your remote session where the trapezoid is supposed to be and the trapezoid should drop down. Click on the thumb tack icon on the left end of the trapezoid and the trapezoid will stay fixed to your remote session.


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Where do I save my work?

Zambezi
For Zambezi, users are given 100MB of disk space. Users may save their work to the desktop or My Documents or create a folder under their profile.

AfterHours
For AfterHours, users can temporarily save their work to the D drive. Files saved on the D drive are accessible by all users that log into that specific computer. This means that users have rights do delete/modify/write to all files saved to the D drive. Anything saved to the desktop will be deleted at log off. To transfer your files to your local computer, follow the instructions above.

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I went away and came back and the remote computer ended my remote session. What happened?

Zambezi

  • Idle sessions will be disconnected after 15 minutes. All programs that were opened will still be running.

AfterHours

  • Disconnected and idle sessions will be logged off after 15 minutes of inactivity. All programs that were opened will be closed. The remote machine will become available for someone else to remote into.
  • All lab machines, except for Bunche A258, are set to reboot at 7am to prepare for normal business hours. You will be warned and given 600 seconds (10 minutes) to save your work. Please be aware, that these hours are subject to change without notification.
  • The machines in Bunche A258 are set to reboot whenever class is about to start and also every Monday morning at 7am. Please check the class schedule for Bunche A258 for AfterHours availability. You will be warned and given 600 seconds (10 minutes) to save your work. Please be aware, that these hours are subject to change without notification.

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What are the hours for AfterHours?

AfterHours


Bunche A258
The hours for Bunche A258 vary by class scheduling. Please check the class schedule for Bunche A258 for AfterHours availability. AfterHours are available when class is NOT in session.

Please be aware, that these hours are subject to change without notification.


All other computer labs are available between the hours of 9:30pm and 7:00am Monday thru Friday and Fridays, 5:30pm to Monday mornings, 7am.

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What is the difference between logging off and disconnecting from the remote session?

AfterHours and Zambezi

  • Logging off from a remote session means any programs you opened will be closed. Log off by going to Start-Logoff.
  • Disconnecting from a session means that any programs that are open will be running when you log back in. Disconnect by clicking on the 'X' on the right of the tan trapezoid or going to Start-Disconnect.

Zambezi

  • Idle sessions will be disconnected from Zambezi after 15 minutes.

AfterHours

  • Disconnected and idle sessions will be logged off after 15 minutes.
  • Logging off from a remote machine allows someone else to remote into that machine.
  • Disconnecting from a remote machine means that the remote machine is locked and can only be accessed by you or an administrator.
  • SSC limits one remote session per user. This means that if you disconnect from a remote session, you can only remote into the same machine or you can wait 15 minutes and the server will log off your remote session. If you log off from a remote session, then you can log into any available machine.

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The remote session is really slow or I am using a modem to connect. How can I improve the speed of the remote session?

AfterHours and Zambezi

  • If your remote session is slow, log off and click on the Options button of the Remote Desktop software.



  • Click on the Experience tab and select the correct connection. Uncheck all options that my slow down your remote session, such as the desktop background, themes, and animation.



  • Next, click on the Local Resources tab. Under Remote Computer Sound, select the sound to Leave at remote computer.


  • If you are using a modem to connect to the internet, click on the Display tab and choose 256 colors under the Colors option.



  • Remember to give the remote computer a chance to process any request that you give it. Larger requests such as viewing pictures will be slow because large amounts of information need to travel over the network before you can view an image. Video will almost be impossible so best not to try.

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How can I get to the CTRL+ALT+DEL menu in the remote session? What are other keyboard shorcuts for the remote session?

AfterHours and Zambezi
Keyboard shortcuts vary by Windows version.

Keyboard Combinations for Client Computer Equivalent Keys for Remote Desktop Session Description
CTRL+ALT+DEL CTRL+ALT+END Displays the Task Manager or Windows Security dialog box. (Only use CTRL+ALT+END to issue this command. CTRL+ALT+DEL is always interpreted by the client computer.)
ALT+TAB ALT+PAGE UP Switches between programs from left to right.
ALT+SHIFT+TAB ALT+PAGE DOWN Switches between programs from right to left.
ALT+ESC ALT+INSERT Cycles through the programs in the order they were started.
  CTRL+ESC Switches the client between a window and full screen.
CTRL+ESC ALT+HOME Displays the Start menu.
  ALT+DELETEDisplays the Windows menu.
PRINT SCREEN CTRL+ALT+MINUS (–) symbol on the numeric keypad Places a snapshot of the active window in the Remote Desktop session on the clipboard.
ALT+PRINT SCREEN CTRL+ALT+PLUS (+) symbol on the numeric keypad Places a snapshot of the entire Remote Desktop session window on the clipboard.

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