How do I Sign into the Virtual Labs

JMU's Virtual Computer Labs are hosted by Microsoft Azure Lab Services, which is a Cloud-based service enabling students, faculty, and staff to remotely access many of the software applications that are available in JMU's general-use PC computer labs, or that are generally unavailable on personal devices. 
 
Prior to access, you will need to have JMU's VPN Client to be installed and running to allow access to the Virtual Labs (which can be found here). If you are attempting to log in on a Mac device, you will need to also install the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the Apple App Store

1. Following the information provided regarding how to access the Virtual Labs you will sign into the portal using your JMU email and password.
   1. Note that if you are already signed into your Microsoft account within the browser, then this step will be ignored.
2. After signing in, the portal will display a card representing the virtual computer(s) assigned to you
3. Prior to beginning the connection to the Virtual Labs, open GlobalProtect and start the connection
4. Click the start/stop slider to start it.  The computer may take a several minutes to start.
5. Once the virtual computer is running, click on the connect icon to download the Remote Desktop Connection (.rdp) file.
   1. Note that is will only need to be done once, as the file will remain usable upon closing the connection.
   2. If you have access to multiple Labs, you will need to do this each individual account
6. When the file is downloaded and the connection is on, Disconnect your GlobalProtect connection. With GlobalProtect running, the Remote Desktop connection will not operate.
7. Locate the .rdp file within your Downloads folder, and click on it to begin the connection.
   1. You will receive an "Unknown publisher" warning.  Tick the "Don't ask me again..." checkbox, then click the Connect button.
8. The first time you connect to your virtual computer you will be prompted to set the password.  Enter a password of your choosing, as this will not be tied to your eID.
9. Once the password has been set, you will be signed into the Virtual Lab of your choosing.
10. When complete, you can simply close out of the Remote Desktop session and turn off the connection in the Azure Lab portal
     
    If you need to return to the Virtual Lab, you can simply go to labs.azure.com. Be aware that you will need to repeat steps 4 - 7 (ignoring the need to re-download the .rdp file) to regain access. 

• I got access to the Virtual Labs, but how do I use it?
• When I try to access the Virtual Labs, it never starts up.
• When I try to log into the Virtual Labs, I receive an error.