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Off-campus Access

Remote Working Portal FAQ

1. What software do I need to access the 'Remote Working Portal'?

2. When using the portal, why can't I see the name of the web site?

3. Why doesn't Smart Tunnel work with Internet Explorer 7 and above?

4. Does Smart Tunnel work with 64-bit editions of Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7?

5. An online journal or database site does not work correctly (e.g. links do not work or produce a page not found error, popup windows do not open or are blank, downloads stall or do not begin). What can I do?

6. Why can't I access my Google Mail through the Remote Working Portal? Why does Google Mail say "This is taking longer than usual. Try reloading the page." when I try to access it through the Remote Working Portal? What should I do?

1. What software do I need to access the 'Remote Working Portal'?

   Any up to date web browser on Windows, Mac OS X or Linux will give access to the majority of features in the 'Remote Working Portal'.

   Microsoft Windows is required to use the 'Application Access' area of the portal which allows users to load 'PuTTY' or the 'Remote Desktop Connection' applications to gain access to on campus resources.

   Java is required to utilise the built-in SSH terminal software.

2. When using the portal, why can't I see the name of the web site?

   The URL, or text in the address bar, will be obfuscated and will appear as a set of numbers and letters. This is normal and is just the way the system works. You can navigate through the site using the small bar in the top right hand corner and still follow links as normal.

3. Why doesn't Smart Tunnel work with Internet Explorer 7 and above?

   You need to add https://vpn.lboro.ac.uk to Internet Explorer's list of trusted sites:

   1. Press Alt to see the menu system.

   2. Select Tools and then Internet Options.

   3. Select the Security tab.

   4. Select Trusted Sites and then click Sites.

      

   5. For Add this website to the zone type: https://vpn.lboro.ac.uk, and click Add.

   6. Click Close.

   7. Click OK.

   8. Close Internet Explorer and re-start it.

   The vpn portal will be in your list of Trusted Sites, and all should now work.

4. Does Smart Tunnel work with 64-bit editions of Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7?

   Yes.

5. An online journal or database site does not work correctly (e.g. links do not work or produce a page not found error, popup windows do not open or are blank, downloads stall or do not begin). What can I do?

   This is caused by an interaction between the rewriting mechanism of the Remote Working Portal and how the journal / database operates. The best solution is to install the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client and then access the site directly after connecting to the VPN using the AnyConnect client (i.e. after launching the AnyConnect client and logging in through it, go to the Library's web site and click through to access the resource using your web browser without going through the Remote Working Portal first). Instructions for installing and using the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client and then click on the appropriate link for your operating system.

   The journals and databases which we have identified as being problematic when accessed through the Remote Working Portal so far are:

   • Analytical Chemistry (American Chemical Society Journals)

   • informaworld

   • RefWorks

   • SciFinder Scholar

   If you do find a site which is not on the list above then please get in touch with us so that we can update the list. The best way to do this is to send an e-mail to IT.Services@lboro.ac.uk and quote the name of the journal or database you were trying to access.

6. Why can't I access my Google Mail through the Remote Working Portal? Why does Google Mail say "This is taking longer than usual. Try reloading the page." when I try to access it through the Remote Working Portal? What should I do?

   Due to the way that Google Mail's default interface works it does not operate correctly through the Remote Working Portal. However all you need to do is click on the Basic HTML view link after logging in and it should work correctly.

   

   Alternatively, you can use the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client, further information is available in the Cisco AnyConnect Client section of our web site.