Category: VMware VDI

How to use Remote Collaboration mode to view each others sessions (with remote control option) through vdi.it.ilstu.edu

1. Click the up arrow near the time at the lower right of the VM – and click on the monitor icon

2. Enter the ulid@ilstu.edu of the user you would like to share to, and then click Copy Link

3. Open Office365 Outlook and email the copied link to the ulid@ilstu.edu of the user you would like to share to (Note: this must be another user who is entitled to use this system, i.e. faculty, staff, students of School of IT or CAST)

4. You can give full control and see the status of anyone connected (including disconnect) other sessions the green monitor icon

Here is a video walk through of these steps:

Connecting via the VMware Horizon Client

Note: VPN is now required

1. Connect to the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client (download here)
   • Please note that this requires 2-factor authentication. The authentication process varies depending on your setup. Please see here for more information.
2. Download the VMware Horizon Client
3. Install with default options and the View Connection Server is: “vdi.it.ilstu.edu“
4. Open VMware Horizon View Client
   • Double click on “vdi.it.ilstu.edu”
   • Logon with your ISU ULID and password
   • Double click on the VM-Pool you would like to access
     • ITLab-Pool – General use virtual machines
     • ITPersonal-Pool – Faculty/Staff/GA virtual machines
     • Class Specific VM Pool – your instructor will give you the name

Accessing VDI via the web browser

First connect with the Cisco Anyconnect VPN client, then open a web browser tab and go to vdi.it.ilstu.edu
(recommended if you are using MacOS Catalina)

When trying to connect to “vdi.it.ilstu.edu”, you see the following message:

Overview of connection servers and required protocols:

vdi.it.ilstu.edu = No VPN required = “VMware Blast” protocol (use this one)

vdi.ad.ilstu.edu = Internal connection server = VPN required = “PCOIP” protocol

When trying to use the virtual machine, I cannot connect. What should I do?

If the Virtual Machine is not responding. Right click on the VM you are having trouble accessing. Then select the reset desktop button. If the issue persists, please submit a ticket here.

My desktop is too small

The VM’s are optimized for 1080p, so if you have a 4k display everything will appear very small. To fix this:

1. Goto Start>Settings>System
2. Find “Scale and Layout” and change it from 100% to 200%, or play around with different percentages to work for you

My issue isn’t listed, what can I do?

You can always submit a ticket with any questions or suggestions you may have and we will get back to you as soon as possible.