Biomedical Computing Group
Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics

Winstat Remote Desktop Connection

Working Remotely – Winstat Remote Desktop Connection

Winstat is a physical server that is running in the MFCB Data Center. This machine was setup for the specific workflows that require a more intensive use of computer resources. Follow the steps below to connect to Winstat.

Access to the BMI-Winstat server is restricted to certain networks for security purposes. If you are working in the building on a wired connection or a dock, this article will not be necessary since your wired connection will be able to connect without additional steps.

When working remotely, we will first need to get onto the internal network by establishing a connection to SMPH VPN.

Establishing a Connection

  • This KB article will show you how to connect to the internal network using Global Protect: Working Remotely – How to Connect to SMPH VPN
    • Once you follow those steps, you can left-click on the Global Protect icon in your system tray to verify that you are connected. On MacOS, the icon is located along the top in your Menu Bar

Windows

Windows system tray with connected Global Protect icon

MacOS

Global protect icon MAcOS menu bar highlighted

Client is Connected

Global Protect client indicates connected

Launching the Remote Desktop session

Windows

  • On Windows, search for “Remote Desktop Connection” in your search bar and click on the top App result

Windows search bar with "Remote Desktop" in the search area

  • Alternatively, you can launch the program using the Run program (Windows Key + R) and typing “mstsc” then click OK

Run window with mstsc in the launch bar

  • Type the server address “bmi-winstat.biostat.wisc.edu” into the Remote Desktop Connection window and click connect

Remote Desktop Connection program with bmi-winstat.biostats.wisc.edu entered into the address field

  • Type in your UW-Madison NetID credentials and click OK. Note: Be sure to add the “ad.wisc.edu\” prefix to your username if you are not working on a domain-joined computer

Username and password prompt with UW MAdison NEtID credentials added

  • If everything is successful, your desktop will launch and prompt you for a usage agreement. Click OK to agree and proceed.

Biostats usage agreement prompt with OK button

MacOS

  • On MacOS, open the Windows App (formerly called Microsoft Remote Desktop) app you downloaded from the App Store

App store link for the Windows App

  • By deafult, there will be no desktops available. Click the Plus button in the upper right and select Add PC to add a new connection

Add PC connection in the Windows App on MAcOS

  • Enter the server name bmi-winstat.biostat.wisc.edu into the PC name: field. Feel free to add a Friendly name: but it is not required. Then Click Add

Add PC fields filled out with BMi-Winstat info

  • The connection will now appear in the Windows App. Simply double-click on the saved connection to launch a session. This will prompt you for your login credentials. Enter your UW-Madison NetID and password and click Continue. Note: Be sure to add the “ad.wisc.edu\” prefix to your username if you are not working on a domain-joined computer

Windows App connection launching and prompting for credentials

  • If everything is successful, your desktop will launch and prompt you for a usage agreement. Click OK to agree and proceed.

Biostats usage agreement prompt with OK button

Ending Your Session

  • When you are done working, it is recommended that you “Log Off” to end your session. This option is available in the Start Menu in the lower-left

Screenshot of the modified start menu with "Log Off" circled in red

Notes on functionality

  • Any documents stored on the local (C:\) drive are not backed up. The storage is considered “scratch” and its only to be used for temporary analysis. Instead, please use your available mapped network drives for any/all file storage.