How do I access my PASS space using my Windows machine? (connection tool)

Connecting to PASS using the Windows connection tool.

There are two ways to connect to PASS, manually or using our tool. This document provides information on using the tool. The tool automatically connects to your PASS space, if you want to handle the connection process manually you will need to follow the manual steps found here http://kb.its.psu.edu/psu-all/hd/passwinxp for Windows XP and here http://kb.its.psu.edu/psu-all/hd/passwinvista for Windows Vista. If you are only looking for an easy way to connect to your own PASS space the connection tool is all you need.

Downloading and installing the Tool

The connection tool can be downloaded from https://downloads.its.psu.edu under the file transfer section. Download the "Utility to mount PASS and UDrive" and run it to install the connection tool. You will need to be logged in as an administrator account for the install to work, but the tool installed "Map PSU Space" will run under a normal user account.

Important: The tool will require a restart after being installed so it is recommended you print, bookmark, or open this page on another computer you have access to.

For the installation you will see a few screens starting with this one. Simply click next to proceed with the installation.



Followed by this screen. Unless you wish to have the tool install somewhere other than it's default location click next once again.



You will be taken to a window with a progress bar showing the amount of the installation that is complete.



Once the bar has filled the installation is complete and you will be taken to this window.



When you click on finish you will get a window letting you know that you need to reboot for the configuration changes made during the install to take effect. You can click on "Yes" to reboot automatically or "No" to reboot your computer yourself. You will not be able to successfully run the Map PSU Space tool until you reboot.



Once your machine has rebooted check the following prerequisites and complete all the steps that apply to your situation for connecting before running the tool.

Prerequisites before using the tool

You will still need to connect to Penn State using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) if you are not on campus or using the "pennstate' wireless network.

To use a VPN to get in to Penn State, goto https://downloads.its.psu.edu to get a VPN client.  Look under "Connecting to Penn State" for the Macintosh client. Directions for downloading and installing the VPN client are available on the page, or at http://aset.its.psu.edu/vpn/.

If you are using the "pennstate" wireless network you will need to use the "ITS wireless" network for the campus you are on. People connecting from home will need to use the "ISP to PSU" network. To connect choose the network you are connecting to, press the connect button, then enter your userid and password when prompted. Once the connection is established the VPN client will move to the background and you will be able to run the tool successfully.

Automatic System Clock Updates, Required

Kerberos authentication will be rejected and not give you a ticket if your system clock time is not closely set to the server clock. To ensure that your computer has an accurate time you should activate the automatic system clock updating. Under system Preferences select "Date & Time" and check the box that says "Set date & time automatically." This will cause your computer to check in with an internet time server and correct the system clock on your machine should it start to get too inaccurate. The Kerberos ticket servers also use internet time and so this will ensure that you will not be denied a ticket because your system clock is too far off.

Using the tool

Once connected over the VPN if needed, run the "Map PSU Space" application. You will get a window that looks like the following one.



Simply type in your Penn State Access Account ID in the ID text box and your password in the password box then click on the "Connect" button. The connection tool by defauly will map your personal PASS space and your Udrive.