Connecting to VMware Horizon for SEPT Labs/Software

Note that this setup requires your machine to be restarted. Please SAVE and CLOSE all programs before starting the setup. To connect to these servers off-campus, a VPN connection is required.

For ALL issues please contact btechts@mcmaster.ca or create a ticket at SEPT Service Desk

Download and setup VMware

1. Download the VMWare Horizon Client (At least V8 2309, suggested latest V8):
   All Devices - Horizon Clients
   Windows Client
   OSx Horizon Client
2. Install the VMWare Horizon Client from your downloads
   
3. Accept Windows UAC by clicking on “Yes”
   
4. Accept licence terms and install the client by clicking on “Agree & Install”
   
5. Click on “Finish” once the application is done installing
   
6. Restart Machine by clicking on “Restart Now”
   
7. Open VMware Horizon Client and click on either “New Server” or “Add Server”
   
8. Enter the address of the building you wish to connect to
   1. If your lab is in ETB, enter “etblabs.sept.mcmaster.ca” and click “Connect”
      
   2. If your lab is in MARC, enter “marclabs.sept.mcmaster.ca” and click “Connect”
      
   3. If your lab is the GRAD open labs, you will find it in the ETB LABS connection. This includes the VDI.
9. Enter your MacID and password
   
10. Select the appropriate LAB or desktop application by clicking on it. When selected a green box will appear around the tile.
    
11. Right click the tile, or click the 3 dots in bottom-right corner to pull up an options menu and double check that "VMware Blast" is selected (has a black dot next to the text). If it is not selected, click on the text to select it.
    
12. Launch a machine by either pressing enter, double-clicking the tile, or selecting "Launch" from the options menu.
13. Wait for the connection to load
    
14. The client may prompt about sharing removable storage and local files
15. Connect required USB devices for Lab Experiments using the toolbar
    

Common Issues:

Server unavailable - Failed to respond

Check that you are connected to the VPN when you add or try and connect to the server. (McMaster Student VPN)

When the VMware Horizon Client is first installed, it will default to selecting all “All Monitors”

When connecting to a VDI session you only have 1 monitor. This will cause the client to take over all monitors you have available in full screen. To use the Horizon Client on only a single monitor, right-click on the lab you wish to join and under “Display” select either “Fullscreen” or “Window – Large”

The Connection Server Authentication Failed due to a certificate error

See: VMWare Horizon Certificate error