FortiClient Remote Access - Windows

AACC provides access to on-site resources for employees working remotely through the FortiClient VPN (Tunnel) software on AACC-owned devices. If you have an AACC mobile device (laptop), you can connect to the VPN, allowing access to on campus only items, such as Colleague, shared network drives, etc.

Please note, the FortiClient VPN should only be used when working remotely. Facutly and staff should connect to the wired Ethernet network in their office space when on campus to access on campus only resources.

Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) must be set up prior to accessing the VPN.  See the Configure Microsoft Authenticator on New Phone knowledge base article to configure MFA.

Requirements for Connecting to the FortiClient VPN Tunnel

• An AACC laptop/computer
• An Internet connection
• Successful registration for Multi-factor Authentication
• If on site, work with IIT staff to connect laptop to the wired network. Then, log in with your network credentials. Note: When you’re connected to a dock/Ethernet on campus, there is no need to use FortiClient.
• FortiClient is only necessary when at home, or using AACC Wi-Fi.
• Computer must pass security check. Computer must have up-to-date antivisur definitions, latest Windows version, and Windows Firewall On. VPN tunnel will not be created if any of these have not been completed.

Instructions for Connecting to the VPN Tunnel

1. Power on your AACC laptop/computer and connect to Wi-Fi before signing in to Windows.  If you've already connected to this Wi-fi network previously, your computer may automatically connect.

2. Select Sign-in options and select the FortiClient icon (orange shield).

3. Enter your AACC user name and password and select Submit.
   • **You may need to wait 10 minutes to sign in to the VPN, if you have just turned on or rebooted your computer.

4. You will now have to provide your second factor of authentication (MFA) as you previously configured. Either you will receive a phone call where you will have to select the “#” key to approve the sign in or approve the sign in through the Microsoft Authenticator App installed on your mobile device. The FortiClient software will wait for 1 minute for you to complete. If you do not complete the process within 1 minute, you will have to enter your AACC credentials again.

Faculty and staff working on-site should connect to the wired network (Ethernet) to access on-site resources.  However, if it is necessary, AACC Wireless can be used with FortiClient.  Since AACC Wireless has a "captive portal," you'll need to first sign into the computer, connect to Wi-Fi, then connect to FortiClient.

Connecting to FortiClient on AACC Wireless

1. From the Windows sign-in, select the key.
2. Sign in with your AACC username and password.You will not receive the multi-factor authentication prompt.

3. AACC Wireless: Connect to Wi-Fi and select I Accept, then connect to FortiClient.

4. Open the FortiClient Console (Blue shield on your desktop).  Enter your username and password, and select Connect.  Approve the multi-factor authentication prompt.

Use Method 2 in the following knowledge base article when resetting your password while connected to the VPN: Reset your Password.

The Password Management tool can also be used to change your password, and connect to the VPN.  This is especially helpful if you've forgotten your password, and need to sign into your AACC laptop/VPN.

1. Navigate to the Password Management Tool on your device: www.aacc.edu/Password

2. Follow the prompts to change your password.
3. If you're currently using your AACC device, you’ll need to sync your new password on the device. On your keyboard, select the Windows key and L.

4. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to unlock your AACC device.
5. Enter your new password.
6. If you didn't use your AACC device to reset your password, turn on the device and sign into FortiClient with your new password from the Windows log in page. Make sure you're connected to an Internet connection prior to connecting to FortiClient.

Host Checking Requirements Error

If you receive the following error, wait 10 minutes and try connecting to FortiClient again.  Your computer may be installing updates in the background, or it may not be fully booted. 

Network Drives

If you are unable to access on-site resources, such as Colleague and G and/or H drives, check to see if you’re still connected to the VPN.  VPN Connection status can be found in the system tray:

The gold lock indicates that you are successfully connected to the VPN.  A blue check mark without the gold lock indicates that you are disconnected from the VPN. Right click on the blue check mark and select Connect to AACC VPN.

Connect using your AACC network credentials and approve your sign in using multi-factor authentication.

Connection to the G Drive

Successful connection to the G drive may take several minutes after connecting to the VPN. However, you can speed up this process by forcing a policy update. Navigate to the Command Prompt, and enter: gpupdate /force

Select N and close the command prompt. You should now have access to your G drive.

For more details, check out the How to Manually Map Drive - G and H knowledge base article.

If you're still experiencing problems with the FortiClient/VPN, please submit a request for Help with Remote Access.