FortiClient Remote Access - Windows

Overview

AACC provides secure remote access to on-site college resources for employees working off-campus using the FortiClient VPN (Tunnel) software installed on AACC-owned devices. If you have an AACC laptop, you can connect to the VPN to access campus-only systems such as Colleague, shared network drives, and more.

Note: FortiClient VPN should only be used when working remotely or on AACC Wireless. When on campus, connect to the wired Ethernet network to access on-site resources—no VPN required.

Connecting to ForiClient VPN

Requirements

• An AACC-issued laptop or desktop
• An active Internet connection (home Wi-Fi or AACC Wireless)
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) set up and working
• Computer must pass security checks:
  • Up-to-date antivirus definitions
  • Latest Windows updates installed
  • Windows Firewall enabled

The VPN tunnel will not be created if the device fails any of the above checks.

Connecting to FortiClient on Home or Non-AACC Networks

Your AACC device will automatically attempt to connect to the VPN during the Windows login process, provided it has an internet connection.

1. Power on your AACC laptop and ensure it is connected to Wi-Fi or wired internet. 
2. Sign in with your AACC username and password at the regular Windows login screen. 
3. Within moments, a FortiClient VPN window may appear with the message:
   “Sign in to your account – FortiClient SAML Authentication.” 
4. You will have 5 minutes to:
   • Choose your AACC account
   • Enter your AACC password (if prompted)
   • Complete MFA (phone/text/app approval)
5. After successful authentication, a system tray notification will confirm connection:
   “FortiClient – Connected to AACC SSO VPN” 
   • If you miss the 5-minute window, restart the device or manually connect using the FortiClient app.

Connecting to VPN on AACC Wireless

If you're on campus but not connected to Ethernet, you can use FortiClient over AACC Wireless:

1. Sign in to Windows normally.
2. Don't select your account when the FortiClient window appears.
3. Connect to AACC Wireless and accept the terms on the captive portal page. 
4. If the ForitClient window is still open, select your account. Or, open the FortiClient Console (blue shield icon on your desktop).
5. Enter your AACC username and password, then select Connect.
6. Complete the MFA prompt to finish connecting. 

Remote Password Changes

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.

Troubleshooting

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 drive, 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 knowledge base article.

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