DirectAccess

When you’re using a University supplied, Windows 10 laptop to work remotely, DirectAccess allows you to log in to campus IT services and access your files. 

DirectAccess starts-up automatically on your University managed laptop and runs in the background while you’re working.  

With DirectAccess you can: 

  • Access University IT Services and software 
  • Access SAP services (scroll down to the bottom of the SAP login pad and select the service you require labelled ‘DirectAccess’) 
  • Access your University files (H:Drive) and shared drives 
Best Practice 
  • You don’t need to download lots of files to your laptop, DirectAccess allows you to access and edit them in their original location 
  • If you do need to download large files or data, please do it out of normal office hours so the service isn't slowed for others.
  • Please only use one DirectAccess enabled device per person. Using multiple devices has an impact on the quality of the service. 
  • For the best experience we recommend you use a wired network connection. 
Other factors 

Please consider the number of people accessing the internet in your household and the potential impact streaming/gaming/other online services may have on your internet connection. This may affect your DirectAccess experience. 

Troubleshooting

If you are affected by issues with Direct Access intermittently dropping connection, please see below for troubleshooting:

Confirm that Direct Access has reconnected automatically:

  • You can check this by clicking the network/WiFi icon (image 1), and 'NCL DA CL1' will show 'Connected' (Image 2):
  • If it has not reconnected automatically, please fully shut down your PC and restart, ensuring that 'NCL DA CL1' shows 'Connected' in the network list (in the bottom right of the login screen) before logging in.

Once connected:

  • SAP can be restarted and will connect automatically
  • If you are still not able to view the contents of your shared drives, your device is likely to be stuck in 'Offline mode'. To resolve this, please click Home > Easy Access > Work Online:

 

  • Please note - this may take a few minutes to resync, and you may need to refresh File Explorer.
  • If you continue to experience issues with SAP, or still cannot connect to shared drives after following the above, please contact the IT Service Desk