Windows Vista Authentication Procedure
On Campus (including DTC):
After Vista install, authentication will occur automatically after 3 days by looking for a record in the SFSU DNS server. This will only work if you install on campus. The DNS server on your computer can either be set for DHCP (usually for notebooks) or static IP address (usually for desktops).
You can also authenticate manually instead of waiting 3 days:
1. After Vista boots to the desktop there should be a Welcome screen.
2. Click the "Show more details" link at the top right of the Welcome screen.
3. Scroll down to see the Windows activation status.
4. Click on "Authenticate Windows now" and follow the prompts to authenticate.
Off Campus:
It is possible to authenticate off campus, but it has to be done manually (see above instructions) after connecting to the DNS server using a VPN client. SFSU provides the Cisco VPN client download and instructions:
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Vista needs to re-authenticate every 180 days. Vista will attempt to re-authenticate automatically, but will fail off campus and prompt for manual authentication.
Vista will stop working if not authenticated within 30 days of first install.