Recast For Departmental Devices in the CoE

Guide on using Recast

This guide will walk you through how to use Recast on a departmentally supported computer. Recast is a software solution to allow a user to temporarily elevate on a respective computer to accomplish a university oriented administrative function. Recast is being implemented in lieu of LAPS as LAPS is being phased out across the CoE on a case by case basis. Installation of personal / non university programs specifically but not limited to remote control software is not allowed. If it is discovered through university installed tools that non allowed software is installed Recast privileges will be removed.

Before one can use Recast, the following criteria must be met in order for this guide to work:

  1. Installation of Recast client on your department computer. ( completed by your DSP)
  2. Setup of the proper level of access by your DSP
  3. If on a laptop, connection to one of the follow ENGR specific VPNs:
    1. engr-split.vpn.wisc.edu
    2. engr-full.vpn.wisc.edu
    3. engr-admin.vpn.wisc.edu
      1. If needed: Engineering VPN: PaloAlto GlobalProtect 
  4. If on a desktop, access to active ethernet network connection. 

If you have not consulted your DSP to enable proper access, you must do so. You can contact them based on this information:

DSPs by Department

Use of Recast can be broken down into two separate scenarios:

  1. Self install - preferred / self service
  2. Activation Code from DSP

Scenario 1 - Self Install 

This will apply to most if not all install situations. 

Step 1. Locate the application /  or area in which you need to elevate.  In this case we are trying to open a command prompt as an administrator. In most cases you will likely be launching a installer of some sort. This window will appear. Near the bottom, you will notice a " more choices" Please click for more options.

UAC1

Step 2. You will now see more options, specifically one called " Recast Privilege Manger. Please click the icon/ area.

 uac2

Step 3

You will be presented with this box.

Please note:  If you see " Activation code " you will need to click the drop down and switch to "Run with domain account"

To complete:

  1. Fill out the reason you are using this tool. The reason is logged and if suspicious activity is detected this is where your DSP will look based on your user. Please provide a simple reason for use of the elevation and everything will be fine.
  2. Re-enter your current CAE password.
  3. Once you are ready click "Yes"

uac4

If successful your requested elevation or program installer will start to run. It may take a few moments for the box to disappear and your action to complete.

Recast Errors

Error: Self service is not allowed for the agent 

Likely Resolution: Talk to your DSP about setting up the computer correctly. 

Error:  Descriptive reason required

Likely Resolution: Provide a longer reason for use of Recast and when completed, click Yes 

Error: The username or password is incorrect

Likely Resolution: You likely entered your CAE password incorrectly. Try again and ensure any common keyboard errors are not in play.

Error: Cannot contact servers

Likely Resolution: You need to be connected to a ENGR specific VPN. It may take a few minutes after connection for the application to work correctly. Contact your DSP if it has been more than 15 minutes and a reboot and things are still not working.

!More to come !

Scenario 2 - Use of Activation Codes

In the event a computer is disconnected from the internet or connect to the vpn service, an activation code can be generated by DSP staff. This is not something that can be generated on a moments notice. It will take a DSP time to generate a code and send it to you.

Step 1. Locate the application /  or area in which you need to elevate.  In this case we are trying to open a command prompt as an administrator. In most cases you will likely be launching a installer of some sort. This window will appear. Near the bottom, you will notice a " more choices" Please click for more options.

UAC1

Step 2. You will now see more options, specifically one called " Recast Privilege Manger. Please click the icon/ area.

 uac2

Step 3 - you will have to change the drop down to "Use Activation Code"

uac6

Step 4 Paste in activation code provided. The code may be limited based on time or use. Your DSP will likely provide the parameters. The code may come in the form of a box link or one time secret link.

Recast Errors

Error: Self service is not allowed for the agent

Likely Resolution: Talk to your DSP about setting up the computer correctly. 

Error:  Descriptive reason required

Likely Resolution: Provide a longer reason for use of Recast and when completed, click Yes 

Error: The username or password is incorrect

Likely Resolution: You likely entered your CAE password incorrectly. Try again and ensure any common keyboard errors are not in play.

Error: Cannot contact servers

Likely Resolution: You need to be connected to a ENGR specific VPN. It may take a few minutes after connection for the application to work correctly. Contact your DSP if it has been more than 15 minutes and a reboot and things are still not working.

!More to come !

 



Keywords:
recast, install apps, admin access
Doc ID:
150967
Owned by:
David K. in CAE
Created:
2025-05-19
Updated:
2025-05-19
Sites:
Computer-Aided Engineering