Working Remotely - STATS1 Remote Desktop Connection

Stats1 is a physical server that is sitting in the MFCB server room. This machine was setup for the specific workflows that require a more intensive use of computer resources. Follow the steps below to connect to STATS1.

Access to the STATS1 server (aka WiSOR-RDP) is restricted to certain networks for security purposes. If you are working in the building on a wired connection or a dock, please skip down to "Launching the Remote Desktop session" since your wired connection will be able to connect without additional steps.

When working remotely, we will first need to get onto the internal network by establishing a connection to SMPH VPN.

Establishing a Connection

  • This KB article will show you how to connect to the internal network using Global Protect on a supported endpointWorking Remotely - How to Connect to SMPH VPN
    • Once you follow those steps, you can left-click on the Global Protect icon in your system tray to verify that you are connected. On MacOS, the icon is located along the top in your Menu Bar

Windows

  • The icon in the system tray will be solid blue.

Windows system tray with connected Global Protect icon

MacOS

  • The icon in the Menu bar along the top will be brighter and have greater contrast.

Global protect icon MAcOS menu bar highlighted

Client is Connected

  • Left-clicking on the icon will reveal the current connection status. You are successfully connected to SMPH VPN if the status window looks like the screenshot below.

Global Protect client indicates connected

Personal Computer (MacOS or Windows)

  • If working on a personal computer, please establish a connection using Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and proceed to the Windows instructions below.

Launching the Remote Desktop session

Windows

  • On Windows, search for "Remote Desktop Connection" in your search bar and click on the top App result

Windows search bar with "Remote Desktop" in the search area

  • Alternatively, you can launch the program using the Run program (Windows Key + R) and typing "mstsc" then click OK

Run window with mstsc in the launch bar

  • Type the server address "stats1.surgery.wisc.edu" into the Remote Desktop Connection window and click connect

Remote Desktop connection window with settings filled in

  • Type in your Surgery credentials and click OK. Note: Be sure to add the "dos\" prefix to your username.

Windows Remote desktop login prompt with Surgery credentials added

  • If everything is successful, your desktop will launch and its ready to use!

Windows server desktop with icons visible on the desktop


    MacOS

    • On MacOS, open the Windows App (formerly called Microsoft Remote Desktop) app you downloaded from the App Store

    App store link for the Windows App

    • By deafult, there will be no desktops available. Click the Plus button in the upper right and select Add PC to add a new connection

    Add PC connection in the Windows App on MAcOS

    • Enter the server name stats1.surgery.wisc.edu into the PC name: field. Feel free to add a Friendly name: but it is not required. Then Click Add

    Add PC settings filled out in the MacOS version of the Windows App

    • The connection will now appear in the Windows App. Simply double-click on the saved connection to launch a session. This will prompt you for your login credentials. Enter your Surgery credentials and password and click Continue. Note: Be sure to add the "dos\" prefix to your username if you are not working on a domain-joined computer

    MacOS Windows app with saved session prompting for credentials

    • If you see a certificate warning, click Continue to proceed

    MacOS Certificate warning with continue button highlighted

    • If everything is successful, your desktop will launch and its ready to use!

    Windows server desktop with icons visible on the desktop


    Ending Your Session

      • When you are done working, it is recommended that you Sign Out to end your session. This option is available in the Start Menu in the lower-left. Then click the User icon and the Sign Out option will appear.

      Screenshot of the start menu with buttons highlighted in red

      Notes on functionality

      • Any documents stored on the local (C:\) drive are not backed up. The storage is considered "scratch" and its only to be used for temporary analysis. Instead, please use your available mapped network drives for any/all file storage.


      Keywords:
      Stats1 
      Doc ID:
      111890
      Owned by:
      Viviana P. in UW Surgery
      Created:
      2021-06-22
      Updated:
      2026-03-12
      Sites:
      UW Department of Surgery