Please note: This guide is only applicable to our new PPS Hosted infrastructure, coming into effect from April 2019. If you’re using your new connection details to test access to the new infrastructure or if you’ve already been migrated then the below will be applicable to you. If your system hasn't been moved to the new infrastructure please consult this guide. Please contact support@rushcliff.com with any queries.
You should also check the Online System Requirements to ensure that you will be able to connect to hosted server.
This guide first covers setup via the classic-style Remote Desktop Connection program followed by the same process on the new Remote Desktop app available for users of Windows 10.
Section 1 - Your Log In Details
An email will have been sent to the email addresses registered to your PPS account which will have your PPS login details. You will also be sent a pre-configured RDP in the email attachment. The pre-configured RDP will have all the details already set up for each of the hosted connections. The RDP can downloaded form the email and saved to the required computer's desktop or you can manually set up the connection with the details provided in the email.
The information you'll need is your server address, username and password which will be displayed as in the example below.
Section 2 - Windows Classic Remote Desktop Installation
In order to access PPS Hosted from a Windows PC you will need to ensure you have the most up-to-date instance of Remote Desktop Connection installed. This is the program that will connect you to our servers and your PPS Hosted system.
To begin, open your Remote Desktop Connection program. You can locate it by clicking on the start menu and searching for "Remote Desktop Connection".
a. Open your Remote Desktop Connection. You can easily locate this using the search option on your Windows Start Menu.
b. In the Computer field enter your server address. This is shown in the example above and will be in the format of client.ppshosted.com
c. You will then need to enter your Username. This is shown in the example above and will begin with ppshosted\5*****.user*
d. In this screen you have the option to save your credentials. If you use multiple Remote Desktop links on one PC then it's advisable not to select this option as saving details on one link can cause others to be overwritten and will result in you connecting to the incorrect remote desktop. If this will be the only remote desktop connection you'll be using you can opt to save your credentials which will mean you won't need to enter your server password each time you connect.
e. You'll now need to go to the Advanced tab and choose Settings. In here you need to set the RD Gateway server to connect.ppshosted.com, untick "Bypass RD Gateway server for local address" and then tick "Use my RD Gateway credentials for the remote computer" and click the OK button.
f. If you will be saving documents to and from your PPS system you will need to enable local drives. This can be done at any point in time and details of how to do so can be found here: Local Drives.
g. Once the above steps have been completed you can then navigate back to the first General tab and then click on the Save As button and name the file ‘PPS Hosted’ or similar so that you know what is it and then choose to save it somewhere easily accessible such as your Windows desktop.
h. Your icon will save and look something like the example below. Double click to access PPS. If you are prompted to enter the password then do so. This will be included in your Hosted Credentials email as per the example in point a.
Section 3 - The Windows 10 Remote Desktop App
a. To begin, open your Remote Desktop app. You should be able to easily locate this via the search function of your Windows Start menu. If you've not yet installed the app then you can do so here. With the app open choose Add in the top corner.
b. Choose Desktop.
c. In the PC name field enter your server address. This is shown in your Credentials email as per the example at the top of this guide and will be in the format of client.ppshosted.com. Then, choose + in the User Account section to add a new user.
d. Enter your Username. This is present in your Credentials email as shown in the example at the top of this guide and will begin with ppshosted\5*****.user1
You can then enter your password, this is case sensitive. Click Save once done.
e. Back in the Add a Desktop screen choose Save.
f. You've now created your remote desktop link and will see it here. In order to successfully access we'll need to configure some additional details. Click Settings at the top of the screen.
g. Select the user you have just added from the User Account drop down and then choose + in the Gateway section.
h. Enter the server name as connect.ppshosted.com and ensure the user account you have added is selected. Choose Save once done.
i. Back in the Settings screen review the settings available and choose Save. Once this is done you'll be able to open the app and double click the Desktop icon to access PPS.
