Overview
While on-campus, all North Central-issued Windows laptops are connected to the university's Active Directory domain. Among other items, the domain keeps laptop passwords synchronized and ensures critical security updates are applied in a timely manner.
What happens when a North Central-owned laptop is off campus?
When a North Central-issued laptop is taken off-campus, it no longer communicates with the domain. In most cases, this will not present a problem unless you're attempting to access certain internal resources. The laptop will cache your credentials, allowing you to log into Windows while off-campus. However, there are certain circumstances in which an off-campus, North Central-issued laptop's login screen might refuse your password.
If you are unable to log into a North Central-issued laptop while off campus, there are usually two common causes. Read about these scenarios below the potential fixes for each scenario.
Scenario #1
The laptop has been powered off for an extended period and its cached credentials are no longer valid. You will see an error similar to the image below when you try to log in:
Solution
If receiving the above error, your only option is to drop off the laptop to the IT Service Desk. This error cannot be fixed remotely. A technician will need to re-join the laptop to the domain.
Scenario #2
You recently changed/reset your North Central account password and the laptop was off-campus at the time. When you try to log into the laptop with your new password, you see an error that says your password is incorrect.
Solution
An off-campus laptop will be unable to synchronize your new credentials, but you should be able to login to the laptop using your previous password. In order to log in to the laptop using your current password, the laptop needs to communicate with the North Central domain.
To reestablish domain communication and synchronize your new credentials on the laptop, reconnect it to the on-campus wired or wireless network. This will re-establish communications with the domain.