Frequently Asked Questions

Sharing Files using OneDrive (Office 365)
How do I sign up for Mines Emergency Alert?
Connecting to Network Drives
Network troubleshooting tips

Before you start working

What to do if your connection is slow

  • Move closer to your wi-fi router. Getting closer to your router can improve signal strength. Wi-fi extenders can boost the signal in other rooms.
  • Restart your router or computer. Most routers have a reset button. If your computer isn’t connecting but other devices are still working online, reboot your computer.
  • Close other programs and limit streaming/large downloads while you work. Other programs on your computer may consume processor or network resources. Try disconnecting or limiting use of other non-essential devices on your network.
  • Call your internet service provider or check their status website to determine if there are any known issues. This will help you learn if the problem is widespread in your area or specific to your home.
  • Use a mobile hotspot. A hotspot lets you share your phone’s data with other devices to access the internet. Check with your mobile provider to see if a hotspot is an option for you.
Why can't I edit a document in Teams?

In all cases, upon clicking on the document, users will first see the document in view mode – they will be able to see the document content, but not make changes.

In order to edit the document, users need to click on the options in the top right of the white bar above the document content and select “Open in Browser” or (for users with Office for Windows installed on their device) “Open in Desktop App”. This will open the document in Office in a separate window from Teams and allow the user to make changes.

Note: This is a temporary behavior adjustment made by Microsoft 365.

Recording Meetings & Classes Using Zoom
Zoom Troubleshooting Tips

Before you start using Zoom

  1. Make sure you have the bandwidth to run Zoom. Check your internet speed, and then check Zoom’s system requirements.
  2. Test your Zoom connection. Visit zoom.us/test to check you can successfully join a meeting.
  3. If you don’t have the bandwidth, join by phone. Use access numbers provided with meeting
    invitation to dial into Zoom from a mobile or landline phone.

What to do if you’re having problems with Zoom

If Zoom is not working as it should, try the following quick fixes to get back up and running:

  1. Wait 90 seconds. Zoom will automatically try to reconnect you.
  2. Move closer to your wi-fi router. Getting closer to your router can improve signal strength.
  3. Turn off video. Video uses more bandwidth than audio only. If you don’t need it, switch it off.
  4. Sign out and sign back in again. Leave the meeting and join it again. If you’re the host, end
    the meeting and start it again.
  5. Join by phone. You can dial into Zoom (audio only) from a mobile or landline phone using
    access numbers provided in meeting invitation.

VPN

I use the DUO application for Multi-Factor Authentication. How do I authenticate to the VPN?

After entering your password you will get a pop-up window with an empty input field. If you use the DUO app on your phone type “push” and it will notify you on your phone. If you use a FOB, type in the code from your FOB.

Does using the VPN mean that I’m safe when I’m online?

No. Using a VPN ensures that Mines knows who you are and if you are part of our campus community. It prevents someone off-campus from eavesdropping on your traffic when you access on-campus resources. It does nothing to protect you from phishing scams, viruses, malware or other on-line threats.

I know friends who use a VPN to protect their privacy online. Does the Mines VPN do that?

No. An enterprise VPN (what Mines uses) exists for a different reason than a VPN with a public anonymizing service. The Mines VPN helps protect the campus network from attackers. It is not an anonymizing service (i.e. it won’t hide your browsing history). The Mines network, including our VPN, keeps a record of who logs in and what IP addresses you visit. That information is protected by strict privacy guidelines as well as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Can I use the Mines VPN on my phone or tablet?

Yes. Look for the official OpenVPN client in your device’s App store, and then follow the instructions for your mobile operating system for importing your user profile. There are also links on the school’s VPN page after you log into ras.mines.edu.

Can I use the Mines VPN on Linux?

Yes. In fact, the OpenVPN system used by Mines was originally developed for Linux and still provides excellent support. Your distributions repo will have a package for the OpenVPN client. There are also instructions on the school’s VPN page after you log into ras.mines.edu

If none of these answers your question, please submit a ticket via Mines Help Center