Please note this applies to on-campus computers ONLY.

What's Happening

Computers that have not been connected to the campus network in a while may not have the latest updates and settings assigned to them through our management software.  Once they are re-connected to the network on campus, any missing updates will automatically begin to download and install; a process that, in some cases, could potentially take several hours.

If your computer has been off campus for 2 months or more, we strongly encourage you to consider manually updating your computer before returning to the office.

 

How to Manually Update Windows

1. Make sure your computer is connected to the internet
   
   
2. Click the start button and select the Gear (settings) icon above it
   
   
   
3. When the Windows settings screen appears click on Update & Security
   
   
   
4. Locate & click on the link "Check online for updates from Microsoft Update".  On some computers it may appear grayed out and difficult to see.
   
   
   
5. Follow any additional prompts or directions that appear and give any permissions necessary for it to make changes to your computer.  Depending on the number and type of updates required, it may be necessary to run the update process more than once to make sure you are fully up to date.  

 

 

Due to issues with several Windows updates released this month, when attempting to print, some people may have started to experience either blue error screens (also known as a Blue Screen of Death or BSOD).  In other cases, people do not see a blue screen but have started having issues with their prints (missing images, formatting issues, color issues, etc...).

In both cases, there is a specific update to help resolve the issue.  To do so, you will first need to determine which version of Windows 10 you have and download the correct fix from Microsoft:

Determine Your Windows Version

1. Click the Start button and select the settings (gear) icon in the start menu
   
   
   
2. Click on the Update & Security option
   
   
3. Locate and click on the OS build info link.  It should either be at the bottom of the screen or on the right, depending on your screen resolution.
   
   
4. Locate the Windows Specifications and look for the version number.
   

 

Download the Associated Update

Once you know your version, you'll need to download the correct update to address the issue you are having.  Here are links to the various fixes:

Blue Screen Fix

• Windows 10 version 2004 / 20H2
• Windows 10 version 1909
• Windows 10 version 1809
• Windows 10 version 1803

Printing Format Problems Fix (non-blue screen issues)

• Windows 10 version 2004 / 20H2
• Windows 10 version 1909
• Windows 10 version 1809
• Windows 10 version 1803

 

Removing And Replacing Java

Ag Communication Computer Services (ACCS) has recently received several shipments of computers ordered under the CARES Act funding and will likely continue to receive additional shipments of computers throughout the rest of December.  

Here are some answers to the most common questions we've received about these orders:

What is the timeline on getting computers out to everyone?

Currently we are working to just get the CARES Act computers out and into people's hands as quickly as possible.  This process involves inventorying & tagging each computer, imaging them, setting them up with the account of the person who requested the computer and getting them delivered to the correct department / REC / County Office  We will be providing additional setup assistance (email, printers, data, etc...) once all computers have been distributed.  Due to the number of computers ordered, we anticipate we will be imaging and delivering computers until at least the end of December.

 

I've received my computer and would like to start using it

We are currently including a basic setup sheet that provides information on how to log in, connect to the wireless and set up your email (Outlook).  We also have a page you can visit that provides connection information for computers, docking stations and monitors.  

 

How will you determine priority for setups?

Priority for final setups will be given to those whose current computer is not functioning (must be completely dead).  As per the "Store Files in the Cloud for Priority Setup of New Computers" segment of Dr. Greg Lardy's "About Us" email dated August 19, we will also be giving priority to computers for those people who have moved their data into the cloud or will be transferring their own data. Moving your data into the cloud yourself not only ensures all of your data has been transferred, it also helps protect your data from accidental loss and can speed up the setup process which allows us to help more people in a shorter amount of time.

Those whose computer is currently working and do not wish to transfer their own data will receive assistance as soon as the priority computers have been completed. 

 

I would like to receive a priority setup, is it too late for me to begin transferring my data to the cloud?

It is not too late.  However, transferring gigabytes of data to the cloud can take hours or even days depending on the speed of your network connection.  It is recommended you start transferring data sooner, rather than later so you are ready when your new computer arrives.  When transferring data to the cloud, please be aware that once you transfer data to the cloud, you will need to edit the files within the cloud folder to ensure the latest version is saved. 

 

I'm looking for assistance in setting up my computer, including data transfer.  How long will it take to get to me?

 At this point we estimate approximately 400 computers were ordered for Agricultural Affairs through various sources using CARES Act funding. This is around 8 times the average number of computers ordered during our annual Extension Equipment / Cost-Share order. 

As we are still working to establish the number of priority setups and, understanding the uniqueness of each individual's needs, it is difficult to give an accurate estimate at this time.  However, we believe it may be safe to say it could take months for some computers.  We strongly encourage everyone to consider moving their data to the cloud to receive priority assistance and help us expedite the setup process for everyone.  

 

I've purchased a computer from a 3d party vendor (not ACCS), can you please set it up?

As long as your computer meets our baseline hardware specifications and falls within our support guidelines, we will be happy to help set up your computer.  However, as our current setup priority is the CARES Act computers, unless your current computer is completely inoperable (dead), or you don't currently have one, you will be subject to the same waiting period as the CARES Act computers.  If you just need the computer imaged, we will make an effort to assist once the CARES Act computers have been imaged (potentially the end of December).  If you need a full setup (need help transferring data), you will need to contact the help desk to request a ticket for a computer setup.  Please note that you will be subject to the same wait times as the CARES Act computers.  While waiting for your turn in the queue, we strongly encourage you to work with your department to get your new computer inventoried and tagged with an NDSU Inventory sticker (we cannot image a computer without this).  You will also need to work with your department's software person to order any software needed through NDSU Software Licensing. 

 

 

 

 

If you've been the recent recipient of a NDSU listserv email, you may have noticed that the sender's address now appears to be a string of alpha-numeric characters similar to this:

00000e63f369df3b-dmarc-request@listserv.nodak.edu

While this may look like something that should raise red flags, this is actually by design.  This change is part of an email security upgrade (known ad DMARC) intended to help eliminate people from spoofing or impersonating NDSU email addresses.  Unfortunately, a side effect of this is that the sender's email is very unusual.

 

Priority for New Computer Setups Goes to Those with Data Stored in the Cloud

Due to the CARES Act funding, Ag Communication Computer Services will ordering and setting up a very large number of computers this fall.  To maximize our effectiveness, we will now be giving priority to faculty and staff who have moved their data into the cloud and do not require data transfers. 

Cloud storage options, such as OneDrive and Google Drive, provide a data storage method that is constantly backed up and allows for data continuity in the event of a disaster, such as a virus outbreak or a building fire.

These options also are a convenient way to work. Since they can be accessed through a program on your computer or the web, your files are accessible to you anywhere you have an internet connection. This eliminates the risk of losing data during a data transfer and significantly reduces the amount of time needed for a computer setup.  They also helps you to be prepared for upcoming security requirements and changes that may make transferring and/or recovering data much more difficult and time consuming.

We strongly encourage everyone to move their data to one of our cloud options (OneDrive or Google Drive). We generally recommend OneDrive for it's built-in client, inclusion in the Office 365 Online suite and it's approval for storing both HIPAA and FERPA data.  However, OneDrive is limited to 1TB (1 Terrabyte) of data.  If you need more, Google Drive (aka Google Drive File Stream) is also a valid option.  Google Drive provides unlimited storage space but requires a separate client install and is not approved for HIPAA data. 

For more information on these options, please visit our Shared Drive page.

We will also be conducting two Zoom sessions on installing the desktop software, locating your files and where to move them to utilize the cloud storage.  The sessions will be available on August 6 at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.  For information on joining one of the sessions, please see the latest Let's Communicate.

 

 

What's happening?

Recent updates to Windows 10 have started to cause printer issues on some computers. This issue can prevent print jobs from completing and, in some cases, throw errors or even cause the program to crash and/or close.

How do I fix it?

Please use the following updates to fix printer issues on your Windows 10 computer.  These patches will require you to restart your computer. 
Please note that the files may have .msu extensions, but will still run like a standard .exe file when double clicked.

Win 10 Version	OS Build Number	Printer Patch
1909	18363.xxx	KB4567512
1903	18362.xxx	KB4567512
1809	17763.xxxx	KB4567513
1803	17134.xxxx	KB4567514
1709	16299.xxxx	KB4567515
1703	15063.xxxx	KB4567516
1607	14393.xxxx	KB4567517

To find your Windows 10 version:

1. Click the Start Button and then click on the settings (gear) icon
2. In settings, select System > About

Near the bottom of the page you should see something like this.

 

If you are unable to find the Windows version, you can also try this method:

• Right Click on the Start Button and select Run.
• Type cmd.exe and press Enter
• At the C:> prompt enter ver and press Enter.
• You should now see the OS version (build) number  you can look up in the 2nd column above.
  

 

 

To assist NDSU staff and faculty in working from home, here is some information on NDSU resources currently available for your use:

File Services

Internet-based options such as OneDrive and other NDSU File Services allow us to safely store, share and access data from home or anywhere else you have an internet connection.

OneDrive (Cloud Storage)

• OneDrive Client Setup
• Log into Office 365 Online (web version of Outlook, OneDrive, Word, etc...)
• Sharing folders in OneDrive
• Additional OneDrive Information

Additional NDSU File Services

• Connecting to Central File Services (U:, S: X: Drives) from off-campus
• Google Drive (Google Apps for Education)
• Secure File Transfer

Remote Desktop Connections

If you have a desktop in your office, connecting remotely using Microsoft's Remote Desktop tool (RDP) is another option.  Using this, you should be able to connect from your home computer or a loaner notebook and control your work desktop. You may need to authenticate using DUO to connect (same thing you use when logging into your NDSU webmail).

• Connecting with Remote Desktop
• Multi-factor Authentication (DUO)

Adding Accounts

If you are planning to use a "loaner" notebook computer off-campus, you will need to add a local account for your use.

•  Adding local users to a computer (for off-campus use)

 

If you have any questions about the above services, we ask that you please contact the NDSU Help Desk at 231-8685.

 

 

On Tuesday (Jan. 14), Microsoft support for Windows 7 ended.  We have completed our rollout of Windows 10 upgrades and are now working to resolve issues on a handful of computers that were having trouble reporting to our management system. 

NDSU ITS have decided to delay their plans to block all Windows 7 computers from the NDSU campus network by 1 week.  This provides one last opportunity for any remaining Windows 7 computers to upgrade before they are no longer able to access network services such as printers, share drives, email and the internet.

I have a Windows 7 computer that was not upgraded

During our rollout and notifications, it's possible that some computers may have been missed.  If your computer meets our support requirements but was not upgraded, please contact us at ndsu.agtech@ndsu.edu.  If you are unsure as to whether your computer meets our support requirements, please visit our page on determining computer support for more information on ways to find out.

How to manually upgrade computers no longer supported by Ag Comm

If your computer is no longer considered supported, you will need to work with your departmental software contact  to request a Windows 10 disc from NDSU Software licensing and manually upgrade your computer. 

 

 

The policy of the North Dakota State University Agriculture and University Extension is to respect the privacy of all users of information technology services. This electronic privacy statement is intended to inform the Agriculture and University Extension clients of Agriculture and University Extension information gathering and usage practices.

North Dakota University System Policy and Procedure, 1901.2, NDSU Policies and Procedures 158 and 710, and federal and state laws take precedence over this privacy statement.

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