Computer log-in updates for FP&M employee computers

An Active Directory (AD) is a service that acts like a digital phonebook for computers. Campus Active Directory (CAD) is UW–Madison’s primary AD service, operated by the Division of Information Technology (DoIT). 

Along with other IT systems, CAD allows the university’s IT administrators to manage access to networked devices in one place. It allows them to enforce workstation policies and provide access to vital applications and services. 

CAD is a major component of UW–Madison’s NetID login service, which allows UW community members to use a single login to access university resources.  Historically, IT departments in many schools, colleges, divisions and units have operated their own Active Directories. The Active Directory Migration Project aims to consolidate those directories into CAD so you only need a single login — your NetID — to access digital services.

Dan McHugh will email you with your appointment date and time. You’ll also receive an Outlook calendar invitation.

Important: The calendar invitation is a time blocker for your calendar. This is not a virtual meeting — you don’t need to join a Teams, Zoom or Webex call. You must be present at your computer during the scheduled time.

Rescheduling is difficult — we’re coordinating updates for thousands of employees across campus. Please make every effort to attend your scheduled appointment.

If you have an unavoidable conflict, email Dan McHugh (djmchugh@wisc.edu) to request rescheduling.

• We’ll remove your computer from the schedule to protect your login access.
• We have limited preset appointment slots available — we can’t create custom times.
• Missing multiple appointments may prevent you from logging in to your computer.

Recent high-profile security breaches at peer institutions show the need to manage and reduce risk across UW–Madison. Having separate, individually managed Active Directories poses a significant risk to the university and is a barrier to advancing university-wide cybersecurity controls.

Reducing the number of domains by migrating them into CAD is the most effective and sustainable strategy for:

• Reducing the number of potential entry points for cyberattacks
• Applying policies and practices consistently 
• Making it possible to use modern cybersecurity tools
• Making the university’s IT infrastructure simpler and easier to maintain

This project will also provide a better experience for you by eliminating the need to keep track of multiple passwords for different work environments.

After your computer is updated, you’ll use your NetID and NetID password (what you use to log in to Workday) to access:

• Your computer
• File shares
• Applications

No.

After this update, you will use your NetID and NetID password (what you use to log in to Workday) to log in to your computer instead of your previous department login credentials. Your NetID password will remain the same — you’ll just use it in more places.

1. Accept your appointment invitation in Outlook and reschedule any conflicting events. Contact Daniel McHugh (djmchugh@wisc.edu) immediately if you have an unavoidable conflict during your appointment time.
2. Restart your computer twice — once when you receive the invitation and again one week later.
3. After each restart, connect to the campus network:
   • If you’re on campus: connect to the campus Wi-Fi or Ethernet
   • If you’re working remotely: connect to VPN (Reference: WiscVPN Overview)
4. Keep your computer connected to the campus network for at least 4 hours to allow required system updates to complete.
5. Review your appointment details and make sure you understand what will happen.

You will not be able to use your computer during this update. Your participation is vital to making sure your computer is updated during your appointment. Here’s what you need to do:

10 minutes before your appointment

By the time your appointment begins, you should have completed these steps:

1. Have your phone available in case you need to call for support and write down the DoIT Help Desk number: 608-265-6900.
2. Log in to your computer as you normally would.
3. Connect your computer to a wired/Ethernet internet connection or VPN if using wifi on campus or working remotely. (WiscVPN Overview).
4. Save and close all work. Your computer will restart automatically during the update. You will not be able to use your computer during this update.

During your appointment

A pop-up window will appear asking for your “Cutover Credentials.”

1. Under Account, enter AD\ and your NetID. For example, if your NetID is badger, enter AD\badger
2. Under Password, enter your NetID password (what you use to access Workday).
3. Select Submit, and the pop-up window will disappear.

If the “Cutover Credentials” pop-up window doesn’t appear within 10 minutes of your appointment start time,  double-check you’re connected to campus Ethernet (plugged in) or VPN. If you still do not get the pop-up after 10 minutes, contact the DoIT Help Desk at 608-265-6900.

You will not be able to use your computer during the update, which will take up to 15 minutes. It will restart automatically when the update is complete.

4. After your computer restarts, log in using your NetID credentials (what you use to log in to Workday).

The first login will likely take longer than normal. After logging in, you may need to sign in to some of your applications, such as Microsoft 365 applications.

1. 5. Reconnect to the campus Ethernet or VPN and stay connected for at least 4 hours to allow background processes to complete.

If you need help during the security update, contact DoIT Help Desk at (608) 265-6900