Citrix Connection for ViP and BI/FM Application Users
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to use VPN when accessing the Citrix application?
No, VPN is not required when accessing ViP through Citrix.
Using VPN and Citrix at the same time is possible so if you require VPN to access another application this will not interfere with your work flow.
- What is the "preferences" drop-down button on the Citrix log-on page used for?
The "preferences" button allows you to change the way the applications present themselves on your desktop. It is not recommended that you change from the original setting that was part of the install.
- I understand we have a certain number of licenses to use Citrix - what will happen if there is not a license available (too many users on at one time)?
If there are no licenses available, after you type in your MAC ID and password on the red Citrix log in page, there will be a message stating: "Error: Login exceeds maximum allowed users.
You will have to wait and try again later to connect. License usage will be monitored during implementation.
- When using the ViP Application I often export data to an excel spreadsheet - will I have any issue with doing this?
No, this will still function the same way. However, this version of Office that is available through Citrix may not be the same as your version on your desktop. You will also be limited to where you are allowed to save your documents within Citrix.
- When in ViP and attempting to export a file, Excel will open and the SAS options are available.
SAS is installed as part of Excel on this server so if you open excel through ViP or any other way the SAS menus will appear. You are not able to access SAS information without logging in so there is no risk associated with the SAS menu appearing.
- In Excel, clicking Save and selecting Desktop will save in your citrix profile desktop not your local desktop.
Because you are logging into a server when using Citrix, the "desktop" in the save menu is actually the "desktop" in your profile on the Citrix server. Please do not save here. The configuration of these servers does not guarantee that the file will still be there the next time you log in. Please save to another drive location in the Save drop-down list.
- How long can I stay connected to ViP in Citrix?
- Active working time: unlimited
- Inactive or Idle time: 1 hour
- Disconnected state (able to reconnect): 30 minutes
There is no time limit for how long you are actually "working" in ViP. If you are actually typing, and clicking within the application you will remain connected. However, if you are connected to ViP and are not active, for example if you leave your desk or are reading email, your session can remain idle for up to 1 hour and after that your session will be disconnected from your computer screen but will be still available for 30 minutes. If you log in again within the 30 minutes you will be reconnected to your existing session. If you log back in after 31 minutes you will have lost that session, you will be logged off. The license for that session will also be released.
Best practice suggests that you log out of Citrix after you have finished your work.
- How do I log off from Citrix?
To log out completely from Citrix, select the Web Interface page, where the application icons are located and select Log Off as seen below.

- When I printed from ViP my documents were not at the printer, where did they go?
As with ViP through VPN, Citrix will only print to your default printer. In Citrix, the default printer is specified at the time you log in to Citrix from the first login page. If you change your printer after you are logged in, Citrix will not recognize the new printer as the default.
Solution: Log out of Citrix, set your default printer. Log back into Citrix, launch ViP, and print.
- How do I save documents in Citrix?
Service Desk
| Hours: | Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Phone: | 905-525-9140 x24357 (2HELP) |
| Email: | uts@mcmaster.ca |
| Location: | Main Campus BSB Rm. 245 |
| Service Catalog: | |
| http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts | |
Service Bulletins
- There are no Service Bulletins at this time

