How do I use Remote Desktop Connection on my Microlab Prep?

Beginning with Microlab Prep software v3.3.0, the following instructions may be used to access the Microlab Prep software from a remotely connected Windows PC using Remote Desktop Connection (RDC). It is important to note that individual network infrastructure, rules, and/or policies may prevent RDC from working in your environment. Please contact your IT department for further information. The Microlab Prep Networking Guide may be of assistance in configuring the Microlab Prep for your setup or unique needs.

An RDC connection can be started from a Windows PC attached to the same network as the Microlab Prep. This can be accomplished by both devices connected to an internal intranet, or directly connecting a windows PC to the Microlab Prep via an ethernet cable.

Connecting via RDC

Before you Begin:

Ensure the Microlab Prep is on software version 3.3.0 or higher. The latest software update and instructions for updating can be found on our website: https://www.hamiltoncompany.com/automated-liquid-handling/knowledgebase/microlab-prep/download-the-latest-software
Ensure the Microlab Prep instrument and the remote Windows PC you will be connecting from are on the same network. If you need assistance, please submit a ticket: https://www.hamiltoncompany.com/laboratory-solutions-support-request

1.Identify the IP address of the internal PC of the Microlab Prep. In the Microlab Prep software, navigate to Settings (gear icon) -> Instrument-> Configuration -> Network Settings.

microLAB Prep Instrument Configuration screen showing Network Settings tab with controller board and internal PC IP addresses

Note: Use the IP address listed under Internal PC when setting up the Remote Desktop Connection (RDC). Please be aware that your specific IP address may differ from the one shown below, depending on your network configuration.

2. On the remote Windows PC, open the Remote Desktop Connection app and enter the IP address for the Internal PC of the Microlab Prep in the “Computer” field.

Windows Remote Desktop Connection dialog box with a blank Computer name field

3. While not required, it is recommended to change the display configuration to match the resolution of the screen on the Microlab Prep to ensure the best experience. Before selecting the “Connect” button, select the “Show Options” arrow at the bottom left of the Remote Desktop Connection dialog

Windows Remote Desktop Connection dialog box with Computer field blank and Show Options button highlighted

Select the “Display” tab, then change the resolution to 1280x800. This will ensure all software elements appear identically as if you were using the software on the Microlab Prep screen itself.

Remote Desktop Connection window showing the Display tab with resolution slider set to 1280 by 800 pixels

4. When finished entering both the IP address and changing the screen resolution, select “Connect”.

Remote Desktop Connection window showing Display tab with resolution set to 1280x800 pixels and 32-bit color depth.

5. In the Windows Security dialog box, select the “More Choices” option, then select “Use a different account”.

Windows Security dialog prompting credential entry to connect to 192.168.100.101, with "More choices" and "Use a different account" highlighted.

Note: This dialog may look slightly different between Windows 10 and Windows 11 and fields may be pre-populated with other credential information depending on PC and prior RDC usage.

6. Use the following credentials, then select “OK”.

“User name”: \MLPrepRemote

“Password”: R3moteDesktop!

7. A new security certificate dialog may show. Select “Yes” to continue.

8. Only one Windows “user” may be using the Microlab Prep software at any one time. If you have not “signed out” of the Microlab Prep, you will be prompted that another user is currently logged in when the remote session starts. Select “Yes” to continue and log the current user out.

Windows login prompt for MLPrepRemote user account with "Yes" button highlighted to disconnect another signed-in user. — Screen of Remote PC

On the Microlab Prep screen, a dialog will appear indicating that another user is attempting to log in. Tap “OK” to continue, or this message will automatically close after 30 seconds and the new remote connection will be established.

MicroLab Prep software home screen with a Remote Desktop Connection dialog box requesting permission to connect — Screen of Microlab Prep

Note: Optionally, this dialog can be prevented by signing out of the Microlab Prep. To do this, plug in a USB keyboard to a USB port on the left side of the Microlab Prep, simultaneously press CTRL-ALT-DEL and choose “Sign Out” before attempting the remote session.

Windows security menu with Sign out option highlighted by a red circle

9. Once the remote session begins, you will see the Microlab Prep user interface on your remote Windows PC and the Microlab Prep screen will be logged out. You will only be able to operate the instrument from the remote Windows PC.

Hamilton ProtocolLAB Prep software home screen showing Browse and New Protocol buttons with protocol tile grid — Screen of Remote PC

Windows lock screen displaying 3:30 Wednesday May 7, with a schematic illustration of a desktop PC tower — Screen of Microlab Prep

Ending the RDC Session

1.When you are finished with the remote session, closing the RDC session window will cause the MLPrepRemote user to automatically be disconnected.

microLAB Prep software home screen showing a Protocol tile and Browse and New Protocol buttons — Screen of Remote PC

Select “OK” on the Your session will be disconnected dialog.

Microlab Prep software home screen with a Remote Desktop Connection disconnection warning dialog box — Screen of Remote PC

2. On the Microlab Prep, the software can be accessed again by swiping up on the touch screen and choosing the MLPrepKiosk user, then selecting “Sign In”. This user does not require a password and will automatically start the software.

Windows login screen showing MLPrepKiosk account selected, with additional user accounts listed on the left panel. — Screen of Microlab Prep

Limitations

When interacting with the Microlab Prep software via RDC, import and export functionality is still based on the physical Microlab Prep itself. Importing and exporting from USB will use the USB connectors on the Microlab Prep. Importing and exporting via network will use the Microlab Prep’s credentials and network connection, not the Remote PC’s credentials and network connection.

When connecting to a Microlab Prep that is already simulating or running, the run screen will only show what happens from the point of connection forward. It will not show historical actions.

RDC access may be blocked by IT for a number of reasons. If the instructions above are not working, check with your IT department for any blocking rules that may be in place. Also be sure to take note of your connection setup (either direct from the PC to the Microlab Prep, or via a network connection), check your connections, and also refer to the Microlab Prep Networking Guide.

At a minimum, software version v3.3.0 must be installed on the Microlab Prep in order to use the MLPrepRemote user to remotely login to the Microlab Prep.

Advanced connections from offsite locations are possible, but may require additional tools such as VPN, port forwarding, and/or other tunneling applications to accomplish. Contact your IT department for more information on what might be allowed.

If user management is enabled on the Microlab Prep, it is recommended to first log out of your Microlab Prep account before you close your RDC session window. Not logging out first may enable another user to login as MLPrepRemote and gain access to the currently logged in Microlab Prep user. This is analogous to walking away from your desktop PC without first “locking” it.