MSDN Academic Alliance @ VCU | Department of Information Systems

PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Registration Instructions

ALL ACCOUNTS FOR MSDNAA ACCESS WILL BE CREATED THE DAY AFTER THE ADD/DROP FOR EVERY SEMESTER. FOR SPRING 2012, THIS WILL BE MONDAY THE 23 OF JANUARY.

Software Delivery

All software downloaded through MSDNAA will be in .ISO format, typically called an "image" file because it is an exact representation of a CD/DVD in digital format. Think of an image file as a CD but without the actual disk. Most packages will be available for a "campus-hosted" download, meaning you can pull from an IS server that will take much less time to download. Less commonly used packages will still be available through Microsoft's DreamSpark servers but they will take more time.

You can handle the .iso format in two different ways, by BURNING it to a CD/DVD or by MOUNTING it from your hard drive. BURNING to a CD may require special software if you are not running Windows 7.
Here are instructions for how to burn a DVD or CD.
Here are instructions for how to mount an image file.

User Authenication

For the Spring semester, users will be authenticated using an MSDNAA account seperate from an ISY Active Directory account. We are curretly working on the Single Sign On process in order to use Active Directory accounts. Every account will be named according to this standard: "eid@vcu.edu". When Active Directory authentication is restored (it won't be until Fall), this will change.

YOU MUST CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT AND PASSWORD ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS POSTED AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE. SEE THE BIG HEADER?

Forgotten Password

Users may change their password as needed on the ISY Student Resources page.

Account Creation

Accounts are created by ISY network technicians the day after the ADD/DROP DAY. Please do not contact us if you are accessing your account before this date THIS IS THE PERSON TO CONTACT IF YOU CANNOT ACCESS YOUR ACCOUNT POST CREATION DATE (1 day after add/drop).

Account Duration

Student accounts are generated each semester according to his or her class status. Accounts are valid during the semesters they are issued. Any lapse of enrollment in a qualifying INFO class will result in user account becoming inactive. Students taking a semester off or not currently enrolled in an INFO class will find their accounts inactive.

VCU_Image

MSDNAA@isy,vcu.edu is a program designed to cut the costs of education to our students. We appreciate your continued support and will strive to provide quality service to our students, faculty, and staff.