How to Log In to the eMDs Hosting Environment

Applies to: All users connecting to the eMDs hosted environment from a Windows environment
Last updated: [2/2026]
Author: [Julio H./]

Overview

This article explains how new users log in to the eMDs hosting environment from a Windows computer.

Before you begin, you must have:

Account Information (from IT or eMDs hosting)
- Username (example: SS###.username1)
- Temporary or initial password
- Multi-factor authentication already setup (Not covered in this article)
Network Access
- Stable internet connection
- If required by your organization: VPN access or instructions to connect from the office network only
- Install Microsoft Remote Desktop from the Mac App Store (MAC ONLY)

Select your server (Note: Most users will only have one of the options shown below)
Selecting the server will download the Microsoft RDP connection file. Open the file from your downloads.
Enter your username/password and click 'OK'. NOTE: this is the only screen where you will enter 'emds\' before your username.
NOTE: If the below box shows a different username than your own, you must select "Use a different account" to continue logging in.

NOTE: After you log in the first time, depending on local settings you username may be pre-populated for future logins.

Select and Complete your prefered MFA Option
Congradulations, you have successfully logged into the eMDs hosting environment!

To avoid issues with locked sessions and to protect patient data, always sign out properly.

Exit the eMDs application:
- Use File → Exit, Log off, or click the X to close the program.
Log off from the remote desktop:
- Click the Start button on the remote desktop.
- Select Sign out or Log off.
- Alternatively, select the gold 'Log Off' key icon on the desktop
Once the session closes, the Remote Desktop window will close or return to the connection screen.
If you use a VPN, disconnect from the VPN after your remote session ends.

Do not simply close the laptop lid or shut down your local computer without signing out of the remote desktop.

Verify:
- Caps Lock is off.
- Num Lock is set as needed (for numeric keypad).
Make sure you are using:
- The correct username format (SSID\username1 or username@yourclinic.local, if required).
If you’ve tried more than 3-5 times, your account may be locked.
Contact the eMDs IT support at 803-599-6246 EXT 2 > 2 > 1 or as a ticket via the support portal at portal.cgm.com.

Your Multifactor Authentication may not be setup yet. Please refer to the related article to set that up here.

Confirm your internet connection is active (test another website).
If you must connect via VPN, ensure:
- You are connected to the VPN before starting Remote Desktop.
If you receive specific errors (for example, “Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer”), note the error and contact eMDs IT support at 803-599-6246 EXT 2 > 2 > 1 or as a ticket via the support portal at portal.cgm.com.

First, try closing the eMDs application inside the remote desktop and re-open it.
If the entire remote desktop is frozen:
- Close the Remote Desktop window.
- Wait about 30-60 seconds.
- Reconnect to the hosting environment
If performance issues continue, contact eMDs IT support at 803-599-6246 EXT 2 > 2 > 1 or as a ticket via the support portal at portal.cgm.com and report:
- Time of day
- What you were doing when the issue occurred
- Any error messages

Contact eMDs IT support at 803-599-6246 EXT 2 > 2 > 1 or as a ticket via the support portal at portal.cgm.com if:

Please provide: