Active Directory
Understand how your BU account provides access to Questrom computers, shared files, and other University-managed resources.
ACTIVE DIRECTORY
What Is Active Directory?
Active Directory is part of Boston University’s identity and access infrastructure. It allows supported computers and resources to recognize your BU identity and determine what you’re permitted to access.
Your BU Identity
Active Directory connects supported University computers and resources to your existing BU identity. You normally don’t need a separate local account.
Computers & Resources
AD can authenticate access to managed computers, shared files, network resources, and other departmental systems.
Access Based on Your Role
Permissions can depend on your University affiliation, department, role, course enrollment, or membership in an appropriate security group.
ACCOUNT PROVISIONING
Do I Need to Activate Anything?
In most cases, no separate Active Directory activation is required. Your BU identity and core access are provisioned through the University’s account-management systems.
01
BU Affiliation Established
Your relationship with BU — such as student, faculty, staff, or another eligible affiliation — establishes the basis for account access.
02
BU Login Provisioned
Your BU Login gives you an identity for supported University technology services.
03
Access Is Assigned
Standard access is provisioned automatically, while specific systems and resources may require additional authorization.
An active account does not mean access to everything. Your BU account may be working normally while a particular Questrom folder, computer, application, or other resource requires separate permission.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR ACCOUNT
AD vs Your BU Login
These terms are related, but they describe different parts of the University’s identity and access system.
BU Login
Your University username and identity used to sign in to supported BU technology services.
Kerberos Password
The password associated with your BU Login and used to authenticate to many University resources.
Active Directory
A directory and access-control system that allows managed computers and resources to recognize your BU identity and determine appropriate access.
One account, fewer passwords. BU Active Directory can authenticate supported resources using your standard BU login name and Kerberos password, eliminating the need to maintain separate local accounts for those resources.
QUESTROM ACCESS
Where You May Encounter Active Directory
You may never need to interact with Active Directory directly. Instead, you’ll encounter it behind the scenes when accessing Questrom computers, files, and remote resources.
Questrom Computers
Your BU account may be used to sign in to AD-managed Questrom computers and computer labs.
Network Drives
Active Directory permissions can determine which shared folders and Questrom network resources your account is permitted to access.
Remote Desktop
When connecting remotely to an AD-managed Questrom Windows computer, your BU credentials authenticate the remote session.
ACCESS TROUBLESHOOTING
Having Trouble with Access?
The type of problem you’re seeing can help determine whether the issue is your BU account or permission to a specific Questrom resource.
Your BU Login Doesn’t Work
If your username or password is failing across multiple BU services, troubleshoot the BU account itself before focusing on a specific Questrom resource.
One Resource Doesn’t Work
If your BU account works elsewhere but you cannot access one folder, computer, or Questrom system, your account may simply be missing permission to that specific resource.
Your Role Recently Changed
Access can depend on your current department, role, University affiliation, or course enrollment. A change in affiliation can therefore affect which resources are available to you.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Quick Answers
Do I need to activate an Active Directory account?
No separate AD activation is normally required. Your core BU account and standard access are provisioned through the University’s identity-management systems.
Is my Active Directory password different from my BU password?
Normally, no. Supported AD resources can authenticate using your standard BU login name and Kerberos password.
Why can I sign into BU but not access a Questrom folder?
Signing in confirms your identity; it does not automatically authorize access to every resource. Your account may not have permission to that particular folder or system.
Does Active Directory control every BU service?
No. Active Directory is one part of BU’s broader Identity & Access Management environment. Different University services can use different identity, authentication, and authorization systems.
Still Can’t Access a Questrom Resource?
If your BU Login works but you’re missing access to a Questrom computer, network folder, application, or other resource, contact Questrom ITS and tell us exactly what you’re trying to access.
Get IT Support
questromhelp@bu.edu
Visit The Helpdesk
617-353-9858
Mon – Thurs: 8am – 6pm
Friday: 8am – 5pm