Logging into Dimensions CM

Log into Dimensions CM when you want to use the desktop client to perform tasks such as checking out, editing, or actioning objects.

Before you log in, you must get the following information from your Dimensions CM administrator:

The name of your Dimensions CM server.
The name of the database for the product you are working with.
The connection string for the database.
If you are accessing files and directories on a remote node, the user name and password for an account on the remote node.

NOTE If you supplied these details when you installed Dimensions CM, the Log In dialog box will be pre-populated with these details the first time you log in. For details, see the Installation Guide for Windows Clients.

PRIVILEGES You must be registered on a Dimensions CM base database.

To log into Dimensions CM:

From the Windows Start menu, select Start | Programs | Serena | Dimensions CM | 14.2 | Desktop Client.

The appearance of the Log In window depends on whether or not your client is configured to use Smart Card authentication.

If you want to use Smart Card authentication to log in, you will need to have the ActivClient software installed and a valid card inserted in your card reader. For details of CAC support, see the System Administration Guide. If this is the case, the Log In window will give you the option to either log in using Smart Card, or using user credentials (your username and password).

If your client is not configured for Smart Card authentication, the Log In window will not show the User Credentials/Smart Card options or the Certificate list, only the User ID and Password fields.

Do one of the following:

If you are using Smart Card login:

a select Smart Card.

b If you have not previously supplied your PIN, a dialog may be displayed asking you to enter it. Enter your PIN and click OK.

c If you want to select a different certificate, select it from the Certificate list. Alternatively, click Browse and select a certificate from the list at the top of the dialog box. The details are displayed below. Click OK to select the certificate.

If you are not using Smart Card login:

a If the Smart Card option is displayed on the Log In window, select User Credentials.

b For User ID, type a user ID that is registered on the Dimensions CM base database.

c For Password, type the password for user ID that you entered.

If required, enter the following information:

For Server, type the Dimensions CM server name.
For DB Name, type the Dimensions CM database name.
For DB Connection, type the database connection string, if it is not already present.

If you have created and saved a login profile, these details will already be present. For details, see To create a login profile:.

To log in to Dimensions CM automatically in future sessions, select the Enable Automatic Login check box.

NOTE This check box is only enabled if your Dimensions CM administrator has allowed automatic login. It is also disabled when you log in for the first time.

Click the OK button.

If you are using Smart Card, a dialog may be displayed asking you to enter your PIN at this point. Enter the PIN and click OK.

NOTE The first time you log in to the desktop client you may be presented with a Select User Interface Profile dialog box. Select the profile you require from the list and click OK. If you are unsure, consult your Dimensions CM administrator.

To log into another Dimensions server without closing the desktop client:

From the desktop client, select File | Log Out.
Complete the Login dialog box as described above in To log in to Dimensions CM.

To log in to a remote node:

Log in to Dimensions CM.
Select File | Remote Node Log In.
If you are logging in to the remote node for the first time, do the following:

a Click the Add button.

b In the Add Remote File Node dialog box, type the name of the remote node and click the OK button.

c For User ID, type your user name for the remote node.

d For Password, type your password for the remote node.

NOTE You can only change the password for a Windows server and a UNIX server with LDAP enabled.

If you are logging in to a node you have accessed previously, from the Physical Node list, select the node name.
To log in to Dimensions CM automatically in future sessions, select the Login Automatically check box.

NOTE This check box is only enabled if your Dimensions CM administrator has allowed automatic login.

Click the Login button.

NOTE For the Save settings for all nodes option to take effect, you need to have the option Authorize automatic remote login set for your user in the Administration Console under User and Group Registration.

To access the Login dialog box during automatic login:

Hold down Ctrl, and from the Windows Start menu, select Start | Programs | Serena | Dimensions CM 14.2 | Desktop Client.

To create a login profile:

In the Login dialog box, from the Profile list, select New.
Select the Save settings check box.
Overtype the name in the Profile field with the name you want to use to identify the new profile.
Populate the remaining fields in the Login dialog box.
Click the OK button. All of your login information except your password is stored in the login profile.

To use a login profile:

In the Login dialog box, from the Profile list, select a profile.
In the Password field, type your password.
Click the Connect button.

To change your password:

Log in to Dimensions CM.
Select File | Change password.
In the Change Password dialog box, enter the following information:

In the For server/node list, select the server node for which you want to change your password.
For Current Password, type the existing password for your user.
For New Password, type the new password you require.
For Confirm Password, retype the new password.

Click OK.

To change your User Interface Profile:

Log in to Dimensions CM.
Click the icon on the right of the status bar and select a profile from the list.

NOTE There will only be a list available if your administrator has set up more than one UI profile for your user.