I cannot log in
Work down this list. Most failed logins are resolved in the first two steps, and the order matters — a VPN problem and an account problem look almost identical from the terminal.
1. Is the VPN connected?#
By far the most common cause. Without the UCPH VPN, the connection cannot reach Mjolnir at all — it will usually hang and then time out rather than refuse you.
Connect to the UCPH VPN and try again. See VPN and SSH access.
Note Being connected to the university network is not the same as being on the VPN. Check that the VPN client itself shows an active connection.
If the VPN itself will not connect, that is a UCPH IT matter rather than a Mjolnir one: Remote access on KUnet and KU-IT contact details.
2. Is the command right?#
ssh <KU-ID>@mjolnirgate.unicph.domainCheck that you have replaced <KU-ID> with your own KU user ID, and that the hostname is exactly as above. A typo in the hostname produces a name-resolution error rather than a login prompt.
3. Are your credentials right?#
Your password is the one associated with your KU-ID — there is no separate Mjolnir password. If your KU password has recently changed or expired, use the new one.
Repeated failed attempts can lock you out temporarily, so if you have been guessing, stop and resolve the password question first rather than trying again.
4. Using SSH keys?#
If you set up key-based login and it stops working — for example after regenerating your keys or moving to a new computer — fall back to password login to confirm the account itself is fine, then sort the key out separately. See SSH shortcuts and keys.
5. Is the account actually active yet?#
If you have never logged in successfully, the account may not be ready. Account creation depends on PI verification and is not instant — see Request access.
If you are unsure whether your account was created, ask rather than retrying.
6. Is it the system rather than you?#
If the VPN is connected, the command is right, and login worked recently with no change at your end, the problem may not be yours. Check whether maintenance is in progress, and if nothing explains it, report it.
Where to take it#
| Symptom | Where it belongs |
|---|---|
| VPN client will not connect at all | UCPH IT |
| VPN connects, SSH times out or is refused | Mjolnir support |
| Password rejected but VPN fine | Mjolnir support |
| Never logged in; account may not exist | Mjolnir support |
Open a request through Getting help. Include the exact command you ran, the exact error text, whether the VPN was connected, and whether login has ever worked for you.
Tip ssh -v <KU-ID>@mjolnirgate.unicph.domain prints a verbose connection trace. You do not need to interpret it — including it in a support request often shows immediately where the connection stops.