Re: Terminal Services In Application Server Mode

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Hi Hank,

comments inline...

Hank Arnold (MVP) wrote:
Changing from Application Mode to Administration mode (or back) will
generally cause problems with previously installed programs. You will
get a message warning you about it.

It is possible to switch back and forth between the different modes without breaking existing applications. If you do not thoroughly understand the difference between the two modes and what *precisely* happens during installs you *may* have a problem.

That is why I warned against it unless the person is an advanced TS admin. I have had to do it a number of times over the years in very specific circumstances, and have not had any problems.

The "catch" is that I understand why the warning is there, whereas I would guess the majority of people do not.


BTW, in 2003 there is no "Administration" mode. It's there
automatically. You just have to enable remote access. Installing
Terminal Services gives you Application Mode.

Yes, there is. It is called "Remote Desktop for Administration", shortened by me in my text to "remote admin mode". This is the mode the server is in by default after installation. It is listed in the documentation as well as referenced in some admin tools.

In some places the docs have dropped the "mode" designation, but I think when in context it makes sense to refer to it as a mode. I say this because a TS still has two mutually exclusive configurations with different behavior, regardless of high-level name changes.

I call it remote admin mode because in 2000 Server it was called Remote administration mode, and Remote Desktop for Adminisration mode in 2003 is the same configuration. This allows me to refer to either version using the same terminology as well as permits those with prior TS experience to understand the exact mode I am referring to.

The names in 2000 and 2003 are close enough that I believe referring to them both as "remote admin mode" is clear.

Now, the situation is a bit more confusing when talking about application server mode. It was renamed to Terminal Server component, however, there are still places where Application Server Mode is mentioned (like in the OP's case: Add New Programs).

I have used applicaton server mode more often because most people still refer to it that way, although at times I have made the distinction that it is actually called Terminal Server in 2003.

Now we have to start saying Remote Desktop Services for 2008 R2.


Actually, the OP was using the correct method. By using Add/Remove
programs, the "change user...." is done automatically. Many admins
(like me) use "Change User...." by sheer force of habit...

Yes, and I said the OP was following the correct procedure. Using add/remove or change user are correct. The OP tried both according to the post. I prefer and recommend change user since most people will install apps via an autorun screen or double-clicking on an install file. Many more clicks to go through the add/remove screen, browse for the installer file, deal with the TS-related wizard, etc.

I think the OP may be attempting to install a user published application via Group Policy, which will not work. That is why the Add New Program screen says "This machine is running Terminal Services in Application Server Mode. Applications are not available to install from the network in this mode."

I have no way of knowing if the above is the case until the OP provides more details.

Thanks.

-TP
.

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