How to install applications for use with Terminal Server?

Installing applications on a terminal server is done slightly differently than typical installation in order to ensure that all permissions are properly set and the application is usable by all terminal services users.

There are two modes in terminal server, Execute and Install. By default all users are logged on in Execute mode and this means they can run programs etc. When you want to install an Application for use by everyone the Administrator should change to Install mode.

The best way to install software is to use the Add/Remove programs control panel applet as this will automatically set the mode to Install during the installation and then back to Execute at the end. Alternatively you can manually change your mode to install by typing

C:\> change user /install

To change back to execute use

C:\> change user /execute

And to check you current mode use

C:\> change user /query

In this example we will use Add/Remove to install Winzip on a terminal server.

1. Start the Add/Remove programs control panel applet (Start - Settings - Control Panel - Add/Remove Programs)
2. Select the 'Install/Uninstall' tab and click 'Install'
3. You will be told to insert the setup media, click Next
4. The installation wizard will look for setup.exe on the CD or disk, it won't find it, select an alternate by clicking the 'Browse' button, and select the winzip.exe file. Click Next
5. You will now be given the option to change your mode so all users can use the application. Select 'All users begin with common application settings.' and click Next
6. The install of the application will begin and you will notice your mode has been changed to Install if you typed 'change user /query'.
7. Proceed to install the application as normal
8. Once setup is complete click Next to the install dialog then Finish

All terminal server users will now have Winzip. An alternative would be to manually set the mode to install, install the software and set back to execute.