by Greg Shields

Even with Terminal Services’ new Web Access functionality, sometimes you just merely want to create an RDP file out of an existing RemoteApp. That RDP file can be sent to people or hosted on a drive share somewhere for access by users. Within the TS RemoteApp Manager console is a link marked Create .rdp File. Single-clicking on an already-created RemoteApp and clicking this link brings forward another wizard where specifics about the RDP creation can be entered.

Here, the Terminal Server settings such as server name and port as well as whether server authorization is required (select “no” if you want to eliminate one of Terminal Services’ prompts) can be chosen. TS Gateway server settings can also be ingested directly into the file so that users can seamlessly connect over the Internet. For server authentication, certificates can also be added directly into the file from this location.

If you know of specific RDP settings of interest that you want to ensure always get into your RDP files, you can add those lines of text to the server’s configuration by right-clicking the TS RemoteApp Manager link and selecting the option to verify the settings on the Common RDP Settings tab; you can then add any custom settings onto the Custom RDP Settings tab.

Resource: An incomplete listing of RDP file-based settings can be found at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/885187.

About the Author

Greg Shields is an independent author, speaker, and IT consultant, as well as a Partner and Principal Technologist with Concentrated Technology. With 15 years in information technology, Greg has developed extensive experience in systems administration, engineering, and architecture specializing in Microsoft OS, remote application, systems management, and virtualization technologies. He is a Contributing Editor and columnist for TechNet Magazine and Redmond Magazine, and serves as the Series Editor for Realtime Publishers, the world’s leading provider of high-quality content for the IT market. Greg is a highly sought-after and top-ranked speaker for both live and recorded events, and is seen regularly at conferences like TechMentor Events, Microsoft Tech Ed, VMworld, and more. He is a multiple recipient of Microsoft “Most Valuable Professional” award.