Terminal service configuration in Windows 2000/2003 Server



Terminal service can be configured by the Terminal Services Configuration tool, one of Administrative tools. Below there are some screenshots of RDP-Tcp connection properties.


RDP-Tcp Properties, General


Encryption Level Low. The lower encryption level, the faster terminals work.

You should set flag "Use standart Windows authentication" to off, otherwise automatic replacement of the login/password from the configuration file won't work.

RDP-Tcp Properties, Logon Settings


Choose by radiobuttons "Use client-provided logon information". Set flag "Always prompt for password" to off, otherwise automatic replacement of the login/password from the configuration file won't work.

RDP-Tcp Properties, Sessions


These settings are by default and I consider them quite correct.

RDP-Tcp Properties, Environment


If all terminal server users should work with the same program, you should configure this setting. Otherwise it's better not to touch it.

RDP-Tcp Properties, Remote Control


These settings were determined after long work with the terminal solution in one large company. They can be explained in such way: the remote administration (exactly administration, not spying) is allowed, for it's convenient to the techsupport team. But for management should be received the user permission, it helps a user not to fear and understand better, when his computer is managed by a techsupport member.

RDP-Tcp Properties, Client Settings


This helps not to limit any Windows 2003 Server capabilities. You can limit something for the system safety, but the main point — not to forget about applied limitations by yourself.

RDP-Tcp Properties, Network Adapter


Similar to previous screen. This are highly specialized restrictions, that can strongly complicate the issue in case of thoughtless use.

Useful

  • Add your own message to the "Windows logon" window. It's extremely usefull if you have several terminal servers. And also it can be used as a little memo to a user to remind, that the terminal can be switched off only when the logon invitation is on the screen:
    HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\
    • key Welcome, type REG_SZ, value "terminal server <computer_name>"
    • key LogonPrompt, type REG_SZ, value "Input YOUR user name and password. Now it's possible to turn off computer If you want to stop work."
  • Start explorer (or any other application if a client needs so) after the end of the login-script work. This allows to set disks, connected in the logon-script, as the working directory . Of course it's usefull only if you have the logon-script, that connects network disks. HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\
    • key RunLogonScriptSync, type REG_SZ, value "1"