RDC client requirements for Terminal Services Web Access

This article describes the Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) client requirements to use Terminal Services Web Access in Windows Server.

Original KB number:   943887

Introduction

Terminal Services (TSWeb) in Windows Server 2008 and Remote Desktop Services (RDWeb) in Windows 2008 R2 are role-based services. They let users start RemoteApp and Desktop Connection from a web browser. RemoteApp and Desktop Connection provides a customized view of RemoteApp programs and virtual desktops to users. When a user starts a RemoteApp program, a Terminal Services session is started on the Windows Server 2008-based terminal server that hosts the RemoteApp program.

To start a RemoteApp program, a user connects to a website that is hosted on the Windows Server 2008-based TS Web Access server. When the user connects to the website, a list of available RemoteApp programs appears. Additionally, TS Web Access lets users connect to the remote desktop of any server or client computer on which the user has the required permissions.

Resolution

If you're using Windows Server 2008 R2, you must use RDC client version 7.

You must have the RDC client version 6.1 installed to use TS Web Access with the following operating systems:

  • Windows Server 2008

  • Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 (SP1)

  • Windows XP with Service Pack 3 (SP3)

    Note

    RDC 6.1 (6.0.6001) supports Remote Desktop Protocol 6.1.

  • If you're experiencing this issue on a Windows Vista-based computer, you must have Windows Vista Service Pack 1 installed on your computer.

  • If you're experiencing this issue on a Windows XP-based computer, you must have Windows XP Service Pack 3 or RDC 6.1 installed on your computer.

Advanced Information

Information for administrators

When users try to connect to TS Web Access from a computer that has an earlier version of the RDC client installed, they'll receive an error message that includes a URL. This URL points the user to a webpage where they can find more information.

Currently, the URL that is included in the error message points to this Knowledge Base article. However, you can change the URL that is included in the error message. To modify the URL, use one of the following methods.

Method 1: Use an ASP.NET application setting

To change the URL that is included in the error message, use an ASP.NET application setting. To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Select Start > Run, type Inetmgr.exe, and then select OK.

  2. Expand the server name, expand Sites > Default Web Site, and then select TS.

    Note

    By default, TS Web Access is installed in the default website.

  3. Under ASP.NET, double-click Application Settings.

  4. In the actions pane, select Add.

  5. In the Add Application Setting dialog box, type rdcInstallURL in the Name box.

  6. In the Add Application Setting dialog box, type the URL for the webpage that includes more information about how to use TS Web Access, and then select OK.

Method 2: Edit the Web.config file

To change the URL that's included in the error message, you can edit the Web.config file for the TS Web Access website. To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Web.config file for the TS Web Access website in Notepad.

    Note

    By default, the Web.config file for the TS Web Access website is located in the Web\ts folder.

  2. Locate the <appSettings> section in the Web.config file.

  3. In the <appSettings> section, add the following entry:

    <add key="rdcInstallUrl" value="http://URL" />

    Note

    The URL placeholder is the URL for the webpage that includes more information about how to use TS Web Access.

  4. On the File menu, select Save.

  5. Exit Notepad.

Information for non-administrators

If you aren't an administrator, contact the system administrator if you have problems when you use TS Web Access. For example, the system administrator can help you obtain and install an updated version of the RDC client.

More information

Depending on your version of Windows Server, see one of the following articles:

More Resources

Select the following links to find more options if this article can't resolve your problem: