Installing applications on a Terminal Server

This support note applies to ALL MYOB AE/AO products (AU & NZ)

Article ID: 35183

When installing software on a Terminal Server machine, the installation needs to be run while the server is in Install mode. Failing to do this will mean that the software installation will not flow through to other users' sessions on the server. If this is the case, rerunning the installation in Install mode will push the changes through.

You must ensure the server is put back to Execute mode after installing applications. Leaving the Terminal Server in Install mode will cause issues as this effectively reverts the server to use local machine settings, such as the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE registry key rather than the HKEY_CURRENT_USER key and the WINDOWS directory rather than the Users folder. This will mean all users share the same registry keys and configuration INI files, which is incorrect.

It also means that any user with sufficient rights could make changes that are sent through to all other users. Changing the server back to Execute mode will push the information written to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE key and WINDOWS folder by any applications run in Install mode to the HKEY_CURRENT_USERS key and Users folder respectively.

As per any normal install, you must be logged onto the Terminal Server console as an administrator user before proceeding to install any software and any Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware, Anti-Malware, Firewall or other security software must be switched off.

Additonally turn User Account Control (UAC) off. For more details refer to Disabling User Account Control (UAC)

Also configure Data Execution Prevention (DEP). For more details refer to Establishing Data Execution Prevention (DEP) settings.

When running a workstation setup for any MYOB software on a Terminal Server, you will need to place the server into Install mode by way of one of the below methods.

To install from Control Panel

Follow the menu path: Start > Control Panel > Install Application on Terminal Server. The Install Application window appears.

If you have Category view enabled, click on the green heading called Programs and you will find the applet here.

If this applet does not appear, it would indicate that terminal services are not used and that this article is not applicable. Please confirm with your system administrtator if unsure.
Use the Browse button to locate the executable, then hit Next to launch the installer. The chosen installation wizard appears.

If the installation is on an external or remote media for example DVD/CD, USB drive or a remote computer, ensure it is inserted or connected.
Continue through the installation wizard. The installation is complete.
Click Finish to return the server to Execute mode. The Finish Admin Install window closes and the application is ready to use for all users.

To install using Command Prompt

From the Start menu click Run. The Run window appears.
Type cmd and press ENTER. The Command Prompt window appears.
Type change user /install and press ENTER. The message "User session is ready to install applications" appears and the server goes into Install mode.

If this message does not appear, it would indicate that terminal services are not used and this article is not applicable. Please confirm with your system administrator if unsure.
Type change user /query and press ENTER. The message stating the Terminal Server mode appears.

If the message "User session is ready to execute applications" appears instead of the message above, repeat step 3. Contact your system administrator if you have issues completing this.
Run through all of the required installations or setups to completion. The relevant software is installed.
Access the Command prompt, type change user /execute and press ENTER. The message "User session is ready to execute applications" appears and the server goes into Execute mode.
Type change user /query and press ENTER. The message stating the Terminal Server mode appears.

If the message "User session is ready to install applications" appears instead of the message above, repeat step 6. Contact you system administrator if you have issues completing this.
Type exit and press ENTER. The Command Prompt window closes and the application is ready to use for all users.

If you encounter issues with any of the above, please consult with your system administrator or IT consultant.