Enabling Installation Mode on a Terminal Server

Why is Installation Mode Required?

When a Terminal Server is placed in Installation Mode, user-specific settings created during a software installation (such as INI files or registry entries) are captured centrally by the system. Once the server is switched back to Application Mode, these settings are automatically copied to each user's profile the first time they launch the application.

While most modern applications no longer require this process, some software still depends on Installation Mode to function correctly in a Terminal Server environment.

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Procedure

Prerequisites

• Log on to the Terminal Server with administrative privileges.

• Open a Command Prompt:

  • Start → Run → cmd

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Step 1: Check the Current Mode

Before making any changes, verify the current Terminal Server mode.

Run:

 
change user /query
 

Example output:

 
APPLICATION EXECUTE mode is enabled.
 

If the server is in Application Mode, users can work normally on the system.

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Step 2: Switch to Installation Mode

Before installing or uninstalling any software, switch the server to Installation Mode.

Run:

 
change user /install
 

Example output:

 
User session is ready to install applications.
 

The server is now prepared for software installation and configuration changes.

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Step 3: Install or Uninstall the Application

Perform the required software installation, update, or removal while the server remains in Installation Mode.

Examples:

• Install a new application

• Upgrade an existing application

• Remove an application

• Apply application-specific configuration changes

Verify that the installation completes successfully before proceeding.

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Step 4: Return to Application Mode

After all installation or maintenance tasks have been completed, switch the server back to Application Mode.

Run:

 
change user /execute
 

Example output:

 
Application EXECUTE mode is enabled.
 

The Terminal Server is now back in its normal operating mode and ready for regular user access.

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Step 5: Verify the Mode

As a final check, confirm that the server has returned to Application Mode.

Run:

 
change user /query
 

Expected output:

 
APPLICATION EXECUTE mode is enabled.
 

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Command Summary

Command Summary

Command	Description
change user /query	Displays the current Terminal Server mode
change user /install	Switches the server to Installation Mode
change user /execute	Switches the server back to Application Mode

Notes

• Always switch the server to Installation Mode before installing or uninstalling software on a Terminal Server.

• After completing the installation, always return the server to Application Mode.

• Failure to use Installation Mode may result in user-specific settings not being correctly available to all users.