Overview

To optimise system speed and responsiveness, we recommend using the application either directly on the server or via a published RemoteApp to the user’s desktop. This guide outlines the steps to publish the application using Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS), with important notes on Outlook/Excel OLE interoperability, network printer access, and licensing.

1. Set Up RemoteApp Program on the RDS Server

Install RDS Roles:

• Remote Desktop Session Host
• Remote Desktop Connection Broker
• Remote Desktop Licensing

Licensing Requirement: Ensure your server is licensed with the appropriate number of RDS CALs (Client Access Licenses) for each user or device accessing RemoteApps.

2. Publish the Application

1. Open Server Manager on the RDS server
2. Navigate to Remote Desktop Services → Collections
3. Select the desired collection
4. Click Tasks → Publish RemoteApp Programs
5. Browse to the UNC path of the executable e.g. \\server\OptoApp\OPTO.exe

3. Generate the RDP File

After publishing the app:

1. Go to Remote Desktop Services → Collections
2. Select your collection
3. Open the RemoteApp Programs tab
4. Right-click the app and choose Create .rdp File

4. Configure and Save RDP File

• Printer Access: Ensure redirectprinters:i:1 and devicestoredirect:s:* are enabled.
• Drive Redirection: Use drivestoredirect:s:* if users need file access from local drives.
• OLE Integration (Outlook/Excel):

Incompatible Licenses: Retail or OEM Office licenses cannot be used in RDS environments.

5. Distribute the RDP File to Users

• Email
• Network Share
• Group Policy (to desktop)
• Company intranet or SharePoint

6. User Access

Users double-click the RDP file to open the RemoteApp, which appears as a seamless window, similar to a local app.

7. Example RDP File Content

redirectclipboard:i:1
redirectprinters:i:1
redirectcomports:i:0
redirectsmartcards:i:1
devicestoredirect:s:*
drivestoredirect:s:*
workspaceid:s:YOUR_WORKSPACE_ID
loadbalanceinfo:s:tsv://MS Terminal Services Plugin.1.YOUR_COLLECTION_NAME
remoteapplicationmode:i:1
alternate shell:s:||YOUR_APP_ALIAS
remoteapplicationprogram:s:||YOUR_APP_ALIAS
remoteapplicationname:s:Your App Name
remoteapplicationcmdline:s:
full address:s:YOUR_RDS_SERVER_NAME

Replace the placeholders:

• YOUR_WORKSPACE_ID: Your workspace ID
• YOUR_COLLECTION_NAME: The collection name
• YOUR_APP_ALIAS: The app alias from RemoteApp setup
• YOUR_RDS_SERVER_NAME: The FQDN or hostname of your RDS server

8. Additional Notes

• Verify Office automation features work after setup (e.g., sending email, exporting to Excel).
• Ensure user Outlook profiles are preconfigured or use a roaming profile solution.
• Review group policy for clipboard, drive, and printer redirection settings.