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remote desktop on windows 2008 r2 server

Hi,
we just got a new 2008 server which is actually configured as a sql server and when users tried accessing it via remote desktop, it gave message that remote desktop licensing mode will expire in 31days. We currently have a licensing server for terminal services with plenty of licenses however it is running on a 2003 server. Is there a procedure for pointing the new 2008 server to the 2003 license server or what are the steps we should follow to make this work prior to 31 day grace period. thanks

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penguinjas

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Cláudio Rodrigues

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dankyle67

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I didnt know if I could do that option about simpy enabling remote desktop access to the SQL box. We dont need to access it from outside of our network. The internal users just need access to sql managements studio on it so you are saying that they can just remote desktop into it without needing licenses? Since it is not a terminal server that would make sense, however isnt there a 2 user limit on remote desktop access to the 2008 server? How then would i get rid of the message about remote desktop licensing mode will expire in 31 days?

Cláudio Rodrigues

That is correct. If you do NOT make it a formal RDS Session Host (also known as its old name, Terminal Server or TS for short) you will be limited to 2 concurrent connections. The question is, do these users stay connected on SQL Management Studio all day long? Normally people connect, do whatever they need and disconnect.
You can also set timeouts that will kill sessions after for example 10 minutes inactive/idle. That will guarantee you will always have two connections available if no one is using the SQL box.
By removing RDS Session Host the licensing error message will be gone as the box will not be a TS anymore.

Cláudio Rodrigues
Citrix CTP
Microsoft MVP - RDS

dankyle67

ASKER

great, thanks for all the help. If i had know the name had changed from terminal server to remote desktop host server it would not have been as intimidating. Im pretty sure that the 2 concurrent sessions is enough since thats what they had before. Is enabling the remote desktop feature the same as before in 2003 or changed in 2008?

Cláudio Rodrigues

Pretty much same thing. Right click Computer, go to properties and you should see on the screen, left side, Remote Settings.

Cláudio Rodrigues
Citrix CTP
Microsoft MVP - RDS