Managing AMS from the console in Windows Server 2003

[Pugglewuggle]

Hi guys,

We just switched to our new server and I'm experiencing something I haven't seen before with AMS. 1st off, the AMS icon is missing from the system tray even though the AMS is running. When I try to access the AMS console, it tells me that AMS is running in service mode and asks if I want to switch to application mode. To change settings in the console, I have to switch to app mode for a minute which disrupts IMAP users - twice (once into app mode, once back into service mode). It gives the option of using remote administration, but it is grayed out - I have it disabled. Remote web-based administration is NOT an option for obvious security reasons. I notice that this only occurs in remote desktop sessions. When logging in from a local monitor/keyboard/mouse, this issue does not occur. We manage all servers by RD so we don't have to make constant trips to the server room.

Is there a way to get this working soon?

Thanks guys! Keep it up! Can't wait for 3.0!

JB

[rob]

This is a known issue with remote desktop and it is something we do plan to fully remedy with the release of version 3. At present the only real way is to continue switching modes. However, of course you could leave the application in normal mode if you don't log off the user in remote desktop (I would double check this first with a quick test). This means that the NT service would only really be used after boot up and until you need to adminster the server. Another option could be enable remote admin, but simply do not allow the remote admin port through the firewall. This way you could remote desktop into the PC then use remote admin from within there.

[rob]

Just another point, you could also use a external remote desktop product such as VNC. This doesn't require you to login as a user and so the icon works correctly.

[m1byo]

If you wish to use Remote Desktop to connect to the Console Session (local monitor/keyboard/mouse) then you can to run Remote Desktop in Console mode (run "mstsc.exe -console") and this should be similar to logging into the PC using the local monitor/keyboard/mouse system.

I hope this helps!!! and more to the point!! .. I hope it works!

Ian

[rob]

Could you let me know if m1byo's suggestion worked? Thanks

[Pugglewuggle]

That actually did work. Very interesting. I've not heard of the -console switch for the TS client before... Thanks much!

Any new news about when AMS 3.0 will be around yet?

[rob]

Still no date as of yet but I would say likely early next year, but that isn't official of course.

[Pugglewuggle]

Cool! Can't wait!

[Pugglewuggle]

Just a note to everyone:

With the introduction of Windows Vista SP1, Microsoft will changing the command line parameters of MSTSC.EXE.

MSTSC.EXE -CONSOLE no longer works as a way to access the AMS GUI over a remote desktop connection.

To get it to work, you now need to use MSTSC.EXE /ADMIN

Just keeping you posted!

Cheers!

[BBMB32]

Thanks for the update on the /admin switch. Works great!