How to Minimize Graphics Use with Terminal Server

ID: Q226931

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, make sure you understand how to restore it if a problem occurs. For information about how to do this, view the "Restoring the Registry" Help topic in Regedit.exe or the "Restoring a Registry Key" Help topic in Regedt32.exe.

SUMMARY

The use of animated graphics can slow the screen refresh rate on a Terminal Server client. Minimize the use of animated graphics within programs and the operating system whenever possible.

MORE INFORMATION

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

For information about how to edit the registry, view the "Changing Keys and Values" Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) or the "Add and Delete Information in the Registry" and "Edit Registry Data" Help topics in Regedt32.exe. Note that you should back up the registry before you edit it. If you are running Windows NT, you should also update your Emergency Repair Disk (ERD).

Administrators can use registry keys to control users' desktops to minimize graphics use. Use the following registry key to eliminate the animation effects used by the Windows 2000 shell:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ControlPanel\Desktop\WindowMetrics

Value Name: MinAnimate
Data Type: REG_SZ
String: 0 (to disable)

Administrators can use a Terminal Server registry hive to override user settings, such as wallpaper, animation effects, and screen savers. Create a key named UserOverride in the following location:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\TerminalServer\WinStations\RDP-tcp

Then, re-create the user keys and values that you want to override as they appear in the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop key.

For example, to override the Windows animation effects for all users, set the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Conttrol\TerminalServer\WinStations\RDP-tcp\UserOverride\ControlPanel\Desktop\WindowMetrics

Value Name: MinAnimate
Data Type: REG_SZ
String: 0

Additional query words:

Keywords : kbenv kbui
Version : WINDOWS:2000
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbhowto