Install and Configure Citrix XenApp 6.5 (Part I)

Citrix XenApp (formerly named Presentation Server) is a mature product. However, the installation and configuration ways changed beginning from version 6.0. At time time of writing, the latest version is 6.5.

Citrix has simplified the installation and configuration procedures in XenApp 6.5. i.e. you may find that is too easy to click "Next" , "Next" to complete installation.

Some clients reported they failed installation or configuration when they just click next next... I
n my testing and deployment duty, I have tested deployment for many times. I will show you how save time from failure. Ready ?

 Articles consists of Part I and II

Part I - Preparing your Windows server

Part II - Installation 

Part III- Configuration 

Part IV - Tips to save your life

Preparing your Windows 2008 R2 

Before installation, you are highly recommended to add server role and features. This is to reduce the failure chance during the installation of XenApp as you have chance to fix the Windows server roles and feature issue now.

For Windows Server role, you can add them in Server Manager. XenApp only needs "Remote Desktop Services" role

and "Remote Desktop Session Host" role services

After completing the role wizard, reboot is required. Remember to logn with the same account to complete the role configuration. Otherqise, you will get failure during XenApp installation.

After role configuration completed, it is time to add Windows server features like the following

They are Desktop Experience, Group Policy Management, XPS viewer.

Telnet client is optional but it is very useful during production e.g. checking network TCP connection.

You should get the features like above and reboot your server.

We will begin installation in Part II.