Citrix / Stop users logging on for maintenance

[cookie_monster]

What's the best way to stop 'new' users from logging onto a Citrix box that you need to take out of service temporarily do you assign the default load evaluator or is there a better way?

Cheers.

[CyberNerd]

under the application that you have published (desktop?) right click> propertities > servers: remove as a 'configured server'

[Geoff]

If you need to get the machine down quickly, do what Cybernerd suggested plus do a timed shutdown + reboot.

[jack0w]

You could also use the 'Disable Logons' button, just don't forget to re-enable them afterwards!

This can be found in:
Citrix Access Management Console - Citrix Resources - Presentation Server - Farm Name - Servers. Double click the server you wish to disable logons for and then hit the button under 'Other Tasks'!

[Geoff]

Although if you disable logins, you will discover you can no longer access the machine remotely.

[jack0w]

Does that apply to new Console RDP Sessions as well?

I have to admit I didn't realise that as I had just been opening a session to the server I wanted to work on. I then disable the logons for that server and wait for everyone to logoff at lesson change!

[CyberNerd]

When user logins are disabled we found that the client will still attempt to establish a connection - only to be denied access when they cannot log in.
better to remove the server from the pool of configured servers. concievebly you could also remove it from the farm, but that might be a bit drastic.

[cookie_monster]

So does the remove as a 'configured server' option kick off current users or allow them to finish their session?

[Geoff]

Yes, disabling logins disables RDP logins too. Neither method will kick users off. Which is why I suggested doing a timed reboot.

[BaccyNet]

We have setup a load evaluator that basically always balances logons to a different server, thus meaning we can still RDP onto it and users dont get any weird messages.
Cant remember off the top of my head what the settings were, if anyone wants to know I'll gladly post them up for you