SMART Notebook Windows Server 2016

[PureMatt]

Hi guys,

 

We're currently testing implementing an RDS server with plans to convert older PCs to thin clients, but have hit a stumbling block when trying to install SMART Notebook. After some research it appears it's just not supported in a virtual environment. Has anyone managed to find a way around this or perhaps know some tips which might be worth trying before giving up?

 

Cheers,

 

Matt

[ChrisMiles]

Dear Matt,

Are you having the problem where the installer just hangs for ages with a message saying "Please wait while the application is preparing for the first use" or something similar? This issue is caused by the Windows installer RDS Compatibility mode which you can disable in local/group policy:

 

Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Application Compatibility > Turn off Windows Installer RDS Compatibility

 

We've had SMART Notebook running on RDS servers for years, on 2008 R2 and then 2012 R2. Not tried it on 2016 yet but it should work.

[PureMatt]

That's the one! Thanks for the info, I'll reply with results but sounds very hopeful

[PureMatt]

Worked a treat! thanks so much for your speedy reply.

 

Out of interest, do you leave the policy enabled on your servers, or just enable it when installing?

[ChrisMiles]

I left it enabled in group policy because I had other software with the same problem, although can't remember what. It doesn't do any harm as far as I know.