How to Minimize Graphics Use with Terminal Server (226931)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
This article was previously published under Q226931
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

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: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

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\Control\TerminalServer\WinStations\RDP-tcp\UserOverride\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics

Value Name: MinAnimate
Data Type: REG_SZ
String: 0

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/8/2002
Keywords:kbenv kbhowto kbui KB226931
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.