Rdp "Alternate Shell" Not Working

I've been trying to use the "alternate shell" option of RDP to start a remote program immediately after clicking in the .RDP file, but it isn't working for me: after starting the RDP session, the standard Windows shell shows up (like if the server is ignoring the "alternate shell" and "shell working directory" entries)

I'm using Win7 Professional as RDP client (MSTSC v 6.1.7600) and Win2008 Srv as server

This is my .RDP file:

screen mode id:i:1
desktopwidth:i:800
desktopheight:i:600
session bpp:i:16
auto connect:i:1
full address:s:192.168.1.5
compression:i:1
keyboardhook:i:2
audiomode:i:2
redirectdrives:i:0
redirectprinters:i:0
redirectcomports:i:0
redirectsmartcards:i:0
displayconnectionbar:i:1
username:s:Admin2
domain:s:AKA
alternate shell:s:C:\Windows\System32\notepad.exe
shell working directory:s:C:\Windows\System32
disable wallpaper:i:1
disable full window drag:i:1
disable menu anims:i:1

disable themes:i:1
bitmapcachepersistenable:i:1
1

1 Answer

Fixed using RemoteApp. For reference, here's the .RDP file generated with the Remote App wizard:

redirectclipboard:i:1
redirectposdevices:i:0
redirectprinters:i:1
redirectcomports:i:1
redirectsmartcards:i:1
devicestoredirect:s:*
drivestoredirect:s:*
redirectdrives:i:1
session bpp:i:32
span monitors:i:1
prompt for credentials on client:i:1
remoteapplicationmode:i:1
server port:i:3389
allow font smoothing:i:1
promptcredentialonce:i:1
authentication level:i:0
gatewayusagemethod:i:2
gatewayprofileusagemethod:i:0
gatewaycredentialssource:i:0
full address:s:192.168.1.5
alternate shell:s:||IVA
remoteapplicationprogram:s:||IVA
gatewayhostname:s:
remoteapplicationname:s:IVA.EXE
remoteapplicationcmdline:s:
2

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Elena Rostova

Elena Rostova

Lead Health, Wellness & Medical Journalist

Elena Rostova holds a Master's degree in Public Health Journalism. She covers groundbreaking medical research, holistic wellness trends, mental health awareness, and nutritional science.

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