Creating and Deploying a Citrix Template on VMWare ESX

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Similar to my other related posts, this is specific to my operating environment and may not fit all. However, the best practices referenced here should help in most environments.

Please note, we use the drive remapping (C --> M) as well as direct addressing.

Creating the Citrix GOLD Template

Base OS configuration:

• Create the base VM per my Citrix on VMWare article.
• Update OS (Windows 2003 R2 SP2) to the latest updates
• Windows Server Configuration: Using Add/Remove Programs, Windows Components:
• If installed, remove Remove .NET Frameworks 2.0 & 3.0
• Application Server: Message Queuing (default)
• Management and Monitoring Tools: Simple Network Management Protocol
• Uncheck Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration
• Terminal Server / Full Security / Use Auto Discovery / Per Device Mode
• Windows System Configuration: Modify the System Properties:
• Advanced > Performance Settings > Data Execution Prevention: essential programs
• Advanced > Performance Settings > Virtual Memory: Initial & Maximum: 6144MB
• Advanced > Environment Variables: update paths for custom applications
• Advanced > Error Reporting: Uncheck Force Queue Mode
• Remote > Check Enable Remote Desktop
• Copy App Install sets to local Data Drive\INSTALLS

Application Configuration:

• Run DriveReMap.exe from INSTALLS\PS 4.5 INSTALL directory, assign C to M (will require a reboot)
• Supporting Applications: Use the content copied to the INSTALLS folder
• Framework 2.0.50727.42
• Framework 3.0
• Frameworks 3.5 SP1
• Install SNMP Informant & Configure SNMP Settings (if used)
• Copy any standard tools (including PSKILL, PSEXEC, UPTIME)
• Install the any viewer Applications: Office, Notepad++, Acrobat, etc.
• Install Citrix Presentation Server 4.5 for Windows 2003 (assume an existing Farm)
• Apply Approved Citrix Patches for Presentation Server 4.5
• Hotfix Roll Up #3
• Configure Citrix Services (deviation from defaults are listed):
• Citrix ActiveSync Service: DISABLED
• Citrix Print Manager Service: Automatic. Set to Run as (DOMAIN ACCOUNT)
• Citrix XML Service: DISABLED
• Check for any additional Windows Updates
• Apply Citrix Registry Changes, as needed, such as:
• Seamless Windows
• Citrix Universal Printer
• System Page Pool Manager
• System Beep
• Modify Printers and Print Drivers
• Remove any unwanted printers and drivers
• Install any required native print drivers
• Delete Contents of INSTALLS directory
• Delete Service Pack Uninstall Files
• Clear all Event Logs
• Empty Recycle Bin
• Stop the Following Services and set to Manual Startup:
• Citrix IMAService
• Citrix SMA Service
• Citrix Print Manager Service
• Shut down VM

Prepare and Deploy Template

• Clone VM to Template
• Deploy VM from Template, select Customize
• Using SysPrep from customization, assign Machine Name and join Domain
• Assign Static IP and AltAddr (if necessary)
• Move computer account to proper OU
• Run DSMAINT RECREATELHC
• Set IMA, SMA, and CPSVC to Automatic
• Reboot Server
• Verify Farm Connectivity (QFARM)
• Verify Remote Desktop Connectivity
• Assign Election Preference and Zone in Presentation Server Console
• Assign Load Evaluator, Hierarchy, and Published Desktop in Access Management Console
• Verify ICA Connectivity, local and remote
• Test/verify pre-configured applications
• Perform any final application or system updates
• Publish necessary applications

Some final thoughts: if you are using multiple geographic zones, I recommend having a separately prepared template for each Zone with the proper database connection and zone name pre-configured.