PRB: Installing MDAC on Terminal Server

To install software properly on a Terminal Server computer, Terminal Server must be set in Install Mode. One way to do this is to use the Add/Remove Programs application from Control Panel to install the software.

When you install Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) in this manner, the setup program reports that Add/Remove Programs must be terminated before installation can continue, because files needed by MDAC could be locked by Add/Remove Programs and setup would require a restart to copy these files. However, if you terminate Add/Remove Programs, there is a risk of losing data because Terminal Server will no longer be in Install Mode.

To work around this problem, follow these steps:

1. Set Terminal Server in Install Mode by entering the following command at a command prompt:
   change user /install
2. Launch MDAC setup from the command prompt.
3. After MDAC installation succeeds, you can execute the following command to return Terminal Server to the default setting:
   change user /execute

This behavior is by design.

In fact, you can ignore the instruction to terminate Add/Remove Programs; MDAC setup proceeds but will require a restart to complete the installation successfully. However, the recommended way to install the software on Terminal Server is as described in the "Resolution" section.