RemoteFX VMs do not start after you uninstall the RemoteFX role service in Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1

Applies to: Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1Windows Server 2008 R2 DatacenterWindows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise More

Symptoms

Consider the following scenario:
  • You install the RemoteFX role service on a computer that is running Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (SP1).
  • You create a virtual machine (VM) that has Microsoft RemoteFX enabled.
  • You uninstall the RemoteFX role service on the computer.
In this scenario, the VM does not start when you try to start it.

Cause

This behavior is by design. RemoteFX requires both the server and the client components to function correctly. Therefore, when you uninstall RemoteFX from the server, RemoteFX VMs cannot start.

Resolution

To resolve this issue, reinstall the RemoteFX role service on the computer.

Workaround

To work around this issue, use one of the following methods before you uninstall the RemoteFX role service on the computer:
  • Remove the RemoteFX virtual graphics adapter from the VM, and then restart the VM.
  • Move the VM to another computer that has the RemoteFX role service installed.