Q. How can I check the mode of a server that's running Windows Server 2003 Terminal Services or Windows 2000 Server Terminal Services?

A. Terminal Services in Windows 2003 and Win2K Server has two modes: Remote Administration mode (known as Remote Desktop for Administration in Windows 2003) and Application mode (known as Terminal Server mode in Windows 2003). Although you can toggle between these modes, doing so will affect the installed applications and will probably cause currently installed programs to be reinstalled.

To determine the mode in which a server is currently running, perform these steps:

1. Start the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) Terminal Services Configuration snap-in (Start, Programs, Administrative Tools, Terminal Services Configuration).
2. Select the Server Options branch in the snap-in's left pane.
3. The configuration options are displayed in the right pane. Write down the Licensing value (for a Windows 2003 system) or the Terminal Server Mode value (for a Win2K Server system).
4. Close the snap-in.

If the Licensing or Terminal Server Mode value is Remote Desktop for Administration or Remote Administration, you're limited to two connections (plus a local console in Windows 2003) when you're in Remote Administration mode. If the Licensing or Terminal Server Mode value is Application or Terminal Server, you're in Application mode and in that mode can have multiple concurrent connections, depending on the number of existing licenses.