RDP recording tips

When recording an RDP Vuser script, follow these guidelines in order to create an effective script.

Single vs. multi-protocol scripts

When creating a new script, you may create a single protocol or multi-protocol script. For example, to record both RDP traffic and web responses, create a multi-protocol script for RDP and web to enable the recording of both protocols.

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Record into appropriate sections

Record the connection process into the vuser_init section, and the closing process into the vuser_end section. This prevents you from performing iterations on the connecting and disconnecting processes. For more information about recording into sections, see Vuser script sections.

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FIPS

Recording is supported for RDP scripts when FIPS enforcement is enabled on the machine.

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Run a clean session

When recording a session, make sure to perform the complete business process, starting with the connection and ending with the cleanup. End your session at a point from where you could start the entire process from the beginning. Do not leave any client or application windows open.

You should also configure your terminal server to end disconnected sessions. Select Administrative Tools > Terminal Services Configuration > Connection Properties > Sessions > Override User Settings and set the server to end disconnected sessions.

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Explicit mouse clicks

When opening expanded menu options, click explicitly on each option—do not depend on the expanding menu. For example, when choosing Start > All Programs > Microsoft Word, be sure to click on the word Programs.

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Using Windows logo key combinations

Note: This tip applies only to Windows 8 installations on remote computers.

Because support for mouse movement in RDP Vusers can cause performance issues, by default, mouse movement support is disabled. Therefore, when you record an RDP Vuser script, it is recommended that you use the Windows Logo key combinations to display the Start screen [Windows Logo key], to show the Desktop [Windows logo key + D], and to open the charms bar [Windows Logo key + C].

When you run an RDP Vuser script, Windows key combinations can be applied on either the host computer or on the remote computer. To ensure that Windows key combinations are applied on the remote computer, when you record the connection to the remote computer, you must specify that Windows key combinations are applied on the remote computer.

How to apply Windows key combinations on the remote computer:

  1. Open the Remote Desktop Connection dialog box.
  2. Click Options to expand the dialog box.
  3. Click the Local Resources tab.
  4. Under Keyboard, from the Apply Windows key combinations list, select On the remote computer.

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Synchronizing using Windows 8 apps

Note: This tip applies only to Windows 8 installations on remote computers.

Because many Windows 8 apps have dynamic user interfaces, avoid using these apps for image-based synchronization.

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CredSSP authentication

If you want to use CredSSP authentication when recording or replaying the script, use the RDP > Client Startup node of the recording options to specify CredSSP for recording. For details, see Security levels in RDP scripts.

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