App-V: Advanced Techniques and Troubleshooting

• Experience implementing Microsoft Application Virtualization

Audience

• IT Professionals in charge of managing desktop configurations and deployments
• IT professionals wishing to expand their knowledge and skills in virtualization

Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) allows for the creation of applications that run as centrally managed services. App-V applications have the benefit of never needing to be installed directly on the end user's computer and never conflicting with other applications.

In this instructor-led, live training, we cover advanced techniques and troubleshooting for Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V), especially in the area of sequencing and packaging.

By the end of the course, participants will have a deep understanding of App-V and be able to sequence, troubleshoot and resolve complex issues.

Format of the course

• Part lecture, part discussion, exercises and heavy hands-on practice

Notes:

• This course covers version 5.1 of App-V. If you need training on a different version, please contact us to arrange.
• This course is focused on App Virtualization and does not cover other MDOP components.

Introduction

Overview of sequencing

Methods used for sequencing in App- V

• Sequencing a web-based application
• Creating a Virtual Environment for the application
• Sequencing an application that hard codes its install to the C:\ drive
• Performing an Open for Package Upgrade on an existing package
• Building scripts into an .OSD file

Merging and Overriding

• Overriding a local key
• Merging with a local key
• Overriding a local directory
• Merging with a local directory

Microsoft Office in App-V

• Understanding different versions of Office
• Developing an Office package for App-V using Office Deployment Tool
• Steps used in publishing the developed Office package
• Customization and management of the App-V packages

Comparing VFS to PVAD

• Use of Primary Virtual Application Directory (PVAD) in sequencing
• How VFS and PVAD are different in a virtual environment
• How PVAD can be accessed even if it hidden from view

Deploying and Testing Power-Shell

• Downloading and installation of the App-v server components
• Procedures that are followed in the deployment of the power-shell
• Common steps followed to test the deployed power-shell

Understanding Run-Virtual in App-V

• A sub-key is added to the run-virtual
• Acquisition of an AppvClientPackage Power-Shell cmdlet
• Use /appvpid:<PID> command line
• Make use of the /appvve:<GUID>

Patch and Updates in App-V

• Description of what patches and updates are
• Understanding Hot-fix 8 for App-V 5.1
• How Hot-fix 8 is used for updating purposes

Use of scripts in App- V

• More information on script-launcher
• Problems associated with app-v scripting solution
• Installation of a script- launcher supporting environment
• Description of the different types of scripts

Automating conversion to App-V

• Amount of time taken to convert should be considered
• The cost that is incurred is of importance also
• Techniques that can be used to convert in the future

Accelerators in App- V packages

• Description of package accelerators
• Steps in creating a package accelerator

Dynamic Configuration

• Configuring the user files
• Configuring the deployment files

Advanced Connection Groups

• The function of the configuration group file and where it is found
• A layout of the connection group file
• Configuration of packages in a connection group
• Connection groups that are virtually supported

Advanced Client Integration

• Description of what client integration in App-V is
• How integration is achieved in the App- V
• The importance of having the client integration in App-V

Troubleshooting App-V

• Avoiding rabbit holes
• Combining different areas of knowledge: foundational, operational, contextual
• Using Process Monitor to troubleshoot
• Troubleshooting the App-V client
• Troubleshooting the OSD file

Client Debugging

• Regular training of the customer care on the functions of the App-V
• Repairing a package
• Cleaning up of the connection group
• Understanding the client logs in the App- V

Package Optimisers in App- V

• Understanding what package optimisation is
• What is done to achieve space optimisation
• What is done to achieve performance optimisation

Best Practices

Summary and Conclusion