Starting with XenDesktop 7.0, the CNAME function has been deprecated.

Background

The CNAME function was previously enabled by default. Deployments depending on CNAME records for FQDN rerouting and the use of NETBIOS names might fail. The CNAME function was used in previous XenDesktop deployments for DNS aliasing to reroute the delivery controller's stated Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) to another FQDN. However, you can manually re-enable the CNAME function, if preferred.

The CNAME function has been replaced by a feature called “Delivery Controller auto-update” that dynamically updates the list of Delivery Controllers and automatically notifies Delivery Agents when controllers are added to and removed from the site. The Delivery Controller auto-update feature is enabled by default in Citrix policies.

Note: This feature is enabled by default, but can be disabled by creating a policy.

Instructions

Note: You can use either feature (Delivery Controller auto-update feature or the CNAME feature), but you cannot use both features if you expect DNS aliasing to work full time.

Complete the following procedure to re-enable the CNAME function and continue with your existing deployment; allow FQDN rerouting and the use of NETBIOS names:

1. Disable the Citrix policy for the auto-update feature. To do this, create a policy, and configure Virtual Delivery Agent Settings by setting Enable Auto Update of Controllers to Enabled and Prohibited.

2. On each Delivery Agent, open the registry and set the following registry value to 1.

   Caution: Refer to the Disclaimer at the end of this article before using Registry Editor.

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Citrix\VirtualDesktopAgent

   REG_DWORD UseCnameLookup

   Enabled = 1 (Disabled=0)

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