App-V FAQ: How do I troubleshoot the App-V Management Server?

Common scenarios for troubleshooting the Management Server (or the Streaming Server) are connectivity issues between the client and server, opening the Management Console from a remote machine and upgrading the Management Server.

Before you Deploy

If you’re new to App-V I recommend reading the existing documentation on how to deploy the Management Server software to save you from having to troubleshoot issues later on. The Microsoft Application Virtualization Version 4.6 SP1 Trial Guide is available for download, or you can follow these articles available on TechNet:

  1. How to Install Application Virtualization Management Server
  2. How to Install the Application Virtualization Streaming Server
  3. How to Install the Management Web Service
  4. How to Install a Database
  5. How to Configure the Application Virtualization Management Servers
  6. How to Configure the Application Virtualization Streaming Servers
  7. How to Configure the IIS Server
  8. How to Configure the Server to be Trusted for Delegation
  9. Configuring the Firewall for the App-V Servers
  10. How to Install and Configure the Default Application

Troubleshooting Tools

There are three tools that you should reach for when troubleshooting the Management Server or the Streaming Server:

  • The Application Event log on the server
  • The App-V Management Server log
  • The App-V Ping Tool

When viewing the Application event log, filter the log (right-click / Filter Current Log…) and use these Event sources - Application Virtualization and Application Virtualization Server.

The App-V Management Server event log is located in:

  • x86: C:\Program Files\Microsoft System Center App Virt Management Server\App Virt Management Server\logs
  • x64: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft System Center App Virt Management Server\App Virt Management Server\logs

There are a couple of great posts on using the log files to troubleshoot issues with the log file: Troubleshooting App-V with log files and Getting to Grip with the App-V Server Log File (sft-server.log).

Although you can use Telnet to check connectivity issues, you should first reach for the App-V Ping Tool by Immidio. This command-line application comes as a part of the Immidio Resource Kit, which is free. I can’t speak highly enough of the App-V Ping Tool, it’s the fastest and easiest way to determine whether the Management Server is contactable.

Resources

The following articles and blog posts are excellent resources for troubleshooting the Management Server:

Knowledgebase Articles

The KB articles will help you solve specific issues that you may experience: