Citrix: Logons Hang at for 20 seconds on "Applying Internet Explorer Branding Policy"

When you log on to a Citrix XenApp server, running Windows 2003 with Internet Explorer 7, and there are Active Directory Internet Explorer Maintenance Group Policy settings configured, you experience a 20 second delay at logon.

Note You may experience a similar delay while trying to establish a Terminal Services or a Remote Desktop Services session.










Resolution

A supported hotfix (KB941158) is available from Microsoft to resolve this problem. Download and install that hotfix on the affected server.

Click HERE to download the hotfix.

Click HERE for more information about the hotfix.

After installing the hotfix you have to enable it by modifying registry. To do so, please go through the following procedures.

Caution! This procedure requires you to edit the registry. Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Citrix cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use the Registry Editor at your own risk. Back up the registry before you edit it.

1. Click Start, Run; type regedit, and then press Enter. Locate and then click the following registry subkey:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl
     
2. On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click Key. Type the following name, and then press Enter:
   
   FEATURE_PARSING_BRANDING_CMDLINE_FLAGS_KB941158
    
3. On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click DWORD Value under the key you just created. Type the asterisk symbol (*), and then press Enter.
    
4. On the Edit menu, click Modify. Type 1, and then click OK.
    
5. Refresh, and then exit Registry Editor.