The Flattemp Command in Windows: Tips and Examples

Applies to : Windows Server (Semi-Annual Channel), Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012.

The flattemp command enables or disables temporary flat folders. For an example of how to use this command, please see the example below.

Syntax of flattemp command

 flattemp {/query | /enable | /disable} 

Parameters

ParameterDescription / query Current installation query. / enable Enable temporary flat folders. Users will share the same temporary directory, unless the temporary directory is in the home directory of a particular user. / disable Disable temporary folders. Each user's temporary directory will be in a separate directory (identified by that user's session ID). /? Show help at the command prompt.

Note

• The flattemp command is only available when you have installed the Terminal Server role service on a computer that is running Windows Server 2008 or rd Session Host role service on a computer that is running Windows Server 2008 R2.
• You must have admin rights to run the flattemp command .
• After each user has a temporary directory, use the flattemp / enable command to enable temporary flat directories.
• The default method for creating temporary folders for many users (typically specified by TEMP and TMP environment variables ) is to create subdirectories in the Temp directory , using the logonID as a subdirectory name. As an example,, if the TEMP environment variable points to C: Temp, the temporary directory is assigned to the user logonID 4 as C: Temp4. Using the flattemp command , you can point directly to the Temp directory and prevent the creation of subdirectories. This is useful when you want the user's temporary folders to be contained in the main directories, whether on local drive rd Session Host server or on a shared network drive. You should only use the flattemp / enable command when each user has a separate temporary directory.
• You may experience an application error if a user's temporary folder is on a network drive. This happens when shared network drives are inaccessible for a while on the network. Because the application's temporary files are inaccessible or out of sync, it responds as if the drive has stopped working. Do not transfer temporary folders to network drives. The default is to keep temporary folders on the local hard drive. If you encounter something different or drive-related errors with certain applications, stabilize your network connection or move temporary folders back to the local hard drive.
• If you disable using separate temporary folders for each session, flattemp settings will be ignored. This option is placed in the Remote Desktop Services Configuration tool.

As an example,

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