What is a CFG file?

CFG file is also known as Citrix Server Connection File. It is vital component used for establishing connection to Citrix server. This file contains essential information necessary for successful connection between client device and Citrix server. It typically includes details such as hostname or IP address of server, specific server port to use, and credentials required for authentication, which often encompass username and password.

These CFG files serve crucial role in configuring Citrix client software, enabling users to connect to various Citrix servers seamlessly. They act as configuration files that streamline connection process by predefining essential parameters, reducing need for users to manually enter this information each time they wish to access Citrix server.

Citrix Server

A Citrix server, also known as Citrix XenApp or Citrix XenDesktop server, is specialized server used in Citrix virtualization solutions. Citrix is company that provides technology for remote access, application virtualization, and desktop virtualization. Citrix servers play central role in these solutions by facilitating delivery of applications and desktop environments to remote users or client devices.

Here is how Citrix server typically functions:

  1. Application and Desktop Delivery: Citrix servers host applications and desktop environments. Instead of running software directly on user’s device, application or desktop runs on Citrix server, and only user interface is transmitted to client device. This allows users to access Windows applications and desktops from wide range of devices, including PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones.

  2. Remote Access: Citrix servers enable remote access to applications and desktops, making it possible for users to work from anywhere with an internet connection. This is especially valuable for remote and distributed teams, as it provides consistent and secure computing experience.

  3. Load Balancing: Citrix servers often work in clusters to balance load of incoming connections. Load balancing ensures that user requests are distributed evenly among servers, optimizing performance and availability.

Citrix Server Connection File

A Citrix Server Connection File, often referred to as CFG file, is configuration file used in Citrix environments to establish connections between client devices and Citrix servers. Key details typically included in Citrix Server Connection File may encompass:

  1. Hostname or IP Address: This specifies network location of Citrix server that client device should connect to. It identifies where Citrix resources are hosted.

  2. Server Port: The port number used for communication with Citrix server. This ensures that data is transmitted to correct service on server.

  3. Username and Password: User credentials, including username and password, may be included for authentication purposes. These credentials allow users to prove their identity and gain access to Citrix resources.

  4. Connection Settings: CFG files can contain various connection settings, such as encryption settings, session timeout values, and display options. These settings help configure user experience and security parameters.

  5. Resource Configuration: Depending on configuration, CFG file may specify which Citrix resources (applications or desktops) should be launched when connection is established.

File Formats Used by Citrix

Citrix servers and related Citrix technologies support several file formats to enable delivery of applications, desktops, and content to remote users. Here are some common file formats associated with Citrix server deployments:

  1. ICA (Independent Computing Architecture):

    • .ica: The ICA file is core component of Citrix’s application and desktop delivery. It contains information about connection to Citrix server, such as server address, port, encryption settings, and display preferences. When user clicks on Citrix resource, .ica file is generated and used by Citrix Receiver (or Citrix Workspace) client to establish connection.

  2. Citrix Receiver (or Citrix Workspace) Packages:

    • .exe: Citrix Receiver or Citrix Workspace installation packages often come in executable format for various operating systems (e.g., .exe for Windows, .dmg for macOS). These packages allow users to install client software on their devices.

  3. Citrix Workspace App (formerly Citrix Receiver):

    • .app: On macOS, Citrix Workspace App is packaged as macOS application .app file.

  4. Web Browser Compatibility:

    • Citrix solutions can be accessed through web browsers, typically using HTML5 for web-based access. Users connect to Citrix resources via URLs without requiring specific file formats.

  5. Virtual Desktop Disk Images:

    • .vhd, .vhdx: Citrix XenDesktop and XenApp can deliver virtual desktops and applications using virtual hard disk VHD or VHDX files.

  6. Resource Publishing Metadata:

    • .xml: Citrix administrators often use XML files to define resource publishing settings, including application properties, access policies, and user assignments.

  7. Printer Driver Files:

    • Citrix environments may require specific printer driver files (e.g., .inf) to ensure proper printing functionality when using remote applications.

  8. User Profile Data:

    • .upm: Citrix Profile Management can store user profile data in .upm files to provide consistent user experiences across sessions and devices.

  9. Configuration Files:

    • .conf: Various configuration files i.e. may be used to define settings for Citrix components, such as configuration files for Citrix License Server (e.g., CtxLicChk.conf).

  10. Citrix ADC (NetScaler) Configuration:

    • .nsconfig: Configuration files for Citrix Application Delivery Controllers (ADC), formerly known as NetScaler, store settings related to load balancing, security, and traffic management.

How to open CFG file?

Programs that open or reference CFG files

  • Citrix Access Client (Windows, MAC, Linux)

Other CFG files

Here are other file types that use the .cfg file extension.

Settings

Game

System & Misc

References

See Also