Learn how to install software from a network drive or a remote server, and how to fix common installation errors. Find out what you need to consider before downloading and running software from a network source.

You may need to consider your destination device's needs. Some software comes as an installer that when run, downloads the files from the internet during the install process. If you have a workstation that is offline or has a slow internet connection, see if the software has a full or offline installer that can be downloaded from another computer and then put on removable media.

I once brought down a network, because the executable file was two hundred miles away and the network was full of everyday traffic. In a different circumstance, I had to robo copy an executable across the country to the particular endpoint. The actual installation in each case was minutes once everything was together. Try to get your executables at least on a server in the same building.

How do you install software from a network drive or a remote server?

Installing software from a network drive or a remote server can save you time and disk space, but it also requires some extra steps and precautions. In this article, you will learn how to install software from a network drive or a remote server, and how to troubleshoot common installation errors.

1 Choose the right software source

Before you install software from a network drive or a remote server, you need to make sure that the source is reliable and compatible with your system. You should only download software from trusted and authorized sites, and check the file size, format, and signature to verify its integrity. You should also check the system requirements and compatibility of the software with your operating system, hardware, and network settings.

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Howard Kemple Jr.

Signal Officer at Army National Guard
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You may need to consider your destination device's needs. Some software comes as an installer that when run, downloads the files from the internet during the install process. If you have a workstation that is offline or has a slow internet connection, see if the software has a full or offline installer that can be downloaded from another computer and then put on removable media.

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Peter Boyles

Windows System Administrator
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I do not recommend using a mapped drive, use a UNC path unless the application does not support it. Anything that triggers a repair or source check in the application will cause issues trying to connect to the no longer available mapped drive. Even with great documentation, the latest support people will need to find document first.

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2 Connect to the network drive or the remote server

To install software from a network drive or a remote server, you need to connect to the source using the appropriate method and credentials. Depending on the type and location of the source, you may need to use a network drive mapping, a file transfer protocol (FTP), a remote desktop protocol (RDP), or a web browser. You should also ensure that you have enough bandwidth and stability to download the software without interruptions or errors.

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Mark Brantner

Social Distancing Champion, terrible at Self-Promotion. Office Humorist included as a bonus. Unable to relocate.Text: 417 880 0274
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I use Dropbox to keep my installation and upgrade files. I can access it at any computer that I give permission to. It's much easier than worrying about using a thumb drive or disc

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3 Run the installation file or the setup wizard

Once you have connected to the network drive or the remote server, you need to run the installation file or the setup wizard to start the installation process. Depending on the software, you may need to extract the file from a compressed folder, accept the license agreement, choose the installation location and options, and follow the instructions on the screen. You should also close any other programs and applications that may interfere with the installation.

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4 Check the installation status and results

After you have run the installation file or the setup wizard, you need to check the installation status and results to confirm that the software has been installed successfully. You can check the installation status by looking at the progress bar, the installation log, or the notification area. You can check the installation results by looking at the installed programs list, the start menu, or the desktop shortcuts. You should also test the software to make sure that it works as expected.

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5 Troubleshoot installation errors

If you encounter any installation errors or issues, you need to troubleshoot them to find and fix the cause. Some common installation errors include corrupted or incomplete files, insufficient permissions or disk space, incompatible or outdated drivers or components, and network or firewall problems. You can troubleshoot installation errors by checking the error messages, the installation log, or the event viewer. You can also try to restart your system, run the installation file as an administrator, update your drivers or components, or change your network or firewall settings.

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6 Uninstall or repair the software

If you need to uninstall or repair the software that you have installed from a network drive or a remote server, you need to follow the same steps as you would for any other software. You can uninstall or repair the software by using the control panel, the uninstaller tool, or the setup wizard. You should also delete any leftover files or folders, and remove any registry entries or shortcuts that may be associated with the software.

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Michael Bitton
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At my previous employment, it took a long time for the Dev department to train the Support department to use the uninstall/reinstall option only as a last resort. There was not a lot of confidence in the setup wizard's Repair. We had removed the Repair option more than a decade previously and replaced it with our own crafted repair methods. 1) We had an Installer that reinstalled only the selected portions of the business application (i.e., default documents, pictures etc.), not any program binaries or database options, with no footprint in the App Remove list. 2) A list was built of all program binaries and stored on the app server to 'Refresh' all binaries from a product updater function. This allowed better debugging of install issues.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Joe Johnson

Volunteer Board Chairman
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I once brought down a network, because the executable file was two hundred miles away and the network was full of everyday traffic. In a different circumstance, I had to robo copy an executable across the country to the particular endpoint. The actual installation in each case was minutes once everything was together. Try to get your executables at least on a server in the same building.

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How do you install software from a network drive or a remote server?

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1 Choose the right software source

2 Connect to the network drive or the remote server

3 Run the installation file or the setup wizard

4 Check the installation status and results

5 Troubleshoot installation errors

6 Uninstall or repair the software

7 Here’s what else to consider

Software Installation

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