Open System Preferences on each target system.
Last updated on
Aug 3, 2026
Resolve common Apple Remote Desktop deployment failures on macOS.
Apple Remote Desktop (ARD) package deployment can fail due to improper system preparation, incorrect configuration, or user state changes during installation. Understanding the requirements and deployment methods helps ensure successful Adobe package deployment.
If you selected Specify directory during deployment when creating the package, ensure you specify the custom installation location before deploying.
Remote Management isn't properly configured
Remote Management isn't properly configured on target systems, preventing ARD from communicating with client machines.
Select Sharing from the preferences pane.
Select Remote Management in the left pane.
Verify that Copy Items and Delete and Replace Items are selected in the Remote Management permissions.
Verify that the target machines appear in the ARD window.
User state changes during deployment
When the user state changes during deployment, such as user login, logout, or user switching, the installation process is interrupted.
Verify all target machines are in a quiet state with no active users.
Ensure machines remain active to receive commands, but users are logged out.
Redeploy the package if the initial deployment fails.
Tip
If deploying using Copy Items and the Send UNIX Command method, specify only the folder name in the plist, and you'll pass the volume name with the installer command.
