'"[path]" could not be accessed. Please make sure your user directory isn't locked' When installing from a Custom Install / Autodesk Account Deployment

Issue

When Installing a deployment package made from the Autodesk Account's Custom Install Tool to a network drive/server, you receive the following error: 

You have verified that the path is accessible in File Explorer and ruled out permissions (right-click the folder you're trying to use and go to Properties > Security — make sure the folder has the appropriate permissions to read, write, execute, etc.) — If not, do this first!

Cause

The defined path is not UNC (Universal Naming Convention).

Affected Software

Custom Install Tool, Network Server/Drive

Resolution

UNC (Universal Naming Convention) is recommended by Autodesk for network drives. Re-create the deployment using a UNC path name, For example: 

If the original path was: f:\projects\software

Try this instead: \\server-name\f:\projects\software

As a best practice, make sure the specified path is an Empty Folder.

Resources

• Best practices for network deployments

Contact Support

If you are still experiencing issues or have further questions, please reach out to our support team Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM—5:00 PM EST:

• 📧 Submit a Request
• 📞 [phone] or Schedule a Call