Deploying Adobe Reader DC via Software Distribution in NetSupport DNA

With NetSupport DNA, you can remotely install software on your devices using the Software Distribution feature. This can be extremely useful in cases where you need to deploy software to devices but alternative methods aren’t suitable or possible.

This article explains how to deploy Adobe Reader DC silently via the NetSupport DNA Software Distribution feature. However, please be aware that you should always refer to the software manufacturer’s documentation for information on how to silently install their software, as this can often change.

Determining how to silently install Adobe Reader DC
Firstly, you need to determine whether the software can be silently installed. It is possible to use the Adobe Support Community sites (https://community.adobe.com/t5/acrobat-reader/ct-p/ct-acrobat-reader?page=1&sort=latest_replies&filter=all&tabid=discussions) to search for the silent installation information when using the .exe installation file. There are also other websites available that will provide the silent installation parameters that can be used to install the software, e.g. https://silentinstallhq.com/adobe-reader-dc-silent-install-how-to-guide/.

Using the information from the websites, the silent installation parameters when using the .exe file are: /sAll /rs /msi EULA_ACCEPT=YES

Note: While we have verified the following instructions work for Adobe Reader DC (AcroRdrDC2100720099_en_US.exe), the method to silently install the software can change. We strongly recommend referring to the vendor’s documentation to ensure you have the most up to date information for the version you are installing.

Creating a software distribution package in NetSupport DNA
Next, you need to create a package within NetSupport DNA so you can deploy and install the software.

1. Download the Adobe Reader DC .exe installer from the vendor’s website (https://get.adobe.com/reader/enterprise/).
2. Log into the NetSupport DNA Console.
3. Click the Software Distribution icon in the ribbon and select {Package Administration} from the drop-down menu.
4. Click New to create a new software distribution package.
5. To add the Adobe Reader DC installer to the package, select the Files icon.
6. Navigate to and select the Adobe Reader DC installation file (AcroRdrDC2100720099_en_US.exe).
7. Now the installer is in the package, select the AcroRdrDC2100720099_en_US.exe file and then click the Actions icon.
8. Select the ‘Execute: “%Package%\AcroRdrDC2100720099_en_US.exe”‘ action and click Edit.
9. Add the silent install parameters to the end of the action. In this example, it would be: “%Package%\AcroRdrDC2100720099_en_US.exe” /sAll /rs /msi EULA_ACCEPT=YES
10. All files included in a Software Distribution package are sent to the %Package% directory on a DNA Agent machine which by default is C:\Program Files (x86)\NetSupport\NetSupport DNA\Client\Packages.
11. Click OK. You can now test the package

Testing the software distribution package
Now you’ve created a package, you should perform a test installation to ensure it functions as expected.

1. In the Test Package dialog, select Test Package Distribution and click Next.
2. Select a PC from your DNA hierarchy to test the package on and click Next (the DNA Agent must be installed on the machine and the machine powered on in order to select it).

Distributing your Adobe Reader DC Software Distribution package
Once you have created, tested and saved the package, it can be deployed to your NetSupport DNA Agent machines.

1. In the PCs hierarchy, select the level (PC, Department, etc.) that you wish to distribute the package to.
2. Right click and select Distribute.
3. A list of all created packages will be shown. Select the Adobe Reader DC package.
4. Click OK. The Schedule Distribution window will appear.
5. If you wish to schedule the distribution, then you can do this here. Otherwise, select Now to install the software as soon as possible.
6. Click OK. NetSupport DNA will attempt to distribute and install the package.