install issue : houdini package and network path

[dougWilkinson]

Hi!

windows 10
houdini 18.5.499
Vray 52002, 51020, 50050

We load vray (zip) from a network location. like \\server\share\vrayHoudiniBuilds\52002
With each new vray for houdini update, I try to use the package system but its never working from a network location, only locally. Instead i'm using the older environment variable method. But i've noticed the installation (zip) docs no longer show declaring envars as a method.
I am also keeping the vray_for_houdini.json in a network location, which i've edited as instructed, pointing to the above location.
Lastly, before launching houdini i'm setting an envar HOUDINI_PACKAGE_DIR pointing to the location of the json file on the network.

in the above scenario houdini will simply not load the vray plugin. i've tried flipping slashes and escaping them. nothing seems to help.

Is anyone else doing things using the package system with a network path this and does it work?
Does anyone know if there's a problem with UNC path compatibility and the Houdini .json package system?

thanks for any help!
doug

[tianyi_chen]

Hi there. I just stumble on this post.
I have no experience in installing vray in net environment.
But I know a bit about json, I just want to check did you use "/" instead of "back slash" for your path in the vray_for_houdini.json file?

[dougWilkinson]

tianyi_chen thanks for replying!

i have indeed tried flipping and even "escape" them.

I think its time to put in a ticket with chaos...