The Host and Target Are Offline Error When Installing Software to a Real-Time Target

Issue Details

I am trying to install software to my Linux Real-Time target from NI MAX or Hardware Configuration Utility (HWCU) and am getting errors when opening the installation dialog.

• When installing from NI MAX, I get this error:
  
  The host and target are offline. Furthermore, the NI Linux Real-Time feeds are not installed on this computer.

• When installing from NI HWCU, I get this error:

Unable to establish connection with remote system using SSH.

Solution

• These errors can occur if both the host PC and the Real-Time target do not have an internet connection. First, ensure that the PC is connected to a valid network and has internet access. If you cannot connect the host PC and Real-Time target to the internet due to security restrictions, refer to the article Installing Software to Offline NI Linux Real-Time Targets - NI.
  
  
• In version 2026 Q2 of NI System Configuration, there is a known issue where these errors can occur even if the host PC and the Real-Time (RT) target are connected to a network with internet access. To fix this problem:
  
  
  1. Close the Real-Time Software installation dialog
  2. Open a Command Prompt or Windows Powershell from the Start menu
  3. Enter the following command, replacing <IP Address> with the IP address of your RT target. 
     
     ssh admin@<ip address>
     
     
  4. If your RT target has an admin password set, enter the password when prompted
  5. Type yes when prompted to add the target to the list of known hosts
  6. Close Command Prompt or Powershell

After following these steps, you should now be able to open a software installation on the RT target and it should properly detect that the system is online.

Additional Information

You can check what version of NI System Configuration you have installed by searching on the Installed tab in NI Package Manager. If the version shows 26.3.0, then you have the 2026 Q2 version installed.