[Fixed] Docker Desktop install error on Mac book Pro – OS Monterey – Error: Error invoking remote method 'desktop-go-backend' – Docker

$ brew uninstall --cask docker --force
$ brew uninstall --formula docker --force
$ brew install --cask docker

The Problem:

Docker Desktop installation failed on MacBook Pro running macOS Monterey with the error: "Error invoking remote method ‘desktop-go-backend’". The issue arises while retrieving the ‘vmnetd’ version from a plist file (‘/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.docker.vmnetd.plist’), causing the installation process to fail. Despite uninstalling and reinstalling Docker Desktop multiple times, the error persists.

Subsequent attempts to remove Docker binaries and reinstall using ‘brew install –cask docker’ result in additional errors related to existing binaries at ‘/usr/local/bin/hub-tool’, ‘/usr/local/bin/kubectl.docker’, ‘/usr/local/bin/vpnkit’, and ‘/usr/local/bin/com.docker.cli’. Manual deletion of these binary files and re-running the installation command does not resolve the issue.

The Solutions:

Solution 2: Rename any conflicting binaries

If you encounter an error message indicating the existence of a conflicting binary, such as Error: It seems there is already a Binary at '/usr/local/bin/docker-index'., follow these steps to resolve the issue:

1. Identify the conflicting binary file using the command ls -la /usr/local/bin/docker*.

2. Rename the conflicting binary file using the command sudo mv /usr/local/bin/docker-index /usr/local/bin/docker-index-old (replace docker-index with the actual conflicting binary file name).

3. Reinstall Docker using brew reinstall --cask docker.

Solution 3: Remove Existing Files and Reinstall Docker

Manually remove any existing Docker-related files that may prevent a successful reinstall through brew.

1. Uninstall Docker and Docker Compose:

   brew uninstall docker docker-compose
   

2. Delete specific files:

   rm /usr/local/etc/bash_completion.d/docker
   rm /usr/local/share/zsh/site-functions/_docker
   rm /usr/local/share/fish/vendor_completions.d/docker.fish
   

3. Reinstall Docker using brew:

   brew install docker --cask
   

During the reinstall, if errors appear indicating the existence of certain files, manually delete those files as well:

Error: It seems there is already a Binary at '/usr/local/etc/bash_completion.d/docker'.

This approach ensures a clean slate for Docker Desktop by removing any leftover files that may interfere with the installation.

Solution 4: Clear Conflicting Files and Folders

In some cases, an unfinished Docker installation can lead to conflicting files and folders. This occurs when the initial installation fails, leaving behind leftovers that interfere with subsequent attempts to install Docker.

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

1. Identify the conflicting files and folders by running the command brew install --cask docker.
2. Check the modification dates of these files and folders to ensure they are related to the previous Docker installation attempt.
3. Manually delete these conflicting files and folders.
4. Retry installing Docker using the command brew install --cask docker.

By removing these conflicting elements, you can allow the installation to proceed without encountering the same error.

Video Explanation:

The following video, titled "How To Install SQL Server on Mac M1 & M2 | Latest for 2022 ...", provides additional insights and in-depth exploration related to the topics discussed in this post.

How to Install SQL Server and SQL Server Management Studio on Your Mac with M1 & M2 Apple Chip. With IDE. Latest for 2022 (MacOS Monterey).