where does app store save the download files to my computer?

[forrie]

I used "lsof" to identify the directory that was being downloaded to. In this case, Xcode.

/var/folders/wj/hy_57h_n12z3nt4r_c2hgfp00000gn/C/com.apple.appstore/448457090/

As you may (or may not) know, there is a slight bug in how Apple's App Store handles Xcode. If you happen to own multiple systems, as I do, you will only be able to install Xcode once. Unless you create other IDs to log in to the App Store with on other systems, which really creates more problems.

I've been emailing Apple support about this and they are positively ******** clueless.

Anyway, the files that are being downloaded now are:

mzm.iyofpska.pkg

which is an "xar" archive format.

When the download is done, I'm not sure what to do with it to facilitate installation. I did a "xar -v -f" and see the contents as another *.pkg -- so perhaps I just use that to do the install.

That is, if I can grab it before the App Store program deletes.

[gorskiegangsta]

Originally Posted by camomac

yeah, i understand where the application itself is, but where is the .dmg file?
or does the app store download/install/then delete the install file?

For many apps, it just downloads the .app file and then (upon first run) creates the library folders. For some apps, it downloads the .dmg file, then automatically deletes it after installation.

[benhollberg]

Originally Posted by Gregnyrfan

Hold OPTION while selecting Mac LION icon in appstore. keep holding while clicking on the install button.

this will re-download the file.

This will work so we can make another copy to boot on a USB thumb drive? Even if I alread am running Lion?

[tofeeq]

Originally Posted by Gregnyrfan

For a more detailed location on where the AppStore downloads the files -->

You have to have Hidden Files SHOWING!!!

Macintosh HD \ private \ var \ folders \ xv \ ttygflms2w1frc41jvtd85zc0000gn \ C \com.apple.appstore

This is where AppStore downloads and stores files before installation.

NOTE: some of the filenames could be different than mine (ttygfl... and C)

Hope this helps.

Thanks, this is where I found my Xcode 4.1.1 on Mac lion app store.

[milo]

So is there a way to change the download location? In my case I actually do need to download to a different drive because my boot drive doesn't have enough free space.

Anyone know how?

[jackrv]

Is it possible to hard link the download directory to a directory on another volume?

[kpgh554]

Originally Posted by milo

So is there a way to change the download location? In my case I actually do need to download to a different drive because my boot drive doesn't have enough free space.

Anyone know how?

if go to:- otherworldcomputing.com there's an item called "remaking the classics" (relocating your home folder in osx 10.5.x.leopard and later). It gives way of locating home folder on another drive if using ssd & hdd. I suppose it could be used to relocate download folder also.

[XP1]

After the app installs, the temporary files are deleted. I have been trying to save the downloaded temporary files for the past couple hours.

I have figured out how to do it (on OS X 10.6.8):

After clicking the app install button, pause the download.

Open Terminal.

Between each command, you can run this to see if the ACL is present at the bottom.

ls -adel ~/Library/Application\ Support/AppStore

After you pause the download and have opened Terminal, enter this ACL:

sudo chmod +a "everyone deny delete,delete_child,file_inherit,directory_inherit" ~/Library/Application\ Support/AppStore

Resume the app download. After the app has downloaded, the temporary files will not be removed.

Close the App Store.

Copy the temporary files now.

After you have copied the temporary files, remove the ACL:

sudo chmod -a# 0 ~/Library/Application\ Support/AppStore

[Fishrrman]

The original poster wrote:
"my reason for this is i like to keep all my software backed up on a separate drive."

Well, if this is all you -really- want to do, just do this:
- Get an external drive
- Get CarbonCopyCloner
- Use CCC to create a bootable clone of your main drive onto the external

That's it.

Now, all your apps (and personal data, system software, etc.) are stored on an external drive in POFF (plain old finder format). If you need something, like an app, just mount the backup and "copy over" what you need via the Finder….

[desertcrystal]

While the App Store is downloading applications, files are temporarily stored under:

/var/folders/*

When installing applications or updates, files are temporarily stored under:

/Library/Updates/* (best place to get the updates from)

Of cause these files are all purged/deleted once the App Store has finished downloading and installing. There's one other possible work around though - if you're quick, you can open up Terminal and execute the following during the installation of any updates (not before, not after). This will copy all the App Store install files/folders into your Downloads directory:

cp -av /Library/Updates/* ~/Downloads/

I've been considering creating a launchd script or app to do this automatically but with all my other jobs, it's low on my todo!..

[Kori]

Originally Posted by Brokentoaster

The files are downloaded to

/Users/<USERNAME>/Library/Application Support/AppStore/

and once complete moved to

/Applications/

Is this also correct for the OS downloads? I purchased 10.7 from the app store and installed it, but now cannot find it on my HD. I don't have that directory in my username or root Library.
The App Store says it is "Downloaded" but doesn't offer a chance to download again.


Later -
I found the "Install Mac OS X Lion.app" as a 4gb file in Applications, but not as a dmg. That makes a problem. I bought a diskless iMac locally and I have to somehow install the OS on a blank HD. Apparently I have to install 10.6 before I can install 10.7. Unfortunately my 10.6.3 dvd has become defective and won't install.
So any ideas on how to get a fresh copy of 10.6 so I can then install 10.7?

Am I confused, or is loading the OS to a clean maching getting a lot more difficult?

More Later -
I found that there is a "Recovery Disk" when I start the machine with OPTION pressed. I had to sign into the app store and now it is "Downloading Additional Files", with an estimated time of 107 hours.

[AJTEX]

Originally Posted by Gregnyrfan

For a more detailed location on where the AppStore downloads the files -->

You have to have Hidden Files SHOWING!!!

Macintosh HD \ private \ var \ folders \ xv \ ttygflms2w1frc41jvtd85zc0000gn \ C \com.apple.appstore

This is where AppStore downloads and stores files before installation.

NOTE: some of the filenames could be different than mine (ttygfl... and C)

Hope this helps.

Many Thanks, this was exactly the answer I was looking for!