Applications keep uninstalling themeselves?

[semiotic]

This is quite possibly the most mysterious mac os issue I've ever heard of.

 

[i.shaun]

is there still a warranty on there? This just doesn't look right at all.


I'd check to see if any applications are causing the problem, check whatever you run normally.


One other thought is maybe Time Machine is physically moving or deleting them when it tries to back it up -- do time machine backups match up with the times that these things happen?


Also, check time machine settings, I don't know if what I suggested is possible or not but it's worth a shot to check into.

 

[MacDawg]

I have nothing to offer here but my amazement as well
Please do keep this updated

Woof, Woof - Dawg

 

[alexmadison]

Do Macs get Viruses?

 

[i.shaun]

Do Macs get Viruses?

Not viruses, but there are a few trojans and other malicious software that can attack if you don't be careful.

example: Pirated software from torrents. Photoshop and iWork recently had trojans for OS X that were being distributed with the pirated apps.


Another example: Random porn sites or other sites may claim to need "Active X controls" or "latest flash player" and ask to install -- don't. Macs don't use active X for one, and if Youtube and flash advertisements play -- you have flash player.

The "plugin" they want you to install is likely a trojan that will ask for the admin password to gain full access to your computer.

 

[BlueRevolution]

Do Macs get Viruses?

No, but given the available information, I also suspect you may have inadvertently reinstalled some sort of malware. They're not immune to trojans, since those are based on social engineering and require your express permission to run, just like any other application.

When you say you ran a "brand new install", did you use Migration Assistant to copy information from your previous system? If so, it's possible that you have copied the culprit as well.

What applications have you installed other than OS X's default set?

 

[mrjamie101]

ongoing!

Hi,

Just to re-cap:

I ran a full format & restore from the recovery media; When I reinstalled the applications (none of which are pirated versions) apps started removing themselves again. I disconnected the firewire drive I use for Timemachine (as per a request in the thread) in case it was the reason for removing my apps and started to use the mac again.

Within a day or two, I was missing a few new applications - App Zapper went, Adium went, Itunes went. Poof! This time I had no Timemachine, so I had to reinstall the apps again from scratch.

I ran 'another' full format & recovery but this time never once connected the unit to an internet connection (disabled wireless and did not connect a patch cable) And continued to use the unit in the normal manner - albeit, without any updates, Adium, and any other internet based apps.

.... a few days later, my full Adobe package is missing again - whilst I was using the application! Could not save file - so had to quit without saving, upon attempting to re-open, all Adobe software was gone

So, I think I've ruled out trojans, timemachine, hard drive, ram.

I think it's time to bin this macbook pro and buy a new one. damn.

 

[i.shaun]

Hi,

Just to re-cap:

I ran a full format & restore from the recovery media; When I reinstalled the applications (none of which are pirated versions) apps started removing themselves again. I disconnected the firewire drive I use for Timemachine (as per a request in the thread) in case it was the reason for removing my apps and started to use the mac again.

Within a day or two, I was missing a few new applications - App Zapper went, Adium went, Itunes went. Poof! This time I had no Timemachine, so I had to reinstall the apps again from scratch.

I ran 'another' full format & recovery but this time never once connected the unit to an internet connection (disabled wireless and did not connect a patch cable) And continued to use the unit in the normal manner - albeit, without any updates, Adium, and any other internet based apps.

.... a few days later, my full Adobe package is missing again - whilst I was using the application! Could not save file - so had to quit without saving, upon attempting to re-open, all Adobe software was gone

So, I think I've ruled out trojans, timemachine, hard drive, ram.

I think it's time to bin this macbook pro and buy a new one. damn.

Have you spoken with apple? This is one strange issue, maybe they'll help you out

 

[Esteban Hernández]

I'm facing the same issue, on Tuesday I received a notification about an update while shutting down the macbook pro, I accepted it, but the installation failed, on Wednesday when I turned on the mac, an application named CleanMyMac was not there, I used the finder and some of the configuration files were there, so I think it was the application that tried to install and update and for some reason it failed causing the error.

 

[millerj123]

You won't get a response from the OP, I'm afraid, lo these 11 years since they've been gone.

CleanMyMac is generally regarded as malware.

 

[TiggrToo]

I'm facing the same issue, on Tuesday I received a notification about an update while shutting down the macbook pro, I accepted it, but the installation failed, on Wednesday when I turned on the mac, an application named CleanMyMac was not there, I used the finder and some of the configuration files were there, so I think it was the application that tried to install and update and for some reason it failed causing the error.

Be thankful your Mac looked after you and removed that horrible app.