Leftover files from Uninstalled Apps

[a84c72]

I hope someone is able to help me...I would be indebted! I have leftover files from apps that I "uninstalled". I am finding these files using the "Find Any File" app. When I go to the path to delete this, many apps tell me I do not have permission...even though I am the admin (and only user of the laptop and it was purchased brand new). When I click to get info, my user name does not appear at the bottom of the list. It tells me that I can only READ. In the list is system, wheel, and everyone. I can unlock the permissions, but I cannot change them. The SYSTEM is the only one that can read and write. When I go into preferences, it shows I am admin. I know that some files are probably protected, but how do I get rid of this garbage left behind by these apps? I even tried to use an app to do it, but even THAT app left crap behind and did nothing. These apps are from previous antivirus apps that I didn't realize I might not really need to begin with. It looks like one such location is in the System Extension folder..

Thanks for any help!

 

[Kottu]

Change permissions for files, folders, or disks on Mac

On your Mac, assign permissions that allow users and groups to see or change a file, folder, or disk.

support.apple.com

You can also use a third party app like Onyx to clear junk files

 

[a84c72]

Thank you! I am unable to add myself as a user in the list on the info. it tells me I do not have permission to do it. I do have Onyx and I do use it for maintenance. It has never deleted system files from old apps that have been "uninstalled", though. Is there a different way for it to do that?

 

[Mike Boreham]

A very well respected simple uninstaller is AppCleaner which will remove most files associated with an app. I always use an app's own uninstaller first but many apps dont have them and sometimes their own uninstallers do not remove everything.

Like you I sometimes also use EasyFind (similar to Find any File) to find left over files. Sometimes I get a message that I need to authenicate a deletion and have to enter my user password. Occasionally that doesnt work, which is maybe the situation you are finding. I have not tried changing permissions as you are. I expect it can be done if you know what you are doing, and there will be Terminal commands for removing them. But I usually succeed by booting to another volume and navigating to the now non-booted volume and deleting with Finder.

Many people will say such measures are not necessary. All such craft is only on the -Data volume as the System Volume is unalterable and checked every build. Still I am a bit OCD and try to remove everything. I pay particular attention to anything left in launchdaemons and launchagents folders.

Windows seems to have a more consistent approach to uninstalling, but I also hear stuff is left behind there too.

 

[unrigestered]

Windows seems to have a more consistent approach to uninstalling, but I also hear stuff is left behind there too.

there is!
the worst part is the Registry (basically a system PLIST), where usually nothing that had been added will be removed at all.