Track installation of a .pkg installer

[zrbecker]

Some programs install using a .pkg installer that require and administrator user to install. I was wondering if there was a way to determine where these installers are putting files.

Thanks

 

[calderone]

Run the pkg.

At the first install screen in the menu bar click File --> Show Files (Command + I).

Another useful thing to do is look at the install log.

Window --> Installer Log (Command + L)

To determine where it puts files after the fact (the pkg is still relevant, but you may not have it anymore).

Use the lsbom command. An example:

lsbom -f /var/db/receipts/com.growl.growl.pkg.bom

Package receipts are stored in /var/db/receipts (in 10.6).

Apple has changed the receipts location a number of times and the format and location can depend on when the package was created. You may need to look in /Library/Receipts/

 

[dirt farmer]

Or better yet, check out Fseventer. It's free and works great