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An installation tragedy
Sometimes, although this is quite uncommon, users may install an application and discover that this application doesn't even want to start on their computer, "quitting unexpectedly" when it is launched for the first time.
This FAQ explains why and how to solve this issue.
I - The root of the problem
Buggy applications ? When encountering this problem, a user may think that the application in itself is faulty and useless... However, most of the time, the application isn't at fault and performing a few system-wide maintenance steps may solve these issues... That is why this FAQ recommends that you perform such maintenance tasks : don't be surprised, it may actually help you even if your newly installed application is the only software that doesn't work on your computer.And what to solve ? Problems encountered at the first launch are very often related to an installation error. Installers have to perform dozens of tasks at once and to add or remove components from folders and files on your hard drive. Sometimes, a component isn't added or removed as it should be and the application may behave strangely. Such issues are often a symptom for system-wide issues that need to be solved as quickly as possible. Waiting too long to perform maintenance or repair steps may cause more issues to raise.
Before performing these steps, please, do backup your data !
II - A few easy steps
- Download a new copy of the installer - or find the installation disk. Make sure that you use the most up-to-date version of the application and that your computer meets all the system requirements.
- By using the Finder's search feature, search "everywhere" for files and folders related to the application, especially preferences files, cache files... Drag them and the application in itself to the trash and empty it.
By removing all files from your hard drive, you make sure that no corrupted files are left. This is especially important and should be done with care : some applications even have "uninstallers" that come with them. Would this be the case, use it instead of doing it manually. Be carefull not to delete any needed system component or shared file, though !- Use the "Disk Utility" located in your "Application" folders to repair the permissions on your boot Mac OS X partition.
Installation errors are often related to permission issues. Make sure that all your applications are located directly in your "Applications" folder ( not into sub-folders ) and launch the utility (1). Do not use your computer while the utility is running.- Boot from the "Mac OS X Install CD 1" and use the installer menu in order to open the "Disk Utility". Then, repair your Mac OS X partition.
Would the issue be related to a more serious system-wide problem, this step should perform the needed repairs. Would the disk utility report any problems, solve them first !- Reboot your computer and use the application installer to re-install it
- Try to launch it again
III - It still doesn't work !
Would this remain ineffective, the best thing to do is to contact the application authors and to ask them if there are any known problems. They may be aware of an issue and help you to correct it.
You may also want to make sure that you carefully performed the step 1.
Of course, please, do not hesitate to post on this forum : we would all be very glad to help you !
(1) Experienced users who have modified the default privileges settings should be aware that they will be reverted back to the factory setup.
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