Q: Mac App Store updates repeating

Two topics with the same problem (bug of update MAS): http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2791413&tstart=0

This clue solved the problem for me. As a test I used Disk Utility to unmount my backup volume where the App store was finding duplicate copies of all my applications. I stopped and restarted the App Store. The red badge telling me I still needed updates went away. Had I waited for the backup to run over night the updated application would have overwritten its backup copy and I would have achieved the same end. Mac OS X does unexpected things when multiple system volumes are readable at the same time.

I believe the App Store uses Spotlight to locate the programs.

Do you have your backup volume listed in Spotlight’s privacy list?

Thanks ... Ken

I do now. That also seems to cure the app store red badge issue. Thanks Ken for another good tip.

So if I understand this right, if App update sees older versions via spotlight in my backup volume it will keep updating my installed apps? I have read not to turn spotlight off for backup volumes because time machine needs the indexing?

Do I not understand this right?

So if I understand this right, if App update sees older versions via spotlight in my backup volume it will keep updating my installed apps?

Don’t know???

I have read not to turn spotlight off for backup volumes because time machine needs the indexing?

Mine is in the privacy pane and TM works fine.

Thanks ... Ken

My Mac has three bootable volumes. The only App Store app I have is FaceTime. FaceTime is on the first and second volumes. When I updated FaceTime recently on my 1st volume the red "update available" flag persisted. I may have restarted App Store several times but my record is weak on this point.

Upon suggestion found in this thread, and while App Store was open, I unmounted the 2nd volume that included FaceTime and the red flag immediately disappeared.

I disabled Spotlight for the 2nd volume and remounted the 2nd volume. The red flag did not reappear. I restarted App Store -- same result. I stopped App Store.

I reenabled Spotlight for the 2nd volume and waited for the index to rebuild. I restarted App Store and the red flag was back.

I clicked the update button and FaceTime was updated on the 2nd volume and the red flag disappeared.

On this skimpy test data I suspect the following:
1. The App Store red flag problem is the result of the app in question existing on more than one volume.
2. The App Store relies on Spotlight to find apps to update.
3. The App Store reliably updates the first found app instance then is confused about what to do with the other instance until some combination of events resets its view of available apps to update. Thereafter the App Store will reliably update the newly first found app instance even when it is not on the boot volume.
4. Time Machine does not rely on Spotlight indexing. (just a hunch)

I expect a future App Store will report all upgradeable app instances found and offer to upgrade each one yes/no.

Meanwhile let's find an easy combination of events that reliable resets App Store without rebooting each volume and updating each instance just to clear a red flag.

Thanks. /criss

Great work!

You proved my suspicions.

Thanks ... Ken

Thanks, that is pretty clear to me. I had read somewhere that adding a time machine backup to the privacy list doesn't actually keep spotlight from indexing it, only searching it. But like a lot of stuff on the internet, every thing must be taken with a bit of skepticism.

Ok, I have success here with rebuilding the spotlight database. http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/RebuildingSpotlightsDatabase/
I also added my TM backup to the Privacy list in the Spotlight preferences
All update notifications have gone. This is a fix........... for now.

Nope, that didn't last long, notifications returned. I found in user/Library/Application Support/AppStore some files that didn't look right so I deleted all the files in the AppStore folder. Now AppStore is working without false notifications. Fingers crossed, it lasts.......

I've started having this problem with the Evernote App. After deleting cache, prefs and any other files relating to the App Store with no luck, I tried rebuilding the Spotlight index. Unfortunately this wasn't a permanent fix. I then added all [visible] root folders on my system drive. This solved it. So far, I've been able to allow the user folders with no problem. I've yet to allow indexing of Applications, Library, and System folders. Also of note, this solved an issue with the Growlvoice App not working properly. If I get the problem file/folder narrowed down, I'll post my results. Hopefully, Apple can solve this issue soon.