InchH Author

Level 1

15 points

"node" Error message after installing Catalina

After installing macOS Catalina, an error message keeps popping up that says:

"node" cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified.

macOS cannot verify that this app is free from malware.

Safari downloaded this file on 9 April 2013.

Move to Trash Cancel

When I select "Move to Trash", an error message appears saying:

"node" could not be moved to Trash.

Please move the item to the trash manually.

This is not a viable option because I wouldn't know what "node" is or where to find it in the first place.

When I select "Cancel", the error message ("node cannot be opened, etc.) just keeps coming back.

I have a MacBook Pro Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015, 3.1 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i7, 16 GB.

Since the error message says Safari downloaded this "node" file back in 2013, it must have been carried over from my previous MBP (late 2012). Odd though that it never triggered an error message with any previous OS updates.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

MacBook

Posted on Oct 9, 2019 1:12 AM

Top-ranking reply

Surgeon_user

Level 1

9 points

Posted on Oct 18, 2019 7:26 PM

Problem resolved.

In my case, it appeared that Catalina found software installed from AT&T to be troublesome. I had previously used AT&T as my ISP.

An AT&T app was installed. Deleting it did not solve the problem, but deleting the "AT&T" folder (and its contents) from Macintosh HD>Library>Application Support did the trick.

The conflict appeared come from files used by AT&T for its "Troubleshoot & Resolve" feature.

View in context

Similar questions

43 replies

Oct 20, 2019 1:30 PM in response to half_time_report

This was helpful. Thanks! I actually had several unverified nodes to allow. This seems to have resolved the issue.

InchH Author

Level 1

15 points

Oct 14, 2019 1:56 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thank you for thinking along and sharing your helpful suggestions. I am "glad" to hear that I am not the only one as Surgeon_user describes the exact same issue.

I will try the https://www.malwarebytes.com option tomorrow after battling another issue that erupted after installing Catalina, i.e., the fan... hitting the fan when I use Windows in VMware Fusion, probably because of some 32-bit applications.

Who knows, maybe that will fix the node message as well...

Oct 17, 2019 1:54 PM in response to DPJ

I did a search of my Downloads folder for NODE (in all caps). There was a Nodes (exec) file black icon with green exec type. I dragged that to trash and the error stopped. I still have no idea what it is/was but...

Oct 20, 2019 6:32 PM in response to etresoft

There was no indication that the problem was related to malware.

At the suggestion of Apple Support, I downloaded and ran MalwareBytes. This did not identify any malware, nor did it find the file "node". EtreCheck did not help with the resolution to the problem I encountered after upgrading to Catalina.

I used EtreCheck. The free download did not identify malware, but it did recommend I purchase EtreCheck to address other issues. EtreCheck did not help with the resolution to the problem I encountered after upgrading to Catalina.

My solution was described in a prior post.

dan0526

Level 1

8 points

Oct 22, 2019 7:49 AM in response to InchH

Apple moderator: I have the same error message. I can't find the file anywhere, and worse:

I can't load new programs. Any attempt to load a new program stops during install and I have one of these idiotic bouncing icons in perpetuity.
My m720 logitech mouse is a brick.

Help!!!! thanks,

Dan

DPJ

Level 4

1,374 points

Oct 22, 2019 8:06 AM in response to dan0526

"Apple moderator: I have the same error message."

Just to help you out. I'm not quite sure why you're posting towards the moderators but they don't respond to posts. You can only reach out to the moderator using the report button, otherwise your post is just towards the members here. Hope you get your issue resolved ASAP!

lucile81

Level 1

4 points

Nov 5, 2019 1:34 PM in response to InchH

Someone please answer this in the most simple way possible. I just upgraded to Catalina and this repeating message is making me nuts. I am not computer savvy but just want this message to STOP appearing.

Oct 14, 2019 10:03 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Good suggestion, but neither a Spotlight search or a search in Finder were able to find a file or application with that name.

Dora7

Level 1

4 points

Oct 22, 2019 10:32 AM in response to InchH

Your solution worked for me. I deleted the ATT folder in Library and voila--annoying messages gone! Thank you!

vtaub

Level 1

4 points

Oct 24, 2019 1:41 PM in response to susanfromfrisco

This worked for me. My evening glass of wine is dedicated to you susanfromfrisco!

staci38

Level 1

8 points

Nov 4, 2019 2:03 PM in response to Surgeon_user

This saved my sanity. Thank you so much for sharing this!!! It worked for me as well. I don't know how you figured that out but thanks a bunch!!!

srbubbat

Level 1

4 points

Nov 10, 2019 1:46 PM in response to Surgeon_user

Thanks so much, worked for me too!

domreb88

Level 1

4 points

Nov 12, 2019 9:37 PM in response to Surgeon_user

This did the trick. Thanks for sharing.

Nov 14, 2019 2:28 PM in response to susanfromfrisco

This worked for me .. Thank you

SRN45

Level 1

8 points

Nov 25, 2019 3:18 PM in response to InchH

Thank you so much for the information. I was able to follow your instruction and problem resolved!

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

"node" Error message after installing Catalina