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wgrahame Author

Level 1

103 points

file is damaged and can’t be opened. You should move it to the Trash.

All the files that I download from the internet return the error "*****" is damaged and can’t be opened. You should move it to the Trash. when I try to open them. This issue started today.

To clarify the problem only applies to downloaded files like apps, zip and dmg.

I'm able to open all the other files and run apps.

To solve the issue I reinstalled Catalina and disable Gatekeeper without any success.

Any Ideas on how to resolve this issue would be greatly appreciated.

Mac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015) running Catalina 10..15.1

Thanks in advance,

WFG

iMac 27", macOS 10.15

Posted on Nov 26, 2019 5:05 PM

Top-ranking reply

wgrahame Author

Level 1

103 points

Posted on Dec 18, 2019 7:51 PM

Could not find a Fix, for the third time in a month I had to erase may machine and then do a restore. The difference is that this time I did a restore using the Time Machine backup from from the day before applying the 10.15.2 update, in previous 2 incidents I did a combination fresh Mac OS 10.15 install, manually transferring my files and migration assistance to move over apps from Time Machine.

Everything seems to be working fine, not sure how to proceed with the 10.15.2 update, I do not want to find my self in the same situation.

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59 replies

RiPC

Level 1

12 points

Mar 20, 2020 6:15 AM in response to RiPC

Problem resolved under guidance from Apple Support. Permissions to whole of Home folder reset via "Home Folder, Get Info, Sharing & Permission, Apply to enclosed items...."

Determined to be an OS level problem.

Thanks to all for help and suggestions in diagnosis.

Old Toad

Level 10

210,591 points

Dec 13, 2019 9:29 AM in response to wgrahame

Try the fixes described in this Apple document: Resolve issues caused by changing the permissions of items in your home folder - Apple Support

wgrahame Author

Level 1

103 points

Nov 26, 2019 6:15 PM in response to Dr. Zoidberg

Thanks for replaying.

I am using Safari, additionally the issue is present on the other user accounts.

Old Toad

Level 10

210,591 points

Dec 13, 2019 9:09 AM in response to wgrahame

On those apps that are being reported check their permissions to make sure you have read and write. Also go to the Applications folder and try to launch them directly.

wgrahame Author

Level 1

103 points

Dec 13, 2019 9:27 AM in response to Old Toad

Thanks for the reply, is nota an APP problem, all of them work fine, the problems is with all the files in all the user accounts, I am unable to open any file, on any folder..

wgrahame Author

Level 1

103 points

Dec 14, 2019 8:22 AM in response to TheLittles

Thanks for the sugestión, but I am unable to install the app, anything I download gives the error file is damaged and can’t be opened. You should move it to the Trash.

wgrahame Author

Level 1

103 points

Dec 14, 2019 8:42 AM in response to Old Toad

Thanks for the reply, tried the reset permission tutorial, it completed successfully, sadly did not resolve the issue.

MacPCmb

Level 1

9 points

Jan 4, 2020 12:32 PM in response to MacPCmb

Let me know if there is any other information you need to see on this... Thanks. Paul

MacPCmb

Level 1

9 points

Jan 6, 2020 3:57 PM in response to dot.com

Ok, interesting. I will give it a go tonight and let you know if it resolves the problem. I appreciate your help.

LD150

Level 10

91,299 points

Jan 7, 2020 1:38 AM in response to MacPCmb

Disabling SIP is worrying.

MacPCmb

Level 1

9 points

Jan 7, 2020 8:02 AM in response to LD150

yes, Peter — I agree, but not disabling SIP leaves my system in a barely useable state. How would you suggest I troubleshoot this issue? Please advise. Thanks! Paul

Old Toad

Level 10

210,591 points

Jan 11, 2020 11:56 AM in response to MacPCmb

On a file that gives you that error message set the permissions to Read & Write for the owner (you), the group that it's associated with and for everyone. Then see if you can open it.

MacPCmb

Level 1

9 points

Jan 11, 2020 11:58 AM in response to Old Toad

Yes, I tried that as part of the troubleshooting process It did not work. Thanks for your suggestion.

Old Toad

Level 10

210,591 points

Jan 12, 2020 9:36 AM in response to LD150

Jan 14, 2020 6:12 AM in response to MacPCmb

Disabling this for me seems to have worked as well.

file is damaged and can’t be opened. You should move it to the Trash.