Mojave 10.14.6 iMac 2017 - App Store not updating apps. Just spins trying

Hi

I've noticed the same/very similar issue browsing these posts back in October where users were logging in/out of App Store/iCloud, restarting, Safe Mode boot, different login account, etc.,

Some people eventually resolved their issue by:

1. Uninstalling/deleting the app(s) in question and downloading the app(s) again
2. Fixed by an Apple update which seemed to resolve the issue for Mojave users

Firstly, my iMac is used for making music so I have no intention to move from Mojave just yet as I have many apps and VSTs working just fine as they are! I regularly update all my apps and drivers and have AVG Internet Security running. I also backup each evening via Time Machine.

App Store is showing two updates: 'WhatsApp Desktop' and 'RAR Extractor'. Neither of these are currently important to me but I figure if these aren't working now I want to get ahead of this issue for when I do actually need any important updates to work!

Playing safe, I only uninstalled RAR Extractor, and used the Mac Cleaner utility but App Store doesn't know the app is missing despite multiple log outs and ins of iCloud And App Store & reboots. It's still showing as having 2 updates available and no way of manually downloading the missing app?

I've even terminated the store services in Activity Monitor, deleted the relevant plist file from the Preferences folder! I've also removed the )MARS receipt folder from WhatsApp Desktop. Nothing is making any difference.

Logging in to my second Admin account shows no updates available and the chance to download RAR Extractor again. However, I chose this option and waited several minutes whilst the grey spinning arrow was present. I eventually gave up on it and logged back into my usual account where App Store said 2 updates were still available. It still doesn't realise RAR Extractor is missing from my Applications folder?

I've tried to use the Safe Boot option by holding down SHIFT on my external keyboard attached to a hub and it isn't working. I'll probably have to connect directly to my iMac for it to recognise the keystroke but at the moment I don't want to remove any of my external devices to free up a direct USB connection, but I will if it's necessary to resolve the issue or provide more insight. Given that others previously mentioned it made no difference to them, this is the only thing I haven't tried so far.

Anyone got any ideas please?!

Thank you

Mike