PLEASE HELP! All of my apps on MacBook Pro getting error that they are damaged

I logged into my computer this morning and it won't let me open any apps on my computer. I get an error that they are damaged and then the icon is replaced with a question mark.


PLEASE HELP!

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Aug 20, 2021 1:16 PM

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5 replies

Aug 22, 2021 9:50 PM in response to kfran1988

kfran1988 Said:

"PLEASE HELP! All of my apps on MacBook Pro getting error that they are damaged: I definitely can create another user and don’t have the problem with the new user. BUT I boot into Safe Mode and still have the problem in that user. Aka: everything turns up as question marks... I ran the malware scan and nothing.... and after Safe Mode reboot I still have the same problem... so? Reinstall OS?"

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Yes - Reinstall the macOS:

There is something misconfigured in your current user. So, being a user is giving you the issue, then, Yes. Reinstall the macOS. But, backup first.

Aug 20, 2021 1:34 PM in response to kfran1988

kfran1988 Said:

"PLEASE HELP! All of my apps on MacBook Pro getting error that they are damaged: I logged into my computer this morning and it won't let me open any apps on my computer. I get an error that they are damaged and then the icon is replaced with a question mark."

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What to Try:

Try the following, in the order provided...

  • Boot in Safe Mode:

In Safe ModeLogin Items do not run at login, certain preferences are set aside, and damaged system files are then reset. So, once booted in to Safe Mode, wait for 30 seconds, and then boot up normally, attempting another login. Go Here: Start Up your Mac in Safe Mode - Apple Support



  • Try a New Admin User:

Can you open System Preferences? If so, what happens when you create a new administrator user, and log int it? Do you still get this error? If not, then it is likely an error with the current user. If so, then it is likely an error with your macOS.


  • Scan: your Mac for Malware: 

Use MalwareBytes for Mac --- This is software that searches for malware/adware. So, scan with it and then remove what is found. Once removed, uninstall MalwareBytes for Mac. Then restart the Mac.

Downloads:

  1. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac
  2. Malwarebytes Uninstaller


as a last resort...


  • Reinstall the macOS:

Go Here: How to Reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery - Apple Support

Important: First, Back Up your Mac:

Create a Time Machine backup of your Mac, so that you can have something to restore your Mac from, should anything go wrong with the reinstall. Take this as a learning experience, knowing to always create a backup of your Mac, prior to making any major changes to it (i.e. update installation)

Aug 27, 2021 2:02 PM in response to TheLittles

So, I reinstalled the operating system and I still have the problem. And, worse, I tried to access my backup from the other user account and it comes up with red circles on all the files saying I don’t have permission to view the files (even though this user is the admin and the other is just a standard account).


I don’t know what else to do...

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PLEASE HELP! All of my apps on MacBook Pro getting error that they are damaged

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