Thank you for the Etrecheck Report.
There are a couple of elements of particular concern which are in the below analysis and will need the User ( you ) to action
Major Issues:
Q - Unsigned files - There are unsigned software files installed that could be malicious and should be reviewed.
A - Self explanatory and should be verified by the User. It is suggested, to download directly from a respected ASC Contributor, the application Malwarebytes for Mac. It is free or paid for added features.
Minor Issues:
Q - No Time Machine backup - Time Machine backup not found.
A - Worth having configured as part of a Rescue Plan. This comprises having 3 Backups using 2 methods and 1 Off Site incase of Theft, Loss or Natural Disasters. A Time Machine Backup is very useful and can be used to Revert to Previous Working macOS. Right now - with CCC installed, this computer is partially covered for disasters
Q - Stuck iCloud - This computer has pending iCloud transfers.
A - This maybe related to CleanMyMac X and the modification it has inflicted on the Operating System
A - Any Third Party Applications that will interfere with the normal operation of the OS, is an invitation for disaster and comprising the Operating System
Any of the below should be removed as per Developers Instructions
This will include CleanMyMac and do take the time to read some of the posts directly related to this application. Then, arrive at your own conclusions.
Q - Unsigned files - There are unsigned software files installed. These files could be old, incompatible, and cause problems. They should be reviewed
A - Self explanatory and need the user to review and perhaps update / upgrade or out right find replacements where required to bring in-line with Monterey
Q - System modifications - There are a large number of system modifications running in the background.
A - Running with many system modifications, intended or not will have negative consequences on the normal operations of this computer. Some of the modification may be directly related to This will include CleanMyMac
Q - Corrupt hosts file - Hosts file is corrupt. Configuration Files: /etc/hosts - Count: 2 - Corrupt!
A - This too maybe related to the system modification and / or This will include CleanMyMac
Q - disk0 - WD_BLACK SN750 SE NVMe 1TB 1.00 TB (Solid State - TRIM: Yes)
A - This computer is one of the few I have seen running a Third Party SSD and been able to install Monterey
There are reports appearing on the ASC Forums regarding failed installation of Monterey on older Qualifying Apple Computers. In most cases this is related to having a NON Apple Original Internal Drive.
The EFI Boot ROM included in Monterey is verifying for Original Apple Drive and if not found , may Balk or fail to upgrade to Monterey.
Reports indicate the EFI BOOT ROM is Required to Flash the Computer and is a requirement for a Successful Monterey Installation.
Network:
Q - iCloud Status: 70 pending files
A - Covered earlier re-system modification and related to CleanMyMac and possible the Open VPN
Q - Launchd: /Library/LaunchDaemons/net.openvpn.client.plist
A - Personal choice. Commercial VPNs should only be used if Mandated by Corporate Head Office for working remotely. Otherwise - ones Privacy and Security touted by the VPN is suspect.
Q - Kernel Extensions: /Applications/DiskWarrior.app
A - https://www.alsoft.com/requirements
A - Note: The “Startup Disk” of macOS Big Sur (11.0), macOS Catalina (10.15), macOS Mojave (10.14), and macOS 10.13 High Sierra with SSDs (Solid State Drives) cannot be rebuilt with DiskWarrior as they are automatically pre-loaded with Apple File System (APFS).
Q - /Applications/TechTool Pro 15.app
A - As long as this version is verified by the User as Monterey Compatible - OK
Q - Not Loaded] CCC Dashboard (Bombich Software, Inc. - installed 2022-05-29)
A - Good and use it myself for years. Qualifies for part of the Rescue Plan. Current version 6.1.2 for Monterey
Q - [Not Loaded] CleanMyMac X Menu (MacPaw Inc. - installed 2022-07-18)
A - Covered earlier and again, maybe directly to over arching issue of Modification to the System including the Missing Sync element in Apple iMessages
Q - 8 other local snapshots
A - The above appears to be Snap Shots created by CCC and the SafetyNet feature of the same. They occupy space on the drive until they are either removed or CCC is run more often. https://bombich.com/kb/ccc6/frequently-asked-questions-about-carbon-copy-cloner-safetynet
