WiFi Network Analyzer programs and MacOS Ventura problem

Hi all !


I have a problem, after upgrading to MacOS Ventura with my Macs, an iMac 21.5 4k 2017 and a MacBook Air 2020, as my WiFi Network Analyzer Programs, ‘NetSpot Pro’ and ‘Wifi Explorer’, both updated to the last version, can’t find any Wifi Network around me; even the network where I’m connected.

The scan only shows a blank page of networks.

On the contrary, if I open ‘System Settings/Wi-Fi’ or I click the Wi-Fi icon on the Menu Bar, all available networks are shown.

In ‘Privacy & Security’ both programs have all privileges set on.


Maybe someone has an help for me ?

Many thanks.

Posted on Nov 2, 2022 5:00 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 2, 2022 6:43 AM

Force Quit the Wifi Explorer.


Hold SHIFT key and Launch the Application from Applications folder


This is a Safe Launch of the application and test.


Still issues -->>


1 - Restart in Safe Mode. This will perform a Disk Repair, clear cache files and only load Apple Software, extensions and fonts. The boot up will be slow and can take some time - Normal.


2 - Does the issue present in this mode ?


3 - Sometimes a Safe Boot followed by a Normal Boot will just put things right.


Still Issues -->>


4 - If not - there could be something in the main User Account playing up. To further isolate this - Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac. Then log out of the Main User account and log into the dummy account and test again if the issue persists.


5 - If the issue is present in the dummy account - then, this appears to be a System Wide issue on the computer.


6 - Download the Application Etrecheck directly from the Developer.


The application is free or paid from added features. 


It will take a Snap Shot -  both the hardware and software.


 The Report will Not Reveal Any Personal Information. 


Post back the Full Report - copy and paste - >>>> using the Additional Text Icon ( 3rd Icon to last ) <<<<


We can have a look at the report for possible issues and may have possible suggestions to resolve the issues.

18 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 2, 2022 6:43 AM in response to Deber

Force Quit the Wifi Explorer.


Hold SHIFT key and Launch the Application from Applications folder


This is a Safe Launch of the application and test.


Still issues -->>


1 - Restart in Safe Mode. This will perform a Disk Repair, clear cache files and only load Apple Software, extensions and fonts. The boot up will be slow and can take some time - Normal.


2 - Does the issue present in this mode ?


3 - Sometimes a Safe Boot followed by a Normal Boot will just put things right.


Still Issues -->>


4 - If not - there could be something in the main User Account playing up. To further isolate this - Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac. Then log out of the Main User account and log into the dummy account and test again if the issue persists.


5 - If the issue is present in the dummy account - then, this appears to be a System Wide issue on the computer.


6 - Download the Application Etrecheck directly from the Developer.


The application is free or paid from added features. 


It will take a Snap Shot -  both the hardware and software.


 The Report will Not Reveal Any Personal Information. 


Post back the Full Report - copy and paste - >>>> using the Additional Text Icon ( 3rd Icon to last ) <<<<


We can have a look at the report for possible issues and may have possible suggestions to resolve the issues.

Nov 2, 2022 8:43 AM in response to Deber

Description:WiFi network

Major Issues:


Q - Unsigned files - There are unsigned software files installed that could be malicious and should be reviewed.

A - The Built in Security  is all that is required to protect the computer.


There is Adware & Malware which will affect the computer and is generally downloaded from “ Shady “ Websites or Developers who Inject this software into the download.


Should “ Certain & Specific Software “ referenced from above be installed - it will negatively impact macOS. It is suggested, download directly from the Developer , the application Malwarebytes for Mac


It is free or paid for added features. 


Run the Application and it should remove the malware / adware. Once done, restart computer and test.


Q - Gatekeeper disabled - Gatekeeper security protection is disabled. This computer is at risk of malware infection.

A - User Choice


Q -  Apple security disabled - Apple security software is disabled. This computer is at risk of malware infection.

A - User Choice


Minor Issues:


Q - No Time Machine backup - Time Machine backup not found.

A - Though I do see Carbon Copy Cloner which is have way there to a full Rescue Plan

A - 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.

For addition purposes - two Tested Clones each to separate external drives. This is insurance incase the upgrades goes sideways. At least one Tested Clone and / or Time Machine Backup should be Off - Site


Q - Clean up - There are orphan files that could be removed.

A - Self Explanatory


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


Q - System modifications - There are a large number of system modifications running in the background.

A - Perhaps the user already mentioned intent or consideration to Wipe and Reinstall maybe a good choice.


Q - External drives and performance - There are external drives connected that could be affecting performance.

A - Self Explanatory and judging from the drives Drive Structures - look like one is running Multi Versions of macOS off the External Drives

Hardware Information: iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017)


Drives:


Q - disk0 - APPLE SSD SM1024L 1.00 TB (Solid State - TRIM: Yes)



Q - disk3 - Crucial_ CT1050MX300SSD1 1.05 TB (Solid State - TRIM: No)


External USB 10 Gbit/s+ USB


 disk3s1 - EFI (MS-DOS FAT32) [EFI] 210 MB


 disk3s2 [APFS Container] 525.00 GB


 disk6 [APFS Virtual drive] 525.00 GB (Shared by 2 volumes)


 disk6s1 - C***********E (APFS) (404.59 GB used)


 disk6s2 - Update (APFS) (45 KB used)


disk3s3 [APFS Container] 525.00 GB


disk7 [APFS Virtual drive] 525.00 GB (Shared by 3 volumes)


 disk7s1 - C***********J (APFS) (169.78 GB used)


 disk7s2 - PreBoot (APFS) [APFS Preboot] (42 MB used)


 disk7s3 - Recovery (APFS) [Recovery] (518 MB used)


Q - disk4 - Samsung PSSD T7 500.11 GB (Solid State - TRIM: No)


External USB 10 Gbit/s+ USB


disk4s1 - EFI (MS-DOS FAT32) [EFI] 210 MB


 disk4s2 [APFS Container] 499.90 GB


 disk5 [APFS Virtual drive] 499.90 GB (Shared by 5 volumes)


 disk5s1 - S********7 (APFS) (339.44 GB used)


disk5s2 - Preboot (APFS) [APFS Preboot] (20 KB used)


 disk5s3 - Recovery (APFS) [Recovery] (20 KB used)


 disk5s4 - VM (APFS) [APFS VM] (20 KB used)


 disk5s5 - Update (APFS) (45 KB used)



Q -  Antivirus software: AdGuard and Malwarebytes

A - Any of the below should be removed as per Developers Instructions


Ad Guard,

Read some of the posting and arrive at your own conclusions.





Nov 2, 2022 1:48 PM in response to Deber

Depending on what method were employed .


1 - Reinstalling the Operating System Over itself would only and generally replace missing or corrupted elements of the Operation System


2 - Erasing the drive, then Installing a new copy AND Restoring from a TM Backup may have re-introduced the issue that existed when the TM Backup was made. That would effectively Negate the otherwise Pristine and Virginal installation you have just completed


3 - Wiping the drive and installing a New Copy of the OS and stoping that that point. Then, reinstall Directly from the Apple Apps Store or Developers website would give a more more accurate result

Nov 3, 2022 7:04 AM in response to Deber

Re-Reading the earlier Etrecheck Report and any of the Below Applications can and will interfere with Internet Connections and / or normal operations of this computer


I highly doubt an update to Ventura is going to " fix " this computer issue


Cocktail

wireshark

Little Snitch Network Extension

KSPacketTunnelMac - version 8.7 (KeepSolid Inc. - 2021-11-19)⠨        Application: /Applications/VPN Unlimited.app - version 8.7 (KeepSolid Inc. - 2021-11-19)


 [Running] WireguardTunnel -

Nov 2, 2022 8:14 AM in response to Owl-53

Thanks again P. Phillips.

I restarted the iMac (upgraded from Monterey to Ventura via Software update) in Safe Mode and WiFiExplorer and NetSpot Pro have the same problem analyzing Wifi Networks.

Always in Safe Boot I run EtreCheck Pro (I'm registered) and the report is enclosed.

I'm thinking to re-install Ventura with the full install after a TM backup.

Thank you.



Nov 2, 2022 11:26 AM in response to Owl-53

Once again P. Phillips

I tried again after cleaning the system, but I had no luck.

Now I'm trying to reinstall Ventura in Safe Mode on my MacBook Air M1 with the full Installer 12GB to see the result.

Anyway, I'm thinking the problem was the update Monterey 12.6.1 that I installed before Ventura (via Software Update 5GB), as after that WiFi Explorer v.3.3.6 didn't work.

Let's see soon and I'll post my news.

Thanks !


Nov 3, 2022 11:29 AM in response to Owl-53

You're right, my system is full of 'trash', soon or later I need to do a clean MacOS reinstall...

I did it with Mojave, then I moved to Big Sur, then Monterey and now Ventura and many old files are still on the HD.

Anyway I often use Cocktail for maintenance of the OS, Little Snitch is in my opinion the best network protection program and VPN Unlimited is my VPN application.

It's hard to remove them from my computer.

Thanks again for all the suggestions :)

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WiFi Network Analyzer programs and MacOS Ventura problem

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