Unable to delete login items of type "unknown"

My MacBook Pro gets stuck on the progress bar after turning it on, and after login, and it seems that the problem is a login item (since it works fine when I boot up in Safe Mode).


I removed all but one item easily enough. But the last item listed with type "unknown" is not possible to remove with the (-) button. The item is related to a relict network folder. I've already tried deleting the $HOME/Library/Application Support/com.apple.backgroundtaskmanagementagent/backgrounditems.btm file.

I've also tried to reinstall Ventura.

Posted on Feb 4, 2023 7:48 AM

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Posted on Feb 12, 2023 2:45 AM

Unfortunately your suggestions did not solve the problem.


The problem persisted even after I:

  • uninstalled my VPN like you suggested
  • uninstalled CleanMyMac like you suggested
  • did a complete reset and, using the setup tool, restored only the files from my account (from TimeMachine), i.e. no apps apart from the standard ones


While I can't say for sure, I still believe the problem is caused by the "unknown" login item I mentioned in my original post. The item was the my home folder on the school network and was setup on my last Mac by the school IT-people (10 years ago now). After I left school an error window would pop up every time I logged in. And when I then got my current Mac a few year ago, and used my TimeMachine backups to set it up, the error got carried over to the new Mac. While it was annoying, it didn't create any problems until I updated to Ventura (perhaps because the login items got changed?) A deep dive into the start up logs and library files seem to confirm that my assumption was right, and that it got stuck trying to add this stupid login item.


My "solution" in the end was to again do a complete reset, make a new profile, and then manually copy over the files I wanted to keep from TimeMachine. While this meant that I had to reinstall a lot of apps etc., I think it was good to get rid of all the old crap that had accumulated over 10+ years.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 12, 2023 2:45 AM in response to Old Toad

Unfortunately your suggestions did not solve the problem.


The problem persisted even after I:

  • uninstalled my VPN like you suggested
  • uninstalled CleanMyMac like you suggested
  • did a complete reset and, using the setup tool, restored only the files from my account (from TimeMachine), i.e. no apps apart from the standard ones


While I can't say for sure, I still believe the problem is caused by the "unknown" login item I mentioned in my original post. The item was the my home folder on the school network and was setup on my last Mac by the school IT-people (10 years ago now). After I left school an error window would pop up every time I logged in. And when I then got my current Mac a few year ago, and used my TimeMachine backups to set it up, the error got carried over to the new Mac. While it was annoying, it didn't create any problems until I updated to Ventura (perhaps because the login items got changed?) A deep dive into the start up logs and library files seem to confirm that my assumption was right, and that it got stuck trying to add this stupid login item.


My "solution" in the end was to again do a complete reset, make a new profile, and then manually copy over the files I wanted to keep from TimeMachine. While this meant that I had to reinstall a lot of apps etc., I think it was good to get rid of all the old crap that had accumulated over 10+ years.

Feb 4, 2023 10:05 AM in response to amalie131

Download and run Etrecheck.  Copy and paste the results into your reply. Etrecheck is a diagnostic tool that was developed by one of the most respected users here in the ASC and recommended by Apple Support  to provide a snapshot of the system and help identify the more obvious culprits that can adversely affect a Mac's performance.


Copy the report



and use the Additional Text button to paste the report in your reply.



Then we can evaluate the report to see if we can determine the cause of the problem.


Feb 5, 2023 9:49 AM in response to amalie131

First, there is no reason to ever install or run any 3rd party "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus, VPN or security apps on your Mac.  This documents describe what you need to know and do in order to protect your Mac: Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community and Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support.  


There are no known viruses, i.e. self propagating, for Macs.  There are, however, adware and malware which require the user to install although unwittingly most of the time thru sneaky links, etc.   


Anti Virus developers try to group all types as viruses into their ad campaigns of fear.  They do a poor job of the detecting and isolating the adware and malware.  Since there are no viruses these apps use up a lot of system resources searching for what is non-existent and adversely affect system and app performance.


There is one app, Malwarebytes, which was developed by a long time contributor to these forums and a highly respected member of the computer security community, that is designed solely to seek out adware and known malware and remove it.  The free version is more than adequate for most users.  


Also, unless you're using a true VPN tunnel, such as between you and your employer, school or bank's servers, they are useless from a privacy standpoint.  Read these two articles: Public VPN's are anything but private and Former Malware Distributor Kape Technologies Now Owns ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, Zenmate, and a Collection of VPN “Review” Websites. 


You've installed what most of the experienced contributors to these forums consider akin to malware: CleanMyMac. Uninstall it according to the developer's instructions. Unless you are required to use a VPN for you work, banking or school, I'd uninstall it also.



Feb 4, 2023 9:39 AM in response to amalie131

amalie131 wrote:

My MacBook Pro gets stuck on the progress bar after turning it on, and after login, and it seems that the problem is a login item (since it works fine when I boot up in Safe Mode).

I removed all but one item easily enough. But the last item listed with type "unknown" is not possible to remove with the (-) button. The item is related to a relict network folder. I've already tried deleting the $HOME/Library/Application Support/com.apple.backgroundtaskmanagementagent/backgrounditems.btm file.
I've also tried to reinstall Ventura.


And why do you think this needs to be removed...


by default macOS I see it here..From finder copy and paste:

~/Library/Application Support/com.apple.backgroundtaskmanagementagent/backgrounditems.btm





the new login items introduced with Ventura in my opinion is a real mess, with no documentation or clarification


I would not be concerned , turn off what you can if necessary, ignore the others. I see no down side




you can submit your Apple Feedback here: Product Feedback - Apple




Your Safeboot —This test will tell you if third party interference; extensions etc are not loaded in safe boot mode.


I would look at third party interference, not default macOS as you speculate above...



if in doubt you can get a good look at your System config. and reveal conflicts or issues, you can download/run this trusted utility https://etrecheck.com


If you need further help here interpreting the report you can post it here in its entirety in the "Additional Text" box in the editing toolbar below, in your reply.




This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Unable to delete login items of type "unknown"

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