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I recently started using Spotlight more often, and for some reason now I see x86 files ALL OVER THE PLACE. They all start the same name and are unopenable, some as ISOs, most being .im4m files... Can someone tell me if it means I am hacked, and how to get rid of them??? Thanks!
Ryan's MacBook Pro 14", MacBook Pro 14″
If the operating system cannot find an application to open a file based on its file extension, or the file is very clearly a Windows executable (.exe), then it will substitute the Executable Binary icon. If it is not a Windows-sourced executable, then you will need a Mac compatible version of the application that can open that file format.
Is this the icon that you see that you associate with "x86 files?"
If the operating system cannot find an application to open a file based on its file extension, or the file is very clearly a Windows executable (.exe), then it will substitute the Executable Binary icon. If it is not a Windows-sourced executable, then you will need a Mac compatible version of the application that can open that file format.
Is this the icon that you see that you associate with "x86 files?"
Actually, I have a Windows 11 VM on Parallels Desktop, and I reinstalled macOS last year when I first bought it. I found it in the macOS Install Data folder in my disk, does that mean this is harmless?
It’s located in (Macintosh HD>System>Volumes>Macintosh HD>
macOS Install Data>UpdateBundle>AssetData>boot>Firmware>Manifests>Preboot>Firmware) and one of the files is named “098-09653-019.dmg.x86.mtree.j133ap.im4m”. I deleted some of the files.
That example file & location appears to be part of some macOS updater. This updater is located on a sealed read-only system volume so you won't be able to delete it even if you wanted to which would be unwise anyway.
FYI, Be careful deleting any files outside of the "/Users" folder since they are controlled & are needed by macOS. The items within your own home user folder are the only files you should worry about as they are files you have placed there yourself.
Are you running any VM app and Windows? have you recently migrated data from a Windows machine? Are you the original owner of the device? Are you the sole user?
Sadly no..
It would help to see some examples of the full file names and know their actual location on your Mac. You mentioned the "macOS Install Data" folder, where is that located exactly?
Whoops, I actually deleted it with CleanMyMac X. I can still boot up and reboot my computer.
Strange x86 files on my Mac???
