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Evernote and others: How to delete Update and Purchases from App Store?

Evernote and others: How to delete from the Update and Purchases pages from within the App Store? I trashed the Apps just fine, but a nag still shows in the Purchases page saying it is ready and is active for Install. Why would I want to install what I deleted via Admin? It was not an accident I tossed it. I like the old Mac way of toss it and it's gone and not visible. Just because a Pref or Application support file is present from other apps does not mean they show up needing attention after deletion. Adobe CS4 is gone and it does not remind me of that error of judgement....

I searched Receipts, Prefs, Application Support both at System and User levels? I just can't seem to find the right files to delete so it goes away completely?

Thanks for looking at and giving help on this minor annoyance. It is just not Mac like, IMHO.

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Feb 3, 2011 10:36 AM

Reply
18 replies

Feb 3, 2011 11:24 AM in response to mculmore

Thanks for your grim news. Wow, the Apps that won't go away. This news really will stop me from purchasing or purchasing to try, as opposed to try then buy, any further Apps from the App Store until I get control of my computer back. Again, a VERY un-Mac like approach.

I was skeptical of this whole new App store scenario, and now I see the gotcha in not being in complete control of what I want on my Mac. Repeat, MY Mac. Not Apple's.

FYI: I corrected the model and OS I use below.

Feb 3, 2011 3:34 PM in response to mculmore

, and now I see the gotcha in not being in complete control of what I want on my Mac. Repeat, MY Mac. Not Apple's.


But you are in complete control of your Mac, Repeat Your Mac, not Apple's.

You decide what to install. You decide what to delete. All that's happening is Apple if offering you updates from Apps you installed. These updates are not on your Mac. They won't install unless you do it. All you're seeing is a list on a server. So, how does seeing a list on a server make a "gotcha"?

Regards

TD

Feb 3, 2011 4:30 PM in response to Yer_Man

Thanks for your reply.

The "gotcha" as I see it is this:
If I d/l and install most 3rd party Apps, try OR buy, if I delete it, support files and prefs either manually or via any 3rd party app zapper, that puppy is Gone. Physically and Server wise. I like that way. Full control to change my mind and not be on theirs. Call it opting out at my discretion.

I can appreciate your perspective of control. It's just not mine in lieu of the above. I personally believe Apple will change this "feature".

Thanks again.

MC

Feb 3, 2011 4:37 PM in response to mculmore

Maybe they will modify it slightly but they cannot eliminate it. Just like with music, movies, iOS apps, etc. Apple keeps track (for audit purposes) of all purchases anyone makes. They will not (and should not) remove the fact you purchased an application, this is why you also receive a receipt even when you download something that is free. It is also this file that is triggering the update notifications.

You might send a suggestion to Apple that they consider an option under "Report a Problem" that would allow a user to deactivate update notices.

Feb 3, 2011 5:29 PM in response to mculmore

Much to my dis-satisfaction I believe that while the question has been answered thoroughly and promptly, the issue remains. While Apple may not consider it a problem per se, others as well as I do. Time will tell, but until then, no more App Store for me when I can download, install, trash and forget 3rd party apps, as well as try before I buy.

Thanks again to all who read or responded, and write Apple if you feel the same.

Feb 4, 2011 4:30 AM in response to mculmore

If I d/l and install most 3rd party Apps, try OR buy, if I delete it, support files and prefs either manually or via any 3rd party app zapper, that puppy is Gone. Physically and Server wise.


That puppy is most certainly not Gone. He's nowhere near gone. He's all over the place.

If you download any app someone, somewhere on the Internet knows that you did. In fact, a lot of people do. The Software Maker has a record of your download. If you used a third party site (like McUpdate) to download then that site has a record. If the developer used a third party site to host the download, they have a record. Your ISP. Heaven forbid you actually used a Credit Card or PayPal to purchase an app because they all have a record of the transactions.

If you trash the app, the plist files, unsubscribe from their mailing list, that data doesn't change. Visa doesn't erase that transaction from your Account. Amazon's S3 don't erase your IP address from the list of people who downloaded the app and so on. Apple can't erase the record of your Purchase, that would be illegal. They have to account for their income to the Share Holders and the Tax people.

If I buy iPhoto from the app store, at the very least, the following people have access to that information:

Apple - the vendor
The U.S Government - or whereever Apple pays Tax.
Akami - the distributor
Visa
My Bank
My Government - because of Sales Tax in the E.U.

If I delete the app, none of that changes.

To think that because you trashed the app somehow all trace of your flirtation - however brief - with the software is erased is somewhat naive.

Perhaps what you're asking might be more on the lines of an 'Opt out of Update Notifications for Apps I no longer use' option?

Regards

TD

Feb 4, 2011 7:42 AM in response to Yer_Man

Those items I understand. Never doubted that I was gone from their radar, just want their product off my Mac and any notifications associated with them. That's all.

(Perhaps what you're asking might be more on the lines of an 'Opt out of Update Notifications for Apps I no longer use' option?)

Absolutely the most usable item you offered. Thanks.

Feb 4, 2011 9:10 AM in response to mculmore

I did contact the Apple App Store support, but they really could offer no additional help in this matter. Email response is attached below.

Hello,

Hank here from the iTunes Store. I understand that you want to delete the apps but the purchase pages are saying that they are ready for install. I can certainly appreciate how eager you are to clear this issue up.

As an Advisor for the iTunes Store, I handle issues related to billing, downloading, customer accounts, and the items available on the iTunes Store. Although your question falls outside of my area of specialty, I will be happy to assist you with resolving your issue.

Matthew, here is a an article from the Apple library that may help.

Finding the "Five Rs" of iPod troubleshooting
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2305

If that does not work, I would most definitely suggest that you go to technical support.

http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=149

If you require more assistance, you may wish to call our AppleCare technical support team. A technical Advisor will be able to tell you about Apple's complimentary and fee-based support options as well as assist you in determining what option might be most helpful in this case. To find the appropriate phone number, please visit:

http://www.apple.com/support/contact/phone_contacts.html

Another option is to simply describe your issue using our website and arrange for an Apple Expert to call you. Using this option, you can receive a phone call now, or make an appointment to have an Apple Expert call you later if that is more convenient. To explore the Apple Expert option, please visit:

http://www.apple.com/support/expert

Mathew, I do realize that I have not resolved your issue. I do hope that the resources I have provided will show you the direction that will resolve the issue. I hope you have a great day.

Sincerely,

Hank
iTunes Store Customer Support

Please Note: I work M-F,8:00 - 4:30 PM (EST)

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to assist you. You may receive an AppleCare survey email; any feedback you provide would be greatly appreciated.

I sent all info to Apple Experts as advised, and will post any response as it comes to me.

Evernote and others: How to delete Update and Purchases from App Store?

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