Google Software Update (GoogleSoftwareUpdateAgent) Removal???

Question

Level 1

41 points

Google Software Update (GoogleSoftwareUpdateAgent) Removal???

How do I remove Google Software Update?

I'm willing to remove everything Google and switch to Bing if necessary!

I'm sure there is something in the fine print somewhere, but it's not what I was asked specifically to approve, it has no option for removal and its been hidden somewhere where it is hard for users to find.

Mac OS X (10.6.6)

Posted on Apr 5, 2011 3:08 AM

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Answer 1

macjack

Level 10

111,242 points

Apr 5, 2011 3:21 AM in response to iPotential

Try AppCleaner

-mj

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Answer 2

iPotential Author

Level 1

41 points

Apr 5, 2011 3:25 AM in response to macjack

Thanks - I have that app, however can't see Google Software Update listed or associated with any other Google app?

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Answer 3

macjack

Level 10

111,242 points

Apr 5, 2011 3:55 AM in response to iPotential

I don't use Google apps myself but this may hold a clue?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/archive/index.php/t-842590.html

-mj

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Answer 4

andyBall_uk

Level 7

20,516 points

Apr 5, 2011 4:14 AM in response to iPotential

usually it's a file : ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.google.keystone.agent.plist (remove it & log out/in)
& some ~/Library/Application Support/Google/ files

If not there -look for anything Keystone or Google using Find any File or Easyfind
http://apps.tempel.org/FindAnyFile/
http://www.devon-technologies.com/products/freeware/index.html

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Answer 5

iPotential Author

Level 1

41 points

Apr 8, 2011 5:01 AM in response to andyBall_uk

I found GoogleSoftwareUpdateAgent.log which was created in January this year!

And, a "GoogleSoftwareUpdate" folder that was also created in January!

Non of them seem to be/have apps?

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Answer 6

kisuke3

Level 3

914 points

Apr 8, 2011 5:17 AM in response to iPotential

Go to activity monitor. Do you see anything google related?like g2p?
Click that and inspect. You should Be able to see the source folder

I forget where in activity monitor

Also in terminal you can run ps- A to verify the source folder

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Answer 7

iPotential Author

Level 1

41 points

Apr 8, 2011 5:36 PM in response to kisuke3

I found Activity Monitor, but nothing related to Google.

Cool trick anyway - thanks.

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Answer 8

Tuttle

Level 7

29,565 points

Apr 9, 2011 9:10 AM in response to iPotential

I'm willing to remove everything Google and switch to Bing if necessary!

As far as I know, you can't remove this item and still use Google products. In other words, the only way to get rid of it is to remove all of your Google software, and it will remove itself. (BTW, if you look at the EULA for Google products, you'll notice that you agreed to install the Software Updater with whatever of their software you're installing.)

It is possible to disable Google Software Updater, though, or to change the frequency at which it runs:

http://www.google.com/support/installer/bin/answer.py?answer=147176

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Answer 9

kisuke3

Level 3

914 points

Apr 9, 2011 9:29 AM in response to iPotential

out of curiosity OP, how did u acquire google software updater in the first place?

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Answer 10

Tuttle

Level 7

29,565 points

Apr 9, 2011 9:44 AM in response to kisuke3

A similar clause exists in the EULA for all Google products:

Google Chrome Terms of Service

11. Software updates

11.1 The Software which you use may automatically download and install updates from time to time from Google. These updates are designed to improve, enhance and further develop the Services and may take the form of bug fixes, enhanced functions, new software modules and completely new versions. You agree to receive such updates (and permit Google to deliver these to you) as part of your use of the Services.

http://www.google.com/chrome/intl/en/eula_text.html

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Answer 11

baltwo

Level 9

62,386 points

Apr 9, 2011 11:31 AM in response to iPotential

FWIW, all google updater stuff resides in the Google folders located in the root-level and user Library Folders and in their LaunchAgent and LaunchDaemon subfolders. You can disable the updater by removing the varous com.google.keystone.agent files you find in those locations.

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Answer 12

iPotential Author

Level 1

41 points

Apr 13, 2011 4:16 AM in response to Tuttle

Tuttle, I guessed that if they were going to hide the app on my Mac, they wouldn't have any problem with hiding the initial warning in a EULA (nb. with over 6,500 words).

Its a bad idea regardless.

Thanks for the links.

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