When I attempt to open the folder "Mac OS X Install Data" I get a pop up window that says it "can't be opened because you don't have permission to see its contents". I bought my iMac used and did not install the OS but I am the administrator. Is this a folder I should be able to open as administrator? Thanks.
iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8)
What location is it in? I don't seem to have such a folder.
I'm curious to know where this folder is as well.
Try to run File Permissions from the Disc Utility in the meantime.
The folder is under Macintosh HD.
I tried File Permissions, so luck with that.
bartonfive wrote:
When I attempt to open the folder "Mac OS X Install Data" I get a pop up window that says it "can't be opened because you don't have permission to see its contents". I bought my iMac used and did not install the OS but I am the administrator. Is this a folder I should be able to open as administrator? Thanks.
I am guessing no. But you you could open it if logged in as root (root has more privilege than admin).
I am not sure why you are even seeing that file. I believe it is used to hold installer data while doing an installation. It is not used once the installation is completed and you boot from that installation. I would have expected the installer to delete it at the end of installation unless the installation terminated prematurely.
FYI, here's some info about root user. Do not enable root unless you know exactly what you are doing.
X423424X wrote:
I am not sure why you are even seeing that file. I believe it is used to hold installer data while doing an installation. It is not used once the installation is completed and you boot from that installation. I would have expected the installer to delete it at the end of installation unless the installation terminated prematurely.
I believe you have it - that rings a very loud bell. The data should be moved to its correct locations during the restart and the folder deleted before the log-in appears.
Thanks n'witch and x423424x. Although I do not intend to be a root user I did look at the link provided and went through the steps to see if there were any abnormalitiies. Interestingly, when I unlocked the Open Directory Utility window, "Enable Root User" was not one of the options from which to choose.
What started this is I recently installed Office for Mac 2011 and while it initially worked, all the application except for Powerpoint will not allow me to open them (pop up window: Micrsoft Word/Excel/Outlook has encountered a problem and needs to close). I thought maybe this folder issue may be related.
I do not have much data on this computer; as a last resort do you think it may be of any benefit to do a complete re-install of the OS and start from scratch? Thanks.
If you think it is not inconvenient to reinstall, then it is probably the easiest thing to do, if for no other reason other than to reassure yourself the installation went to completion.
Just a caveat; you may need to erase the volume using Disk Utility from the install disc, as the presence of that folder may cause the installer to abort.
Thanks! I'm actually erasing it using 7-Pass Erase (not sure if that's overkill) as we speak.
Serious overkill! For security, one pass is more than sufficient. However, don't interupt it now.
Well....now I've really done it! After erasing the volume using the 7-Pass Erase, I cannot install the OS X. When I attempt to install, it begins the process but after a few minutes, it stops and I get the message "Install Failed. Mac OS X could not be installed on your computer. ⚠ The Installer could not copy the necessary files. Click Restart to restart your computer and try installing again" I've tried reinstalling on multiple attempts with the same results. The failure usually occurs when the status shows ~28 minutes remaining.
For what it's worth, before I monkeyed with this, the Snow Leopard version was 10.6.8, but the disk version that came with the computer was 10.6.2. I am a recent PC convert and am completely unfamiliar with Mac/OS X. I know I will love it once I get the hang of it, but am frustrated as I was fairly competent with Windows. Any ideas?
Re-do the erase and try again, but stop doing that silly & over-rated multi-pass.
Right.
First, some more information needed;
The discs you received with the Mac were for 10.6.2 - build no. (on the disc) 10C2234?
If so, that would make it a late 2009 model - does that sound right?
If you're not sure, there should be a couple of numbers on the base of the stand, one beginning 'EMC' and another beginning with A and 4 digits. There may also (or instead) be an order no.; something like MB123LL/A.
Tell us as many of those that are there.
All this is to establish that the install discs are the right ones, before we try again.
Assuming they are the right discs, boot from the installer disc again and go to Disk Utility.
This time, select the physical drive (the one with the maker's name and disc size, above the volume).
Run Repair Disk. If that comes up as disk OK, click the partition tab. Select the partiton from the drop-down above the graphic; 1 partiton is all you need. Go to the options button and ensure that the partition scheme is GUID and the file system to Mac OS Extended (Journalled). Name the partiton (usually Macintosh HD), click Apply.
When that's finished, select the new volume in the sidebar (indented to the right below the drive) and go to the Erase tab. Click erase (do not use security options).
When that's completed, close DU and continue with the installation.
Afterthought - which item did you have selected when you did the zero erase? The volume Macintosh HD or the top item which is the physical drive?
I am unable to eject the disk using eject from menu or control E, but looking at the disk info it was in fact build no. 10C2234. I completed all the steps above but upon reinstallation, I get the Install Failed message (the Installer could not support necessary files). As far as the erase goes, not a 100% certain but I believe it was the volume Mac HD.
From the info so far, I can see no reason for it not to install.
Give it another go, erasing Macintosh HD first to ensure any files that did get installed can't interfere (no need for zeros).
If that fails, restart holding down the mouse button to eject the DVD (Note - if it's a bluetooth keyboard, wait for the chime before holding down the mouse button).
Clean the DVD carefully with a lint-free cloth (the microfibre ones given away with spectacles are good) wiping from centre to edge (not circularly).
Then try again. I'll try to do some research in the meantime, but maybe X423424X can recall similar problems.
Unable to open "Mac OS X Install Data" Folder
