thanks a bunch Apple..why not give me the option to save the Mavericks installation file instead of automatically deleting it

It downloads to the Applications folder You can save it from there. I did.

There are many webpages describing the process for making an installer disk for upgrading multiple computers.

Storing the installer app on a separate volume will also stop it from deleting itself when run.

Start the download before you go to bed.

Couldn't agree more. My download also took hours. Fortunately, I was already aware that the download file would be automatically deleted, so had copied to another location before installation.

A simple "do you want to keep/delete the installation file" would help others!

yes you can save the icon, but be aware when you open it, it will just direct you to the long download process again.

Clock Kate wrote:

Now I know it doesn't go to the Downloads folder (as every other sodding download has ever gone to)

But, it does go to the Applications folder like every other Application installed from the App Store (sodding or not).

Sorry, that's how the App Store has always worked. Despite what you want to think, that's now how it works now or has ever worked.

Downloads from Safari go to the Downloads folder. The OS X Installer Application, as with all applications in the App store, get installed in the Applications folder.

Why is not going to told, as Apple rarely explains decisions like this. But I would guess the the majority of its customers, especially the small SSD storage customers do not want the installer hanging around, and Apple does not like making the customer answer lots of questions. Also, it can be obtained again from the App Store, so from Apple's bandwidth rich environment it is a small risk to need to redownload.

Granted not everyone has lots of inexpensive bandwidth, but the model the use works for most customers.

There have been plenty of posts in the past on how to retain a copy of the installer. Quit the installer before running it. Make a copy of it to a location other than in the Applications folder, it doesn't have to be an external drive or a USB dongle. For example, I keep copies of the installers for Lion, Mountain Lion, and Mavericks in a folder on my Desktop.

Clock Kate wrote:

My main complaint still stands...why not give us the option to save the installation file before it is deleted. Not user friendly.

If Apple were to bring up a dialog explaining all the consequences of running the installer and asking for your confirmation of each one, that would be frustrating and confusing. Most people have one Mac, they install the OS and it is not needed again. It just takes up space. If you want to create an installer disk, there are instructions for doing so.

Congratulations. You have learnt how the installer works through your own experience! All it cost you was your time. Not all experience is so easily gained.