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Missing mach_kernel? How to replace/restore?

I'm trying to update some software on my MBP 13" and it's giving me a message that the mach_kernel is missing so is unable to install. Other than this everything seems to be running fine on this machine. I've done some reading and understand this is a crucial file (although if it is indeed missing things seem to be running OK, anyway....) so am wondering how to replace or restore it. Before I do any kind of archive/reinstall, I have a clone of my desktop machine which runs the same 10.9.5 and apparently has a mach_kernel file so I'm wondering if it's possible/permissible to somehow copy the file over? I tried a quick and dirty copy from my clone backup of theh desktop with Carbon Copy Cloner, and File Buddy shows the file as being present on the target machine but the software I wish to update still says mach_kernel is missing.

If I have to go the restore from Recovery mode route then obviously I'd like to do it all as in-situ as possible. If that is necessary and anyone can give me any explicit info it'd be much appreciated.


thanks!

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mavericks (10.9)

Posted on Nov 17, 2014 12:32 AM

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2 replies

Jan 30, 2015 8:18 PM in response to charibancho

Well, it all finally caved in suddenly when the Macbook wouldn't boot yesterday, just gave me the no entry sign. I made sure I'd backed up everything I needed by booting from an external drive (I had) then did the 'install fresh copy of Mavericks' option and a couple of hours later everythng was back and working, fresh and springy with no re-install of anything AND the app that had refused to update (and alerted me to the missing mach_kernel) now does so so I'm presuming all present and correct. So lesson learned about a fresh install of just the OS vs a complete wipe and re-install of everything. Hooray!

Missing mach_kernel? How to replace/restore?

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