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)