Old .pkg files, unneccesary?

I feel so dumb!!!

My mac's harddrive space has been eaten away with music files for my ipod, and consequently I have deleted stuff that i do not use/need to regain some space.

I read somewhere that pkg files could be deledted as they will not effect the running of the applications. However, as pointed out here, repairing permissions does! I cannot repair anything now. I can, however, use software update?! Is there anyway of replacing these pkg files easily, allowing permission repair, etc, to work again?

I would appreciate any help, many thanks.

Steve

You can safely get rid of .pkg files located in your home folder and the /Library/Packages/ folder. The contents of /Library/Receipts/ are necessary for the Repair Permissions mechanism, Software Update, and the Installer to work correctly.

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Check these links for the answer.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25751

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25704

Regarding freeing up hard drive space, check this link.

http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/freeingspace.html

Many thanks Allan!

Will the archive and install rectify other application pkg's, i.e. MS Office, Photoshop, etc, etc.

Is it also possible just to install the pkg files so I can avoid adding lots of other memory using files? Will the archive and install have any other benefits?

Also, I appreciate the link to the freeing up of hard space. Do you have anything else to add to this, for example foreign language respective pdfs, etc?

Best regards,

Steve

1. No. Receipts for third-party software are not created by the Mac OS X installer.

2. Not unless you have those receipts on another machine. Receipts are created by the Installer and aren't in the installation packages.

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Thanks for all the info/help.

Does anyone know of a utility which somehow create the missing pkg files, kind of like a pusedo pkg file creator?

Regards,

Steve

No feedback reference pkg file makers?!

The problem I have is I have alot of 3rd party software, which I know will be a complete nightmare to find/reinstall.

How bad will things be if I just don't do anything?

Is it possible to install just the pkg files from my Tiger instal disc, and if so, will repair permissions and software update work correctly.

I am sorry if there alot of questions, and a know they may be a bit simple to some, but I am concerned my faitful Mac has been badly effected by my foolish action.

Best regards,

Steve

Hi Steve,

here is the answer: Mac OS X 10.3, 10.4: Disk Utility shows a "No Valid Packages" alert

If this answered your question please consider granting some stars: Why reward points?

Thanks for the help. I read the linked file posted above.

Anyone willing to send me their BaseSystem.pkg file to help me out. I am running OS X 10.4.8. I would prefer not to reinstall the op system software because I have spent hours tweeking my system software (a little too far, regretably this time!).

Best regards,

Steve

You can Archive & Install selecting preserve user and network settings and all existing user and network settings will be transferred to the new system.

Perhaps I should have been more specific why I didn't want to reinstall the system software. Not only did I customise it (I appreciate that archive and reinstall will save my settings etc), but I spent alot of time finding, and deleting files which I didn't use or weren't necessary, finally making the mistake with the pkg files ;-(

So if there is anyone willing to send me their BaseSystem.pkg 9running OS X 10.4.8), please come forward. it would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

Steve

Dump 'em.

Dump 'em? I'm sorry but I do not quite understand!

Any offers for the BaseSystem.pkg file, please?

Regards,

Steve

Excuse me. Delete the files. Remove them from your computer, they just waste space. Unless, of sourse you like to keep installing the same program over and over, just for fun. You can always get another copy from the same place that you got the original.

Fragmore, please follow the thread! The OP has deleted package files from /Library/Receipts, which is Not A Good Thing!

OP: Send an e-mail to me at ggrandish at gmail dotcom and I'll send you my BaseSystem.pkg file if you want. But I'd really consider reinstalling; the other .pkg files you trashed are likely important too and you will want to have them back for maximum stability.

Next time, make backups!