Can't install any .dmg files

Question

Level 1

12 points

Can't install any .dmg files

I've just bought my MacBook Pro today and I can't install any files from outside the App Store.

I've searched for some solutions and the most frequent answer is to go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy and check Allow Apps Downloaded From: Anywhere.

I don't have "Anywhere" as an option, I only have "App Store" and "App Store and Identified Developers". When I try to check "App Store and Identified Developers" and then leave, the settings don't save. The radio button is selected when I leave but when I return to that screen "Anywhere" is selected again. It's as if it's completely being ignored.

Please help. I'm only trying to install Chrome and Spotify! How do I get the settings to update?

MacBook Pro with Retina display, macOS Sierra (10.12.3)

Posted on Mar 13, 2017 3:55 PM

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Answer 1

thehoose Author

Level 1

12 points

Mar 14, 2017 12:41 AM in response to John Galt

Every time I opened a .DMG file i got an error saying that the file is damaged and can't be opened and the option to move it to trash. The files weren't damaged as it was happening to every one I'd downloaded. I've managed to fix the issue, however, by reinstalling Sierra. I can now select "App Store and identified developers" and the .DMGs have opened. Thanks for your help guys.

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Answer 2

John Galt

Level 10

155,756 points

Mar 13, 2017 4:43 PM in response to thehoose

Perhaps this is applicable: Resolve issues caused by changing the permissions of items in your home folder - Apple Support.

It shouldn't have any bearing on the ability to mount a .dmg file though. Describe what occurs when you attempt to do that.

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Answer 3

John Galt

Level 10

155,756 points

Mar 13, 2017 4:04 PM in response to thehoose

Please read "How to open an app from a unidentified developer and exempt it from Gatekeeper" in OS X: About Gatekeeper - Apple Support.

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Answer 4

thehoose Author

Level 1

12 points

Mar 13, 2017 4:06 PM in response to John Galt

Thanks John but this doesn't help. The radio buttons in System Preferences > Security & Privacy aren't remembering my setting therefore i cant open any .DMG file i download.

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Answer 5

dialabrain

Level 10

136,127 points

Mar 13, 2017 4:26 PM in response to thehoose

Are you saying you can't even mount a .dmg?

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