default.profraw File in OSX Sierra

I keep seeing this "default.profraw" file that appears on my HDD. I've deleted it many times and it keeps coming back. It's 1.9M in size and there's no indication where it came from or what it creating it.

Everytime I do a Google search all I get is references to "default files" but NO reference to "profraw".

I updated my system from El Capitan and this started happening immediately after the upgrade. I'm considering doing a clean install of 10.12.6 and then migrating all my files over to see if this clears the issue, but that's a last resort, time-sucking operation.

Anyone know what this is and how to keep it from coming back?

iMac, macOS Sierra (10.12.6), Commercial-film/video Producer

Posted on Aug 3, 2017 6:38 AM

26 replies

Eau Rouge

Level 8

42,656 points

Aug 3, 2017 9:01 AM in response to Robert Lane AZ

Peebs313

Level 1

4 points

Oct 22, 2017 2:18 AM in response to Robert Lane AZ

Read Above ^^^

jimdkc

Level 1

4 points

Jan 25, 2018 9:52 AM in response to Sisto Zanier

"sudo chflags hidden/default.profraw" doesn't delete the file... just hides it...

Eau Rouge

Level 8

42,656 points

Aug 3, 2017 9:45 AM in response to Robert Lane AZ

Yes I removed my original reply as it was not really correct.

It seems there are several applications/ programmes that could install that file

these programmes are usually programme or app development programmes, do you have anything like that on your Mac.

Aug 3, 2017 12:02 PM in response to Eau Rouge

No, I don't have any developer applications and I've scanned my system with Malwarebytes to make sure I don't have any spyware/viruses.

Maybe a call to Apple is required to go deep into the OS and see where this is being generated from.

brandrob

Level 1

4 points

Aug 15, 2017 8:24 AM in response to Robert Lane AZ

Are you a developer?

The profraw files are LLVM Code Coverage maps, so you've probably recently ran unit tests using Xcode with the code coverage setting turned on, and somehow these files are left behind.

If you're not a developer, I don't know why you see these files.

EDIT: Sorry, I should read better, I see now that you have already said that you are not a developer

mg_mac

Level 1

4 points

Sep 22, 2017 2:05 AM in response to Robert Lane AZ

Hi Robert, I've had this problem too - in my case it came probably from manipulated software (it was "CleanMyMac"). Try to get rid of any "suspicious" software, the best way to do this is EasyFind app, it tracks down all files spilled accross your computer by the instalation. I used EasyFind to look for "default.profraw" on my system with all options selected. It came with the result pretty soon. One of the files was sitting right in the application, the other was exactly on the same spot you have it. Hope this helps.

Oct 12, 2017 11:56 PM in response to iStillS

Concerning CleanMyMac 3, this is the answer of MacPaw support:

"Hello! CleanMyMac doesn't create this files.

Somehow it is created when you use xCode, so it may re-appear after the restart indeed."

So, about one week ago, I've deleted this file using Terminal command : sudo chflags hidden /default.profraw and, at the moment, this file does'nt more appear.

Oct 12, 2017 11:57 PM in response to iStillS

Concerning CleanMyMac 3, this is the answer of MacPaw support:

"Hello! CleanMyMac doesn't create this files.

Somehow it is created when you use xCode, so it may re-appear after the restart indeed."

So, about one week ago, I've deleted this file using Terminal command : sudo chflags hidden /default.profraw and, at the moment, this file does'nt more appear.

Aug 3, 2017 9:02 AM in response to Eau Rouge

Can't see your reply...

Aug 3, 2017 9:07 AM in response to Eau Rouge

All I see in your reply is "." .

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default.profraw File in OSX Sierra