'damaged or incomplete' error message

Question

'damaged or incomplete' error message

I am running MacOS High Sierra 10.13.4 on a MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016) model and today ALL my applications refuse to launch, including System Preferences - they are showing up as missing!

When I try and access ANY program I get the following error message: You can't open the application"xxxx" because it may be damaged or incomplete.

What is causing this error and how can I fix it?

Thanks!

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2016), macOS High Sierra (10.13.4), 1TB 2.6GHz Intel Core i7 16GB

Posted on May 16, 2018 3:41 AM

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Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

155,786 points

May 16, 2018 5:09 AM in response to the_ironoutlaw

Is your Mac system date and time correct for your geographical location?

Assuming it is present and it works, click the clock display or icon at the upper right of your Mac's menu bar. If it doesn't work, boot Recovery Mode again and check it from there.

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Answer 2

John Galt

Level 10

155,786 points

May 16, 2018 4:45 AM in response to the_ironoutlaw

Please determine if the same problems occur in "Safe Mode": Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac - Apple Support.

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Answer 3

tygb

Level 9

65,010 points

May 16, 2018 8:07 AM in response to the_ironoutlaw

See this article macOS Sierra: Erase and reinstall macOS

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Answer 4

May 16, 2018 6:29 PM in response to tygb

Sorry but that didn't work either. Did a Command+R and re-installed the MacOS but it came up with the same error. So now I am currently restoring the back-up from yesterday morning via Time Machine as everything else doesn't work. Failing that I'll have to take the computer to the Genius Bar...

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Answer 5

May 16, 2018 6:31 PM in response to CT

That didn't;t work either as it wouldn't let me delete the files and the Get Info admin access was shaded and no allowing any changes so the folders/files refused to be deleted. They wouldn't even sit in the trash as they refused to be moved...

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Answer 6

May 16, 2018 4:57 AM in response to John Galt

Yes, it does. I've run Tools after opening with Command + R. It said there was no problem but there certainly is.

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Answer 7

CT

Level 7

24,239 points

May 16, 2018 5:08 AM in response to the_ironoutlaw

You can't open the application 'app name' because it may be damaged or incomplete

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'damaged or incomplete' error message

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