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Mac maintenance/ uninstalling apps and associated files

  • 22-09-2008 10:55pm
    #1
    speedy2007
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 170 ✭✭


    had my macbook a few months, but theres still so much i dont know. Anyway was reading the threads, and i see recommendations for Appdelete, and that its great for getting rid of the associated files left behind by uninstalled programs.
    So im just wondering, how can i delete any associated files/prefs left behind from programs that ive already uninstalled just by deleting the apps icon?

    As a prev windows user i find it really hard to not regularly clean up my system, even tho people say you dont need it with mac. But surely some maintenance is good right? :p


Comments

  • #2
    Sad Professor
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,693 CMod ✭✭✭✭Sad Professor


    Most files will be in either of the two /Library/Application Support folders (there's one at the root of your hd and another in your user folder), also check for plist files in the Preferences folders. Or just do a search for the app name using Spotlight (turn on system file searching using the "+" button first). But for most apps there's unlikely to be much left over except a prefs file and tbh unless you're bored and want something to do it's not really necessary.

    I've never used Appdelete and I can't remember the last time I did any maintenance on my imac and it's as fast as it ever was. The same certainly can't be said for the Dell running XP in the other room.

    All macs should come with a detox guide for windows users. :p


  • #3
    uncle_sam_ie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,191 ✭✭✭uncle_sam_ie


    Try this app. http://www.appzapper.com/


  • #4
    DadaKopf
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,731 ✭✭✭DadaKopf


    Appdelete, eh? I use Appzapper and find it OK. It doesn't delete everything, like preference files, I think. So you still have to go around and delete everything else. Is Appdelete any better?


  • #5
    cornbb
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,790 ✭✭✭cornbb


    As the guys said most applications will leave files in your Preferences and Application Support folders, in your user Library. Many applications will also leave files in the root Library. Also have a look in the Caches and Receipts folders.

    If you used an installer to install the application in the first place (as opposed to just dragging it into the Applications directory) chances are it left many more files in more discreet places. If you used an Apple Installer then you can use Pacifist to examine the contents of the application's installation package. This will tell you exactly what was installed and where to find it.


  • #6
    merkuree
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 105 ✭✭merkuree


    I agree with uncle sam......app zapper


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  • #7
    pvik00
    Closed Accounts Posts: 161 ✭✭pvik00


    speedy2007 wrote: »
    had my macbook a few months, but theres still so much i dont know. Anyway was reading the threads, and i see recommendations for Appdelete, and that its great for getting rid of the associated files left behind by uninstalled programs.
    So im just wondering, how can i delete any associated files/prefs left behind from programs that ive already uninstalled just by deleting the apps icon?

    As a prev windows user i find it really hard to not regularly clean up my system, even tho people say you dont need it with mac. But surely some maintenance is good right? :p

    You might want to read all of the posts in this recent thread, even though it may go beyond the scope of what you are willing to achieve right now:
    http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055388813

    If anything is unclear, just ask.

    I also think that we should compile a sticky about OS X maintenance.


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