10.5.7 installs non-Apple apps as aliases in the applications folder

[DHML]

I have a new MacBook running 10.15.7. When I install a non-Apple apps, like DxO PhotoLab 4, BBedit, the installation appears to proceed as normal. But it results in the installed app's ALIAS being put in the applications folder. An attempt to open the app with that results in the app attempting to open from the installation .dmg file. This is bewildering. How do I get third-party programs installed?

 

[DHML]

After some trial and error, I've fixed the problem. I don't know the exact technical details why, but Catalina does not properly install non-Apple, third-party programs. Whatever permissions changes the Apple crew made in this OS prevents a new program from being dragged from the .dmg installer image file into the applications folder. If it IS dragged in, it becomes an alias file and the program is not actually installed. The solution turned out to be relatively simple:
- Open the .dmg installer
- Drag the program icon to the desktop (not into the applications folder).
- Click it open so the actual install can occur
- Then drag the program from the desktop into the applications folder. That's it.

This effected various programs I was trying to install on my new MacBook Pro including DxO PhotoLab 4, PhotoMechanic 6, Max Bulk Mailer, BBedit and several others. It seems surprising that Apple appears to have not made any effort to inform users about this but also provides no information on how to overcome this maddeningly frustrating barrier to installation anywhere on its website that I could find.

 

[dsemf]

After some trial and error, I've fixed the problem. I don't know the exact technical details why, but Catalina does not properly install non-Apple, third-party programs. Whatever permissions changes the Apple crew made in this OS prevents a new program from being dragged from the .dmg installer image file into the applications folder. If it IS dragged in, it becomes an alias file and the program is not actually installed. The solution turned out to be relatively simple:
- Open the .dmg installer
- Drag the program icon to the desktop (not into the applications folder).
- Click it open so the actual install can occur
- Then drag the program from the desktop into the applications folder. That's it.

This effected various programs I was trying to install on my new MacBook Pro including DxO PhotoLab 4, PhotoMechanic 6, Max Bulk Mailer, BBedit and several others. It seems surprising that Apple appears to have not made any effort to inform users about this but also provides no information on how to overcome this maddeningly frustrating barrier to installation anywhere on its website that I could find.

I have never needed to use that technique. Most 3rd party DMGs have an app bundle and a shortcut to Applications. I know BBEdit works this way. I just drag the BBEdit icon to the Applications shortcut within the DMG.

DS