uinstallation/ question mark in dock?

[JegTDOT]

I just got a 1.67GHZ 15inch PB. I've had this problem twice now where I download a program such as VLC and MSN messenger and after awhile, i click them on the dock and a question mark appears without the program loading. Eventually the only resolution is reinstalling the program which isn't a hassle.

However, I'm worried this may happen to programs I can't instal online such as Word/Excel/powerpoint (which i got installed at work). IF these programs dont work, I will most likely have to purchase the programs, which would be pretty expensive.

ANy idea on what the problem may be?

Jeg

 

[grapes911]

and a question mark appears without the program loading.

The question mark usually means that OS X can't find the program. Are you moving the program after you install it? Are you deleting it? Are you trying to run the program from a dmg and then unmounting the dmg?

IF these programs dont work, I will most likely have to purchase the programs, which would be pretty expensive.

Maybe you should do that anyway.

 

[JegTDOT]

The question mark usually means that OS X can't find the program. Are you moving the program after you install it? Are you deleting it? Are you trying to run the program from a dmg and then unmounting the dmg?


Maybe you should do that anyway.

Hey what do you mean by unmounting the dmg?

I know that when messenger and VLC run, a desktop image of them appears on the desktop, do umean performing some type of action to these images?

Thanks,

Jeg

 

[grapes911]

When you download a program that is in dmg form:

1. Mount the image by double clicking it (sometimes it mounts itself when done downloading).

2. Open the mounted image.

3. Drag the App from the mounted image to your application folder.

4. Unmount the image (drag it to the trash).

5. Delete the dmg (drag it to the trash).

6. Open the app from the Applications folder or drag the app to the dock.

 

[grapes911]

hi,

just to continue on with the problem I was having.

after I download somethign the two things i do is transfer the file to my dock and applicaitons window. That I'm fine with, now deleting the DMG i'm not so sure i did.

However, is it normal that when I use VLC or MSN, an image appears on the desktop? The image looks like the hard drive with the msn and VLC logo, what should i do with these and do you think it's a coincidence that these 2 programs are also the 2 programs which i had to reinstall because of the question mark appearing.

thanks again, really appreciate it.

Jeg

For questions like this, you are better using the forums rather than PMs. Everyone can see it and more people can help you faster. Plus if someone else has the same problem, then the problem is here for everyone to search for.

Ok, back to the problem. Are you sure you are dragging the app to the applications folder? It sounds to me that you may be dragging the dmg instead.

Here is a helpful guide on installing apps in OS X:
http://guides.macrumors.com/Installing_Applications_in_Mac_OS_X