New Macbook deletes installed programs after restart

Joined
May 14, 2009
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Points
1
I am sure this is a simple question but I am new to Mac. I just got my new Macbook a few days ago. I got a 13" Macbook and when I restart all of my installed programs disappear. My downloaded files are still there but I have to reinstall firefox and open office whenever I shut down. I searched for this issue on yahoo answers and everyone was just saying to never shut the computer down, but I dont see why apple would release a product that you could never shut down and it is not possible to never shut down because restart is required when installing new programs. I am sure there is a simple solution to this. I look forward to any help you guys can provide me and I look forward to being a part of these forums.
 
OP
J
Joined
May 14, 2009
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Points
1
I already took a look at that thread and it really didnt tell me something. After downloading a new program, i run the installation and the icon shows up on my dock and on the desktop and works fine. When I restart, both the icons are now gone but my download file is still there. I dont understand how I am installing it wrong???
 

vansmith

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 19, 2008
Messages
19,924
Reaction score
559
Points
113
Location
Queensland
Your Mac's Specs
Mini (2014, 2018, 2020), MBA (2020), iPad Pro (2018), iPhone 13 Pro Max, Watch (S6)
How are you installing applications? You can't just run them from the DMG - you have to drag them to your Mac. I'm not sure if this is the problem but it sounds like it might very well be the problem.
 
Joined
Feb 2, 2004
Messages
12,455
Reaction score
604
Points
113
Location
PA
Your Mac's Specs
MacBook
After downloading a new program, i run the installation and the icon shows up on my dock and on the desktop and works fine.
There is no installation program to run.
From the Switcher FAQ,
Once downloaded (by default, to your desktop) the dmg should automatically open (see below if it does not). Once the dmg is open, you'll see one or more files in a new window.

Drag the application icon to your applications folder.

Once the app is in your applications folder you can "eject" the dmg from the top left pane in finder, or by dragging the mounted file on your desktop to the trash (trash will then turn into an eject icon).
Then if you like, trash the dmg file or if you want to save it, you could archive it to cd-r or the like.
You don't have to double-click it, or run an installer unless it specifically comes with one.
9.99 times out of 10 all you need to do is drag the app to your Applications folder.
 
OP
J
Joined
May 14, 2009
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Points
1
ok what i was doing was just clicking on the dmg and I was assuming that the window that came up (firefox logo on the left and application on the right) was the installation since it didnt take me directly to firefox. i dragged the dmg for both open office and firefox to the application folder and restarted, and both files are still in the application window. open office appears in the dock but firefox doesnt. when i go back in the application window and click firefox, it takes me back to that window again(with firefox logo and application folder) and when I click on the firefox logo, it then placed firefox on my desktop and dock but when i restart again they go away.
 
Joined
Oct 22, 2007
Messages
8,967
Reaction score
287
Points
83
Location
London
Your Mac's Specs
Mac Mini Core i7 2012 | White 2009 MacBook 2 Ghz | 733 Mhz G4 Quicksilver
You dont drag the dmg file to the applications, you simply drag the programs icon on the dmg to the apps folder.

Running apps will show up on the doc, but to place a program on there permanently, drag the program icon from the Applications folder on to the doc
 

rman


Retired Staff
Joined
Dec 24, 2002
Messages
12,637
Reaction score
168
Points
63
Location
Los Angeles, California
Your Mac's Specs
14in MacBook Pro M1 Max 32GB 2TB
Don't drag the dmg image, just the application that is in the dmg image to your application folder
 

Shop Amazon


Shop for your Apple, Mac, iPhone and other computer products on Amazon.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
Top