Cannot Install Applications

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Your Mac's Specs
27" Retina 5K iMac 3.2Ghz Quad 24GB RAM, 1TB HD. iPhone 11.
So I'm running Catalina 10.15.2 and today I wanted to install the latest version of Silverfast (scanning software) which I downloaded and I also downloaded the latest driver for my scanner to add support for Catalina. Both programs are made by different companies.

When I install either all that happens is I get the spinning beach ball after I agree to the license agreement and I've left it for several hours but it makes no difference. I've also downloaded other software from Silverfast that also won't install and I've tried downloading software from other 3rd parties that also won't install.

My security settings are set to allow apps from the App Store and identified developers, I've disabled firewalls but nothing seems to make any difference. I was able to update my Adobe apps through Creative Cloud so it looks like it just doesn't like letting apps install directly via the OS but that's just a guess.

Any ideas?
 
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If you look in System Preferences > Security & Privacy, do the apps appear there, under the General tab?
 

Slydude

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Are you seeing a message that suggests the software is from an unidentified developer? if so, that is due to a change in the Gatekeeper security software. Under Catalina you have to take an extra step to enable the option to install unsigned third-party software. See this video which includes a fix if you don't mind using Terminal. See here for a bit of detail.

I'm not all that familiar with the code signing process but not every piece of unsigned software is malware or otherwise but be careful. Be especially careful running Terminal.You can do all kinds of harm to your system.
 

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