Do you want the application "printerAgent" to accept incoming connections?

[jihong]

Been getting this error message "Do you want the application "printerAgent" to accept incoming connections?" every time I restart my mac. It showed up when I had Catalina and continues to popup with Big Sur. I've tried multiple recommended solutions from the web, but none seem to remove this from every time I restart my macbook pro, regardless of whether I click Deny or Allow. Anyone have any solutions??

 

[chscag]

It's not an error message. It's a normal security measure for your protection.

It appears that you have something in your startup, perhaps printer software, that is spawning the "printerAgent" application. And of course it will ask that question each time due to security measures implemented in Big Sur.

You need to find out what it is that's starting to run whenever you startup your Mac.

Go here: System Preferences, Users & Groups, Login Items. If you see it there, click on the small lock at the bottom, enter your admin password, and then remove the item.

 

[jihong]

Already tried that. It's nothing there. I've read people with certain HP printers have had this issue since early 2000's, but even after deleting EVERYTHING related to HP on my macbook, it still pops up.

 

[chscag]

Then whatever is keying the "PrinterAgent" is hidden where you can't see it and perhaps have no access. Going to be tough finding it.

I've never known HP software to do that but then I only have an HP LaserJet installed.

 

[IWT]

I came across this site which, although from some time ago, offers several solutions, many of which came from HP employees. Scroll though the options. Worth trying some of these, I think.

MacBook Pro requires permission for "printerAgent" at every start-up of computer

HP OfficeJet Pro 8500a e-all-in-one printer Mac OS 10.7 Since I set up the printer, EVERY time I start my computer I get the message: "Do you want the application "printerAgent" to accept incoming netwrk connections?" This comes from the firewall. EVERY time I give permission, but it's not...

h30434.www3.hp.com

Ian

 

[Rod]

EasyFind can locate invisible files in a search. It's a handy tool and worth a try. You can delete or isolate files directly from the search window.

 

[ferrarr]

The next time you get the message, look in System Preferences > Security & Privacy. You may have to authorize the app one time, then you won't be asked again. It may be listed on the General tab, or the Privacy tab to give the authorization.

 

[chscag]

EasyFind can locate invisible files in a search. It's a handy tool and worth a try. You can delete or isolate files directly from the search window.

EasyFind apparently is no longer able to delete files directly from the app. I tried the other day and it refused. I believe the new security in Big Sur is preventing it from doing so. I also have another app that once was able to delete files from within and that too no longer works in Big Sur.

 

[ferrarr]

EasyFind apparently is no longer able to delete files directly from the app. I tried the other day and it refused. I believe the new security in Big Sur is preventing it from doing so. I also have another app that once was able to delete files from within and that too no longer works in Big Sur.

Did you look in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy? And make sure you have granted EasyFind Full Disk Access?

 

[chscag]

Did you look in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy? And make sure you have granted EasyFind Full Disk Access?

EasyFind was already there with full access and has been there since Mojave. Big Sur has changed the way apps can have full access.

 

[IWT]

I was able to get FAF to delete a bunch of deeply hidden "scruff"; but it identified 4 or 5 files in the locked Macintosh HD which I couldn't access. Not a big deal as this was an innocent app that I had long stopped using.

Ian

 

[chscag]

It is rather strange because after EasyFind refused to delete those files, I used the Finder to delete them without any problem.

There are certain files (usually hidden) that are not accessible by any app and can only be changed or deleted by the system.