[geoffry]

I have a problem for which I have been seeking an answer for weeks without success. I am using Leopard. I run the periodic scripts regularly, formerly through Macjanitor. The only problem I have is with the 'Weekly script'. Here is a typical log:

Running weekly task..

Sat Jan 26 10:11:39 EST 2008

Rebuilding locate database:
mktemp: mkdtemp failed on /var/folders/mP/mP46KnGhGvyvsL5U0sfM0TI/-Tmp-//locate4Tn6lVzYHU: Permission denied

Rebuilding whatis database:
makewhatis: /usr/share/man//usr/share/man:/usr/X11/man: No such file or directory
makewhatis: /usr/X11/man//usr/share/man:/usr/X11/man: No such file or directory

-- End of weekly output --

I emailed Macjanitor 3-4 times, but received no answer. I then tried the scripts using Cocktail, but the result was the same. On emailing Cocktail I received an answer that said that this was a (not serious) bug in Leopard; that it could be fixed by booting from the install disk & running Repair Disk, followed by Repair Permissions. (Repairing Permissions from the install disk worried me as I'd heard that should properly be done only from the main drive. However, nothing ventured...)

No errors reported from either.

I rebooted the main drive, and just to show no hard feelings I verified (by Disk Utility) the Disk, & re-ran Repair Permissions. Again, all OK.

Re-ran weekly script -- no change from the original log readout problem.

I poked about some more & found some advice I'd previously copied from Onyx Help that I'd used previously with Panther. It said -- but only regarding the ?whatis? database:

'In most cases, this error is not important. This is caused by alias orphans, whose original files are missing on the Hard Disk. If you want to correct this problem, launch the Terminal and type the command: sudo /usr/libexec/makewhatis then enter your password. The list of alias orphans will be displayed, then you can remove those files manually.'

Now, I'm wary of using a command from Panther that could upset Leopard -- I'm not generally happy messing with Terminal anyway, but will if i must -- so haven't tried that.

However it still doesn't solve the problem of the remaining log item -- the ?locate? database.

One last thing -- I should mention that I tried creating a new User & running the script again. But still no joy!

Are you able to help me, please?

[bruce]

Hi Geoffry - Likewise, I'd like to be able to run MacJanitor on Leopard. I've also written the MJ author but no reply. If you find out anything further, would you mind letting me know via email. I'll do same if I learn anything.

I loved how my Mac felt "zippier" (especially faster startup time) after running MacJanitor. In the meanwhile, until I/we figure this out, I'm going to try leaving my Mac on over a weekend to allow the Mac to run the weekly routine as built into the OS.

bruce

[SSGoku]

geoffry,

I suggest you check out Yasu. I've used it with no problems.

[geoffry]

Bruce

I've found the best (free) program to use is at a site run by Jesse Hogue

http://www.destinyofshadow.com/blog/

You'll find it there listed down on the L. side, called 'Maintenance 3.8' which you can download. It's in script form & contains full instructions. Jesse's script will automatically run a number of useful utilities; but the script is editable. I only use it for the daily, weekly, monthly one. Saves a lot of hassle.

Cheers

[geoffry]

Thanks SSGoku

Yasu is OK, but I think they charge for it now. See my reply to Bruce for another (free) alternative.

But thank you all the same.

Cheers

[bruce]

Thanks Geoffry. I downloaded Yasu and it seems to be working fine. I like that it has a lot more options than MacJanitor, such as clearing system caches. I wish Yasu had a better readout of what's it's doing like MJ does but oh well.

Yasu's request for donation is entirely reasonable, $3.50 - $10.00,