Virus/Repair Permissions Software

I should have my iMac in a few days, but since I have been reading these forums, I downloaded some software on one of my Mac at work. I have used the ClamxAV virus software which seems fine and works well.
Based on people's recommendations, I downlaoded Yasu and Onyx, which I have read repair disk permissions and other things. My question is should I get both Yasu and Onyx on my Mac? How often do you run them? Is one better than the other, because it seems like they do pretty much the same thing. I am use to running add/spyware software weekly on my PC. Do you guys run Yasu, Onyx, or both of them weekly?
Thanks for the help! It is appreciated!

I use ClamXav. Never had any issues. Seems to be a good app. Be careful and read what the developer says about configuring to watch email. You can screw up and loose email if you don't do it right.
You don't need a 3rd party utility for Repair Disk Permissions. Mac OS X comes with its own utility, Disk Utility, located in Apps/Utilities.
For as little as I need it, I use OnyX. The most basic maintenance Mac OS X needs is that the Maintenance Scripts are run regularly. I use Anacron for this. I have used it for almost two years. Works great.
I would spend the time you have before your Mac arrives to learn about the care and keeping of a happy Mac. The best place is the X Lab. Learn about basic maintenance of Mac OS X. How to use Software Update properly. There are troubleshooting articles as well.

Similar Messages

  • Mac won't update software or access iTunes shop. Message comes up with 'not connected to the net. Check connections' error. I still have internet access. Changed my Apple ID but no result. Repaired permissions and re-installed operating system.

    Mac won't update software or access iTunes shop. Message comes up with 'not connected to the net. Check connections' error. I still have internet access. Changed my Apple ID but no result. Repaired permissions and re-installed operating system.

    It sounds like you may have multiple problems, but none of them are likely to be caused by malware.
    First, the internet-related issues may be related to adware or a network compromise. I tend to lean more towards the latter, based on your description of the problem. See:
    http://www.adwaremedic.com/kb/baddns.php
    http://www.adwaremedic.com/kb/hackedrouter.php
    If investigation shows that this is not a network-specific issue, then it's probably adware. See my Adware Removal Guide for help finding and removing it. Note that you mention AdBlock as if it should have prevented this, but it's important to understand that ad blockers do not protect you against adware in any way. Neither would any kind of anti-virus software, which often doesn't detect adware.
    As for the other issues, it sounds like you've got some serious corruption. I would be inclined to say it sounds like a failing drive, except it sounds like you just got it replaced. How did you get all your files back after the new drive was installed?
    (Fair disclosure: I may receive compensation from links to my sites, TheSafeMac.com and AdwareMedic.com, in the form of buttons allowing for donations. Donations are not required to use my site or software.)

  • Repairing permissions before and after updating software

    What is the reason to repair permissions before and after updating software? This may sound like a stupid question to many of you, but I am new to computers and I am trying to learn how and why of some of the things of my PowerBook. I installed some updates without repairing permissions. Did I install some software updates the wrong way? Thank you.

    This is a topic which will draw as many emphatic for and against responses as overnight shut down or not, defrag or not, optimise or not, and so on.
    I agree with Neil. I believe that OS X has progressed sufficiently that repair permissions has become redundant and so I do not do it on any regular basis.
    Some folk may refer you to an Apple Support Article 303602. That Article in its 4 May 2006 version, titled "Top 10 Tips to Keep Your Mac in Top Form" suggested Repair Permissions should be done "after upgrading or installing new software". The Article was however revised on 15 May 2006 to be titled "Top Tips to Keep Your Mac in Top Form" and the item on Repair Permissions [along with two other recommended maintenance tips] was removed. It is my view that the conclusion to be drawn here is that Apple no longer considers Repair Permissions to be a required maintenance procedure.
    Many users have adopted a "Repair Permissions" mantra for a cure-all over several years. I dropped it sometime in 10.3.
    But, to each his own.
    HTH
    TiPB 867   Mac OS X (10.4.6)  

  • I'm on a MacPro, Snow Leopard, 10.6.8 and did software update to safari 5.1.4. Now I can't open Microsoft Word or Skype. I've done repair permissions, restarted. How can I fix ASAP? Wish I could dump this and go back to 5.1.2! Help!

    I'm on a MacPro, Snow Leopard, 10.6.8 and did software update to safari 5.1.4. Now I can't open Microsoft Word or Skype. I've done repair permissions, restarted. How can I fix ASAP? Wish I could dump this and go back to 5.1.2! Help!

    Try this Safari5.1 from the installer package
    http://www.filefactory.com/file/cc9005d/n/Safari.pkg.zip
    The download worked better with Firefox not sure why. At the bottom of the page after the captcha>> slow down load is the Free link,  it took about 4 minutes to download on my test.

  • Having problem w 3rd party software ., there tech advsed me to repair  permissions  before  reinstalling software . However  , querrie says  repairing permissions  is not good for  system .  whats up ,, help  !!!

    having problem w 3rd party software ., there tech advsed me to repair  permissions  before  reinstalling software . However  , querrie says  repairing permissions  is not good for  system .  whats up ,, help  !!!

    I've fixed the problem - I think.
    I forgot I had the program "Little Snitch" installed on my computer. So I went into it and saw that it was blocking most of my connections for all the programs I use on a daily basis. Once I lifted the RULE to those certain programs - BAM - everything came back to life in an instant!

  • Repair Permissions problems after Software Update (10.5.7)

    I ran Software Update this evening.
    I selected the following Updates:
    Mac OS X Update 10.5.7 (I was at 10.5.6)
    iTunes 8.1.1
    Airport Utility Software Update 5.4.1
    On restart, there was a warning icon (circle with diagonal line) and the gear kept spinning. No response at that point.
    I called Apple and following his instructions..... Booting from the Leopard disk I/we/it repaired permissions and verified disk and then restarted and all seems well.
    However, on the repair permission after this warning there were a number of permission problems reported and I just ran Repair Permissions again and they persist. AppleCare said those error reports would most likely remain but that they will not cause any problems.
    I'd appreciate an assessment by anyone who is an expert in this area.
    Thank you.
    The log from Permission repair follows:
    Repairing permissions for “Peanut Butter HD2”
    Reading permissions database.
    Reading the permissions database can take several minutes.
    Warning: SUID file "System/Library/Filesystems/AppleShare/afpLoad" has been modified and will not be repaired.
    Warning: SUID file "System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/DiskManagement.framework/Versions/A/Resources /DiskManagementTool" has been modified and will not be repaired.
    Warning: SUID file "sbin/umount" has been modified and will not be repaired.
    Warning: SUID file "bin/rcp" has been modified and will not be repaired.
    Warning: SUID file "usr/bin/quota" has been modified and will not be repaired.
    Warning: SUID file "usr/bin/rlogin" has been modified and will not be repaired.
    Warning: SUID file "usr/bin/rsh" has been modified and will not be repaired.
    Permissions differ on "Applications/iTunes.app/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-rw-r-- , they are lrw-rw-r-- .
    Permissions differ on "Applications/iTunes.app/Contents/Frameworks/InternetUtilities.bundle/Contents/ CodeResources", should be -rw-rw-r-- , they are lrw-rw-r-- .
    Permissions differ on "Applications/iTunes.app/Contents/Resources/iTunesHelper.app/Contents/CodeResou rces", should be -rw-rw-r-- , they are lrw-rw-r-- .
    Permissions differ on "System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/MobileDevice.framework/Versions/A/AppleMobile DeviceHelper.app/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
    Permissions differ on "System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/MobileDevice.framework/Versions/A/AppleMobile Sync.app/Contents/CodeResources", should be -rw-r--r-- , they are lrw-r--r-- .
    Permissions repair complete

    Norm,
    I'd appreciate an assessment by anyone who is an expert in this area.
    According to Apple: Mac OS X 10.5: Disk Utility's Repair Disk Permissions messages that you can safely ignore
    ;~)

  • FileVault off or on when repairing permissions and updating software?

    Does anyone know if FileVault can be left on when repairing permissions and installing apple software updates. I have been turning it off before doing so, but not sure if that's needed. I've been doing that just to be on the safe side.
    Using an iMac DVD, with an external firewire HD with OS X 10.3.9 on one of the partitions.
    Thanks for any info
    iMac DVD +   Mac OS 9.1.x   G3

    FileVault only affects your home folder. Permissions repair repairs only permissions on installed OS packages, which are in system folders. Apple software updates make changes to system folders. Since the system folders aren't affected by FileVault, leaving FV on shouldn't affect these operations.

  • TS4284 Disk Utility may not be able to verify or repair permissions on a software RAID set

    Disk Utility may not be able to verify or repair permissions on a software RAID set
    Symptoms
    When Lion is installed on a software RAID set, Disk Utility may not be able to verify or repair volume permissions. The process appears to start but immediately stops.
    Resolution
    Use the command line tool diskutil to verify and/or repair permissions on a software RAID volume. Note: The user running these commands must have administrative privileges.
    https://support.apple.com/kb/TS4284
    How does a bug like this survive testing?

    "How does a bug like this survive testing?"
    Exactly.

  • Plz help...problem w/ verify/repair permissions after software update

    Hi,
    I just ran the software update from the Mac menu and wanted to verify/repair permissions afterwards. First I used Onyx and when it was executing, the system would not respond after a couple of minutes. So then I tried Disk Utility and I get a message saying "Disk Utility internal error: Disk Utility has losts its connection with the Disk Management Tool and cannot continue. Please quit and relaunch Disk Utility." And I did, and the same message appears.
    What else can I do?
    Thanks.
    PowerBook G4 15   Mac OS X (10.3.6)  

    Have just done software download - gone to repair permissions and have got same message. Running on 10.3.9. Anyone any ideas as to what is going on here. Did NOT run repair permissions before the update (Yes I know I should have done). Could this be a factor. There are a number of other threads on this forum concerning this exact problem - but so far have found no explanation or solutions.
    Disk varified and reported OK. Mac seems to be operating OK. How does Disk utility "link" to Disk Management Tool?
    Any help much appreciated.
    Thanks

  • "disc burner or software not found" on Mac OSX fixed by repair permissions!

    This was a hard thread for me to find so I am posting an answer as a topic...
    For any Mac OSX users having this issue, do a repair permissions using disk utility and it should allow you to burn CDs again.
    Whew.

    You may need to replace the PRAM battery.  Anytime it is over 4 years old, it can make the optical drive act up.

  • What does 'Repair Permissions' mean anyway?

    Repairing permissions is usually my first line of defense (after re-start) whenever things go a little screwy, but I really don't know what that means. What exactly is being repaired? And what's being "permitted"? Is it about corrupted files?
    I'm just curious (and a little confused).
    : )

    Repairing permissions should not be the first line of defense if you have problems. In fact permissions should rarely ever require repairing and rarely solve any problem. Here's some good reading:
    Repair Permissions- A false panacea
    Repairing permissions- What you need to know
    Take Control of Permissions in OS X.
    If you want to keep your computer running smoothly, then read the following:
    Kappy's Personal Suggestions for OS X Maintenance
    For disk repairs use Disk Utility. For situations DU cannot handle the best third-party utilities are: Disk Warrior; DW only fixes problems with the disk directory, but most disk problems are caused by directory corruption; Disk Warrior 4.0 is now Intel Mac compatible. TechTool Pro provides additional repair options including file repair and recovery, system diagnostics, and disk defragmentation. TechTool Pro 4.5.2 is Intel Mac compatible; Drive Genius is similar to TechTool Pro in terms of the various repair services provided. The current version, 1.5.1, is Intel Mac compatible.
    OS X performs certain maintenance functions that are scheduled to occur on a daily, weekly, or monthly period. The maintenance scripts run in the early AM only if the computer is turned on 24/7 (no sleep.) If this isn't the case, then an excellent solution is to download and install a shareware utility such as Macaroni, JAW PseudoAnacron, or Anacron that will automate the maintenance activity regardless of whether the computer is turned off or asleep.
    OS X automatically defrags files less than 20 MBs in size, so unless you have a disk full of very large files there's little need for defragmenting the hard drive. As for virus protection there are few if any such animals affecting OS X. You can protect the computer easily using the freeware Open Source virus protection software ClamXAV. Personally I would avoid most commercial anti-virus software because of their potential for causing problems.
    I would also recommend downloading the shareware utility TinkerTool System that you can use for periodic maintenance such as removing old logfiles and archives, clearing caches, etc.
    For emergency repairs install the freeware utility Applejack. If you cannot start up in OS X, you may be able to start in single-user mode from which you can run Applejack to do a whole set of repair and maintenance routines from the commandline.
    When you install any new system software or updates be sure to repair the hard drive and permissions beforehand. I also recommend booting into safe mode before doing system software updates.
    Get an external Firewire drive at least equal in size to the internal hard drive and make (and maintain) a bootable clone/backup. You can make a bootable clone using the Restore option of Disk Utility. You can also make and maintain clones with good backup software. My personal recommendations are (order is not significant):
    1. Retrospect Desktop (Commercial - not yet universal binary)
    2. Synchronize! Pro X (Commercial)
    3. Synk (Backup, Standard, or Pro)
    4. Deja Vu (Shareware)
    5. PsynchX 2.1.1 and RsyncX 2.1 (Freeware)
    6. Carbon Copy Cloner (Freeware - 3.0 is a Universal Binary)
    7. SuperDuper! (Commercial)
    The following utilities can also be used for backup, but cannot create bootable clones:
    1. Backup (requires a .Mac account with Apple both to get the software and to use it.)
    2. Toast
    3. Impression
    4. arRSync
    Apple's Backup is a full backup tool capable of also backing up across multiple media such as CD/DVD. However, it cannot create bootable backups. It is primarily an "archiving" utility as are the other two.
    Impression and Toast are disk image based backups, only. Particularly useful if you need to backup to CD/DVD across multiple media.
    Visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQs on maintenance, optimization, virus protection, and backup and restore.
    Additional suggestions will be found in Mac Maintenance Quick Assist.
    Referenced software can be found at www.versiontracker.com and www.macupdate.com.

  • Repairing Permissions With DU -Vs- MainMenu

    Hello,
    I was curios does it matter if I repair permissions with disk Utility versus repairing them with Main Menu Pro version? Also will it hurt doing system maintenance using Main Menu. I know Main Menu is 3rd party, but I think it has been around long enough to be trusted. I've used it on my iMac 2008 without issue, but don't want to take any chances with this new MBP.
    Jaco

    All maintenance applications use the same programs as Disk Utility so it wouldn't make any difference. But you can perform all the needed maintenance that the third-party software does just a few specific utilities.
    There isn't that much maintenance required. Disk Utility can repair permissions (something you should rarely if ever need to do) as well as repair the hard drive. For the rest of it you can install the freeware, Applejack - CNet Downloads or MacUpdate.
    For the occasional time when a hard drive has a problem DU cannot fix use Disk Warrior. And, to clean caches if needed use Snow Leopard Cache Cleaner.
    Also, see:
    Kappy's Personal Suggestions for OS X Maintenance
    For disk repairs use Disk Utility. For situations DU cannot handle the best third-party utilities are: Disk Warrior; DW only fixes problems with the disk directory, but most disk problems are caused by directory corruption; Disk Warrior 4.x is now Intel Mac compatible. TechTool Pro provides additional repair options including file repair and recovery, system diagnostics, and disk defragmentation. TechTool Pro 4.5.1 or higher are Intel Mac compatible; Drive Genius is similar to TechTool Pro in terms of the various repair services provided. Versions 1.5.1 or later are Intel Mac compatible.
    OS X performs certain maintenance functions that are scheduled to occur on a daily, weekly, or monthly period. The maintenance scripts run in the early AM only if the computer is turned on 24/7 (no sleep.) If this isn't the case, then an excellent solution is to download and install a shareware utility such as Macaroni, JAW PseudoAnacron, or Anacron that will automate the maintenance activity regardless of whether the computer is turned off or asleep. Dependence upon third-party utilities to run the periodic maintenance scripts had been significantly reduced in Tiger and Leopard. These utilities have limited or no functionality with Snow Leopard and should not be installed.
    OS X automatically defrags files less than 20 MBs in size, so unless you have a disk full of very large files there's little need for defragmenting the hard drive. As for virus protection there are few if any such animals affecting OS X. You can protect the computer easily using the freeware Open Source virus protection software ClamXAV. Personally I would avoid most commercial anti-virus software because of their potential for causing problems.
    I would also recommend downloading the shareware utility TinkerTool System that you can use for periodic maintenance such as removing old logfiles and archives, clearing caches, etc. Other utilities are also available such as Onyx, Leopard Cache Cleaner, CockTail, and Xupport, for example.
    For emergency repairs install the freeware utility Applejack. If you cannot start up in OS X, you may be able to start in single-user mode from which you can run Applejack to do a whole set of repair and maintenance routines from the commandline. Note that AppleJack 1.5 is required for Leopard. AppleJack 1.6 is compatible with Snow Leopard.
    When you install any new system software or updates be sure to repair the hard drive and permissions beforehand. I also recommend booting into safe mode before doing system software updates.
    Get an external Firewire drive at least equal in size to the internal hard drive and make (and maintain) a bootable clone/backup. You can make a bootable clone using the Restore option of Disk Utility. You can also make and maintain clones with good backup software. My personal recommendations are (order is not significant):
    Backuplist
    Carbon Copy Cloner
    Data Backup
    Deja Vu
    iBackup
    JaBack
    Silver Keeper
    MimMac
    Retrospect
    Super Flexible File Synchronizer
    ynchronizer
    SuperDuper!
    Synchronize Pro! X
    SyncTwoFolders
    Synk Pro
    Synk Standard
    Tri-Backup
    Visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQs on maintenance, optimization, virus protection, and backup and restore.
    Additional suggestions will be found in Mac Maintenance Quick Assist.
    Referenced software can be found at CNet Downloads or MacUpdate.

  • Can Repairing Permissions Harm Regular Operation

    I have read many times that repairing permissions cannot harm normal operation of your mac and .... it's certainly never caused me any problems as I run permissions repair every so often.
    The reason I ask though is because of a buddy of mine whose mac, running OS 10.5, was running sluggishly. Out of curiosity I asked - "have you ever repaired your permissions" and he said - "what's that?" So I decided to run "Verify" permissions just to see what came up and it was a huge list. I told my friend that I did not know if this was a cause of his computer's sluggishness but that if he wanted I would run "Repair" permissions. He said to go ahead. So I did.
    A few days later he was trying to update through "software update" iTunes and Safari ... and he tried to install "App Delete" as well. His mac would not install any of these apps. When he took his mac to the the Apple store they asked if he had recently repaired his permissions and he said "yes." they said that was the problem and that he shouldn't repair permissions unless he had a problem. (To me "sluggishness" is a problem.) Since he had all his stuff backed up the proceeded to wipe his computer and do a clean install. Seems a brute force fix to me. Personally I would have loved to sleuth a more subtle remedy, even if for nothing more than learning more, about the workings of OSX.
    So, did I mess up my friends mac?
    Any opinions?
    Message was edited by: riverside

    There is no reason to repair permissions unless there is a permissions related problem. Repairing permissions is not a troubleshooting or maintenance procedure. Repairing permissions will not fix "sluggishness." That would be caused by any number of things, but not permissions.
    You did not mess up your friend's Mac. It was already messed up, and it's still messed up for some other set of reasons.
    Kappy's Personal Suggestions for OS X Maintenance
    For disk repairs use Disk Utility. For situations DU cannot handle the best third-party utilities are: Disk Warrior; DW only fixes problems with the disk directory, but most disk problems are caused by directory corruption; Disk Warrior 4.x is now Intel Mac compatible. TechTool Pro provides additional repair options including file repair and recovery, system diagnostics, and disk defragmentation. TechTool Pro 4.5.1 or higher are Intel Mac compatible; Drive Genius is similar to TechTool Pro in terms of the various repair services provided. Versions 1.5.1 or later are Intel Mac compatible.
    OS X performs certain maintenance functions that are scheduled to occur on a daily, weekly, or monthly period. The maintenance scripts run in the early AM only if the computer is turned on 24/7 (no sleep.) If this isn't the case, then an excellent solution is to download and install a shareware utility such as Macaroni, JAW PseudoAnacron, or Anacron that will automate the maintenance activity regardless of whether the computer is turned off or asleep. Dependence upon third-party utilities to run the periodic maintenance scripts had been significantly reduced in Tiger and Leopard. These utilities have limited or no functionality with Snow Leopard and should not be installed.
    OS X automatically defrags files less than 20 MBs in size, so unless you have a disk full of very large files there's little need for defragmenting the hard drive. As for virus protection there are few if any such animals affecting OS X. You can protect the computer easily using the freeware Open Source virus protection software ClamXAV. Personally I would avoid most commercial anti-virus software because of their potential for causing problems.
    I would also recommend downloading the shareware utility TinkerTool System that you can use for periodic maintenance such as removing old logfiles and archives, clearing caches, etc. Other utilities are also available such as Onyx, Leopard Cache Cleaner, CockTail, and Xupport, for example.
    For emergency repairs install the freeware utility Applejack (not compatible with Snow Leopard.) If you cannot start up in OS X, you may be able to start in single-user mode from which you can run Applejack to do a whole set of repair and maintenance routines from the commandline. Note that AppleJack 1.5 is required for Leopard. AppleJack is not compatible with Snow Leopard.
    When you install any new system software or updates be sure to repair the hard drive and permissions beforehand. I also recommend booting into safe mode before doing system software updates.
    Get an external Firewire drive at least equal in size to the internal hard drive and make (and maintain) a bootable clone/backup. You can make a bootable clone using the Restore option of Disk Utility. You can also make and maintain clones with good backup software. My personal recommendations are (order is not significant):
    1. Retrospect Desktop (Commercial - not yet universal binary)
    2. Synchronize! Pro X (Commercial)
    3. Synk (Backup, Standard, or Pro)
    4. Deja Vu (Shareware)
    5. Carbon Copy Cloner (Donationware)
    6. SuperDuper! (Commercial)
    7. Intego Personal Backup (Commercial)
    8. Data Backup (Commercial)
    9. SilverKeeper 2.0 (Freeware)
    10. MimMac (Commercial)
    11. Tri-Backup (Commercial)
    Visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQs on maintenance, optimization, virus protection, and backup and restore.
    Additional suggestions will be found in Mac Maintenance Quick Assist.
    Referenced software can be found at www.versiontracker.com and www.macupdate.com.
    Message was edited by: Kappy

  • New Mac Mini and Repairing Permissions

    I've been having trouble with my Mail program and thought I would repair permissions to see if that would help. I ran disk utility from my internal hard drive and ran repair permissions. Apparently it found several permissions to repair, so I thought I would run repair permissions again and the same list appeared. Running a third time and the same list appeared again.Do these permissions ever get repaired? What do I do from here? Should I repair permissions after booting up off of my original system disk? This Mini is only a couple of weeks old and I'm already having problems with Mail and repairing permissions.
    rskover

    Thank you Tim but the computer is packed back waiting for TNT to take it back to Apple. I don't have time to play with permissions, the permissions are OK in the old computer.
    This is what may have been your problem. The permissions on your old computer may not have matched the new computer. I think you gave up before the penny dropped.
    They sell the computers very expensive and I think they would have to improve quality.
    I am unsure how that can be one of your gripes as when the cube came out it was way overpriced in comparison to their other desktops. That did not stop your or I getting one then.
    Your issue was a software problem not a hardware problem so no matter what kind of mac you had it would have needed troubleshooting.
    The quality of the new mac mini far exceeds that of the cube. Try playing 1080P high definition media on your cube, or even 480P for that matter. Try outputting 5.1 surround sound from your cube without the addition of a firewire audio interface.
    I know how frustrating it can be when something just does not seem to work. I have encountered this a few times in my work. However sometimes I just have leave it come back with fresh eyes and try other approaches and I succeed.
    What you need to appreciate installing an upgrade should be planned for any eventuality. In business upgrades are scheduled to have the minimum impact on the workplace. That being said I have worked 48 hrs solid over a weekend getting systems up for a monday morning. They are not always straightforward.

  • Repairing permissions - ERROR: NO VALID PACKAGES

    I think I may have deleted something important!
    I had a bit of a tidy up the other day, mainly deleting printers & fonts that I don't use. But it looks like I may have removed a few important things.
    In disk utility, I can no longer repair disk permissions. When I try, I get a box saying;
    FIRST AID FAILED
    DISK UTILITY STOPPED REPAIRING PERMISSIONS ON "MACINTOSH HD" BECAUSE THE FOLLOWING ERROR WAS ENCOUNTERED:
    NO VALID PACKAGES
    Is there an easy way of fixing this? Or am I looking at a reinstall of Tiger?

    Glad that sorted your immediate problem.
    On the face of it I would have thought that none were necessary, as the name of the folder and the fact that they're installer packages for things that have already been installed would seem to indicate that they are not needed. BUT the fact that the loss of one of those files caused a problem with something that can be as important as the ability to repair permissions is pretty clear evidence that the files in there are used for something!
    So, I would recommend leaving alone the packages for apps/etc. that are still on your machine, or files that you do not recognize. On the other hand, there are some items (very few, actually) in my receipts folder that I would feel comfortable deleting, e.g. a virus defs package for Norton, which I installed right when I got my MBP, but it utterly failed for reasons I won't go into here, and I actually ran the uninstaller to get rid of it, but clearly it left this little gift for me. And poof, it's gone.
    But the majority I would recommend leaving alone. On my HDD the Receipts folder is ~170 MB, so it's not a huge chunk, but of course every little bit adds up!
    Hope this helps...

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