Won't start app because it says its from an unknown source

Question

Hi,
I can't restate the exact error but it essentially stated that it wouldn't invoke an app because it's from an unknown source.  In fact, this is something that is an option in the secure section of our system preferences: "Allow application downloaded from: Mac App Store and Identified developers (that is what it is set at right now.)
Like a lot of Mac uesrs, I use OpenOffice.  I was utilzing version 3.4.0 and decided to upgrade to 3.4.1.  This is where the issue happened.  I attemped to upgrade and after upgrading, it wouldn't let me load the app because it said that the app was from an unidentified developer,etc.  You can force it by chainging the setting in the system preferences to allow for everything but it does warn you that this will just make your security riskier.  Why would it not recognize the latest version of openoffice 3.4.1 as being an unknown developer???  What should I do about it?  Currently, I have left the security setting as it was and the only way I can start the latest open office is by control clicking the icon.  Thanks.

Answer 1

Note that you should only have to control-click and choose Open once. After that, it should clear the quarantine flag and allow you to open it normally, without repeating the message. If that's not happening, are you opening the app from an admin account? If not, you probably don't have permission to clear that flag... Try opening it once from an admin account.
if that doesn't help, there's a way to clear that flag manually. I'm on my iPad at the moment and don't have quick and easy access to the command. I'll post it later if you need it.