Xcode's property list editor can also be used to delete old apps' entries, but since the file is hard to get to, permissions have to be temporarily opened:
mini-nevie:~ root# chmod o+rwx /var/db/locationd/ /var/db/locationd/clients.plist so the directory and file can be read and written by all users. Then, for convenience, su to your login ID:
mini-nevie:~ root# su - nevinwilliams mini-nevie:~ nevinwilliams$ open /var/db/locationd/clients.plist This assumes Xcode is the default app for opening *.plist files, and you're familiar with the Property List Editor. Under the Root property, there are 3 default Dictionary entries:
com.appl com.appl.locationd.executable-/usr/libexec/UserEventAgent com.appl.aosnotifyd Those ought not to be removed. For entries that belong to long-gone apps, you can hover just to the left of the Dictionary column of the corresponding app's row, where an inverse grey '-' will appear. Clicking on it will remove the item, and all its children. If you'd rather inspect the entry first, clicking on the grey triangle (familiar to Finder list-view users) to the left of the key string will expand the Dictionary and display its elements.
Once you delete or disable the keys to your satisfaction, save the file, and quit Xcode. Then, back in Terminal, do:
mini-nevie:~ nevinwilliams$ exit logout mini-nevie:~ root# hit the up-arrow twice to recall the chmod command, ctrl-A to go to the beginning of the line, cursor-right about eight times, change the '+' to a '-', or enter the following as shown to restore permissions to what they were:
mini-nevie:~ root# chmod o-rwx /var/db/locationd /var/db/locationd/clients.plist then HUP the location daemon:
mini-nevie:~ root# killall -HUP locationd a quick check of the Security.PrefPane Privacy tab ought to confirm your changes.
Standard disclaimers, cautionary tales of woe, scoldings, cluckings, and "Is This Trip Really Necessary?" reflections are especially applicable.