Fixing sandboxd: mdworker deny mach-lookup com.apple.ls.boxd error in OSX 10.8.2 (and other versions)

I recently experienced this problem and besides filling your console logs with garbage, it seems to slow down Time Machine to the point where it is useless. It seems to be related to Spotlight and is in some way related to an update that Apple pushed out.

Here's how I fixed it:

Restart your computer in safe mode (read that link for more info about what it will do.) This is done by restarting as normal from the Apple menu, then holding down shift after you hear the Apple noise on startup. Note, you must wait to hold down shift until after the Apple noise has started. As proof that you're loading into safe mode, you'll see a little progress bar beneath the Apple and you'll have to wait a while. Once the wait is over, you can log into OSX, but since you're still in safe mode you'll want to restart again, this time without holding shift. Log in again, check your Console -- if this worked, the error should be gone.

If this solves your problem, please comment below and let me know it worked. Thanks!

Recent feedback on this solution (12/19/2012): Jim B. from Canada: This problem really did not show itself until I have to do a full reinstall. Yea, good backup habits do pay off! I was actually dealing with a problem of my mac (iMac i7 20G Ram) where the mac would freeze for a few seconds and then would start working fine. I finally got pissed off enough to look into the problem. I was everything from reinstall to modify permissions on system files, to deleting preference files. I also found your solution. The reinstall was a stupid solution as I just did that and I do not like deleting files in the /library directory because some expert on the web said so. yours seemed to be the easiest and less destructive to say the least. It looks like it cleared up the problem and so, now it is time to move onto the next problem(s). I really hate looking in the system log, because it almost almost involves more work! And Jim B. from the US Your solution of restarting in safe mode worked for me. Thanks. So basically, if your name is Jim, it will probably work. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.