Incompatible Application Detected (macOS)

Why This Happens

The SoftRAID Monitor is a background application that must launch at startup. The Monitor acts as the communication bridge between the SoftRAID application, the driver, and your disks.

If the SoftRAID Monitor fails to load at startup, the SoftRAID application cannot communicate with the driver or access your disks. This causes the error: ”A part of the SoftRAID Monitor failed…” and prevents the SoftRAID application from launching.

What Triggers This Alert

If you see this warning, certain third-party applications on your system may interfere with the SoftRAID Monitor launching at startup.

Important: This warning appears if you have any of the listed applications installed, even if you’re not currently experiencing problems. The SoftRAID Monitor may be working fine now, but these applications have the potential to block it in the future depending on their settings or how they’re configured.

Applications Known to Cause Issues

These applications may block the SoftRAID Monitor from loading at startup:

System Utilities

• CleanMyMac X
• Mac Cleaner Pro
• App Cleaner & Uninstaller

Antivirus & Security Software

• Malwarebytes
• Bitdefender
• ClamAV

VPN Software (with Anti-Malware Components)

• NordVPN with Threat Protection - Only the anti-malware add-on (Threat Protection) causes issues, not the VPN itself
• Note: The Threat Protection add-on is only available when purchasing directly from NordVPN’s website, not through the Mac App Store
• The VPN-only version from the App Store does not cause issues

How to check if you’re affected: If you see the SoftRAID Monitor widget (icon) in your menu bar, the Monitor is currently running successfully and these apps are not blocking it yet. However, they may block it in the future depending on settings or updates.

Note: Some of these developers may have fixed compatibility issues since we last tested, but have not confirmed this with us. We will update this list as we receive confirmed reports.

About Third-Party Antivirus Software

Apple’s position: macOS includes world-class built-in security protection called XProtect that runs automatically in the background. Apple considers third-party antivirus applications unnecessary for most users and notes they can potentially create security vulnerabilities or system conflicts.

XProtect provides:

• Automatic malware detection and removal
• Regular security updates from Apple
• Protection against known threats
• No performance impact
• No compatibility issues with system components

Our recommendation: Unless you have specific enterprise security requirements, rely on macOS’s built-in XProtect rather than third-party antivirus software.

If You’re Not Experiencing Issues

If SoftRAID is working normally despite having these applications installed:

• You can continue using both SoftRAID and the listed application
• The warning is precautionary – no action required
• Monitor for any future SoftRAID launch issues

To dismiss this warning permanently: There is a checkbox in the alert dialog to ”Never show this warning again”. Check this box if you want to continue using both applications without seeing the alert.

If SoftRAID Won’t Launch

If you cannot launch SoftRAID or see persistent “SoftRAID Monitor failed” errors, follow these steps:

Step 1: Enable SoftRAID Monitor in Login Items

• Go to System Settings → General → Login Items
• Find SoftRAID Monitor in the list
• Enable it if it’s disabled
• Restart your Mac
• Try launching SoftRAID

For CleanMyMac X, Mac Cleaner Pro, or App Cleaner & Uninstaller users: You can also check these applications’ interfaces for Login Items or Startup Items settings and enable SoftRAID Monitor there.

Step 2: Uninstall the Conflicting Application

If Step 1 doesn’t resolve the issue, uninstall the conflicting application using its official uninstaller.

Important: Use the application’s official uninstaller, not a third-party uninstaller or drag-to-trash method.

• Locate the application’s uninstaller (usually in the application’s menu or installation package)
• Run the uninstaller
• Proceed to Step 3

Step 3: Uninstall SoftRAID Using Terminal.app

• Open Terminal (Applications → Utilities → Terminal.app)
• Copy and paste this command:

sudo softraidtool uninstall

• Press Enter
• Enter your admin password when prompted (you won’t see characters as you type – this is normal)
• Press Enter again
• Restart your Mac
• Launch SoftRAID from your Applications folder

If SoftRAID launches successfully, the issue is resolved.

If SoftRAID Still Won’t Launch

If none of the above steps resolve the issue:

This means the conflicting application made permanent system-level changes that persist even after the application is removed.

Option 1: Reinstall macOS (Recommended – Preserves Data)

Using macOS Recovery (preserves all your data):

• Restart your Mac into Recovery Mode:
• Intel Mac: Hold Command+R during startup
• Apple silicon Mac: Hold the power button until “Loading startup options” appears, then select Options
• Select Reinstall macOS
• Follow the onscreen instructions
• This reinstalls the operating system while keeping your files and applications

Note: Some users report this doesn’t always resolve deep system modifications. If issues persist, proceed to Option 2.

Option 2: Clean macOS Installation (Last Resort)

This completely erases and reinstalls macOS:

• Back up all your data to an external drive
• Boot into Recovery Mode (see above)
• Select Disk Utility
• Erase your startup volume
• Quit Disk Utility and select Reinstall macOS
• After installation completes, restore your data

Important – Avoid re-importing the problem:

If using Migration Assistant to restore your data:

• Do not import the conflicting utility application
• Avoid importing “System Settings” or “System” data
• Manually select which applications to import
• Skip any applications that claim to “clean” or “optimize” macOS
• Skip any third-party antivirus applications
• For VPN software: Manually reinstall the VPN after migration and avoid anti-malware add-ons

Prevention Tips

To avoid these issues in the future:

• Avoid system “cleaning” utilities - macOS manages itself efficiently without third-party cleaners
• Use macOS’s built-in XProtect instead of third-party antivirus software
• If you want to use NordVPN, use the App Store version (VPN-only, without Threat Protection add-on)
• Be cautious with login item managers - Don’t disable SoftRAID Monitor
• Check compatibility before installing system utilities that modify startup behavior

Getting Help

If you continue to experience issues after following these steps, contact SoftRAID support:

Submit a support ticket 

Include details about:

• Which application was installed
• Steps you’ve already tried
• Your macOS version

Note: You can attach a SoftRAID Tech Support Report after you receive a response from our Customer Service staff.