Java 1.4.2 Update 2 (#2): Assorted problems; upgrade procedure helps

Last Thursday, Apple released Java 1.4.2 Update 2 via Software Update and Web download. The new release purportedly provides improved behavior for applets in Safari and increased stability for desktop Java applications. It also includes all the improvements from Java 1.4.2 Update 1.

We've since received reports of a variety of seemingly isolated problems for which we are seeking confirmation.

• Photoshop CS MacFixIt reader Robert Buck writes "Since installing this update I'm having a problem with Photoshop CS. When I use the auto levels command, the image turns white. I have a second internal drive that I have 10.3.5 on, but did not install this update, and it doesn't have this problem."
• Illustrator CS Vincent Ferri writes "After updating via Software Update Adobe Illustrator fails to open. I am running Mac OS X 10.3.5 on a PowerBook G4; a PowerPC G4 (2.1) CPU; 800MHz; 1GB RAM. Immediately after running the update Illustrator refused to open and failed startup during the last phase of the startup process."
• Juno Web services One reader writes "Ever since I downloaded this update I cannot properly log onto Juno. I can connect but cannot access any web pages. I am very frustrated."
• Griffin iMic Alex writes "After installing Java 1.4.2 Update 2, iMic doesn't show up anymore in the Sound Preference Pane."

If you are experiencing any of these problems after applying the Java 1.4.2 Update 2, please drop us a line at late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Upgrade procedure helps prevent problems As usual, a number of readers following the recommended procedure for major system software updates are experiencing fewer problems.

MacFixIt reader David Byrum writes "I have updated three computers with the Java 1.4.2 Update 2 with zero problems. I have not noticed any changes, positive or negative, in any application that uses Java.

"As recommended, I run Disk Warrior and repair permissions prior to the installation and repair permissions again after the installation.

"Each of the three computers (17" iMac, 12" PB G4, 12" iBook) are running Mac OS 10.3.5 and all of the current security updates."

For reiteration, the recommended upgrade procedure (for incremental Mac OS X updates, as well as major refinements like the recent Java update) is as follows:

• Make sure your hard drive is in good shape: Boot from the OS X Install CD and run Disk Utility's Repair Disk function (or use a third-party drive utility such as DiskWarrior or TechTool Pro).
• When booted from the volume containing Mac OS X, run Disk Utility's Repair Disk Permissions function.
• Install the update.
• After rebooting, again run Repair Disk Permissions.

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