Mac OS X 10.0.4 and USB problems: more info

USB errors reported in system.log after 10.0.4 update Matt Smyj found that his system.log files started to grow to over 5MB soon after updating to Mac OS X 10.0.4. The cause was a logging of USB errors every couple of seconds (which you can check via the Console utility). He eventually found that unplugging his USB Imation SuperDisk drive stopped the errors. Reconnect the drive and the errors return. "Oddly enough, Mac OS X can still access disks put in the drive - even while the errors are occurring."

Update: Two other readers have now confirmed this.

Kernel panics Meanwhile, we continue to get reports of problems (especially at startup) related to USB devices. Our most recent two reports involve kernel panics:

Paul Shields writes: "Since installing the 10.0.4 upgrade, I have to unplug my Moniswitch 2USB KVM switch or the machine will generate a kernel panic at startup. Unplugging the control keyboard and mouse is not enough, the entire KVM must be unplugged. Once booted, I can plug the switch back in and everything works fine. Dr. Bott is looking into the issue."

Update: Andrew Jeffrey replies: "I have a G4 (AGP) hooked up to a 4 switch Dr. Bott Moniswitch 4USB KVM running OS X 10.0.4 with no problems what-so-ever."

Ivan Trundle writes: "I get a kernel panic every time I have a Que16x10x40 FireWire CDRW drive attached, with disc on the platter - even at boot up. The drive is on the 'compatible' list." Note: We have previously reported on kernel panics on startup when a blank CD is in a drive. However, in Ivan's case, the problem occurs even after startup is over."