Mac OS X 10.4.7 (#6): More on the Intel re-release and build numbers; USB devices/cards preventing sleep -- another fix; more

CNET staff

Sept. 2, 2009 7:16 a.m. PT

8 min read

More on the Intel re-release and build numbers We previously noted that Apple re-released the Mac OS X 10.4.7 updater for Intel-based Macs due to the omission of some files related to OpenGL performance.

According to Apple, the omission only affected the delta (smaller, version-to-version) update, with the combo updater apparently carrying the OpenGL-related files all along. In other words, if you initially applied the combo updater, you do not need to download any additional files.

We also noted a method for determining whether a Mac OS X 10.4.7 for Intel disk image is the newer revised version, or the older incomplete version. The process involves inspecting the disk image checksum.

Another method for determining whether you have the new or old version installed is to look at the "About this Mac" window (accessible from the Apple menu), then click the version number (Version 10.4.7) to reveal the build number.

If the build number is 8J2135a, you have the new version. Logic should follow that if you have build 8J2135, you have the old version. However, several users who applied the Intel-based combo updater initially have reported having build 8J2135. As noted above, the combo updater (according to Apple) always had the missing files, meaning no additional updating is necessary if it was used.

This is obviously cause for confusion, but it still appears that if you originally used the combo updater, you do not need to re-update. If, however, you originally used the delta (smaller) updater and have build 8J2135, you need to re-download and apply the new, revised updater.

Rosetta problems -- potential fix Some users are reporting issues with Rosetta after updating to Mac OS X 10.4.7, with PowerPC-only applications failing to failing to launch on Intel-based Macs.

It appears that in some cases this problem is directly or indirectly caused by Unsanity's Application Enhancer when used in conjunction with PowerPC-based apps. In these cases, the issue can be solved by simply adding all PowerPC applications to Application Enhancer's "exclude" list.

A reminder about Windows sharing and processor hogging (system slowdown) We previously an issue where processor load spikes to inordinate levels when the "Windows Sharing" function is turned on in the Sharing pane of System Preferences on some Intel-based Macs.

It appears that some users are only having this issue after updating to Mac OS X 10.4.7.

As noted in our prior coverage, aside from toggling Windows Sharing off and on (in some cases, several attempts are required), this issue can generally be resolved by entering the following command in the Terminal (located in Applications/Utilities)

sudo rm -r /var/log/samba/log.nmbd

This command will delete the Samba (SMB) log, which appears to swell when Windows Sharing is turned on for some Intel-based Macs. You may need to re-enter this command when you see processor usage spiking again.

USB devices/cards preventing sleep -- another fix As we previously noted, certain peripherals (USB, FireWire, PCI, SCSI, etc.) can prevent proper sleep routines after the update to Mac OS X 10.4.7. Removing the offending device usually solves the issue.

Some users with critical devices that cause problems under Mac OS X 10.4.7 are choosing to revert to Mac OS X 10.4.6 in order to retain functionality.

Although we generally do not recommend this procedure, it appears that reverting to an earlier version of the IOUSBFamily.kext file -- a kernel extension that supports USB connectivity -- can resolve problems with some USB devices under Mac OS X 10.4.7.

We've noted this fix in the past for various device issues, particularly with printers.

Before attempting this procedure, you should note that mixing and matching system components can cause various ostensibly unrelated issues, and you should always have a solid back (preferably a clone) on hand in case anything goes wrong.

The easiest way to install the older version of IOUSBFamily.kext is download the re-installer of the file (PowerPC or Intel) from Apple's logged archive.

The file being replaced is:

/System/Library/Extensions/IOUSBFamily.kext

Restart, and check for continuing issues with USB devices. If you want to re-install the current (Mac OS X 10.4.7) version of the file, use these download links: PowerPC or Intel.

Don't skip update verification process Although the option to skip verification of a Mac OS X updater is offered by several shareware utilities like OnyX and Cocktail, you should not invoke this functionality when applying updates. Skipping verification can cause corruption issues or checksum problems to go unnoticed, resulting in problems later.

Re-applying combo updater can resolve SuperDrive burn issues We've noted on several occasions that re-applying the Mac OS X combo updater can resolve various issues -- particularly with unrecognized or improperly functioning devices -- (PowerPC or Intel).

It now appears that this workaround can resolve an issue where SuperDrives fail to write media after the update.

Another fix for lost AirPort connectivity We previously reported that one of the most common issues for users who have applied Mac OS X 10.4.7 is a loss of AirPort connectivity.

One of the most successful workarounds for this issue involves deleting networks and AirPort keychains then re-establishing them, as described here and in our tutorial "Improving AirPort reception, avoiding dropouts/lost connectivity, working around card/Base station recognition issues."

Now some users have reported that deleting the following file:

/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.airport.preferences.plist

can resolve the issue.

MacFixIt reader Matthew Powell writes:

"I updated my Mac Mini Core Duo from 10.4.6 to 10.4.7 and had an AirPort problem. After a reboot, the machine appeared to associate to the access point, but didn't get a DHCP address. The interface got a self-assigned address instead. The 'Renew DHCP Address' button had no effect.

"I was able to get connectivity back by selecting 'Other...' from the AirPort menu, then re-entering my SSID and password. But connectivity was lost again after a reboot.

"I ended up deleting /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.airport.preferences.plist and the System keychain entry for my AirPort, and then reconfiguring AirPort. I'm still connected after a reboot."

Problems with SteerMouse Some users have reported issues with the third-party mouse driver SteerMouse after updating to Mac OS X 10.4.7.

MacFixIt reader Jeff Peterson writes:

"Have a Logitech MX 1000 Laser Cordless Mouse and the latest version of Steer Mouse. Since installing 10.4.7, my clicks are all off. The left click is functioning as a click hold, my scroll wheel works on and off, and other buttons are not working correctly. Steer Mouse control panel does not register the clicks on the image when trying to set the button actions."

If you are experiencing a similar issue, please let us know.

Increased fan activity Some users are reporting dramatically increased fan activity and noise after updating to Mac OS X 10.4.7.

MacFixIt reader Geoff Powell writes:

"Since updating to 10.4.7 on my Dual G5 I've had increased fan activity. Even opening Safari and accessing a site gets the fans racing away."

Fixes

Resetting the SMU In some cases, resetting your Mac's SMU -- system management unit (per Knowledge Base article #301733 for the iMac G5 or Knowledge Base article #300341 for the Power Mac G5) -- can return fans to normal operation.

MacFixIt reader Ian Williams writes:

"I have just applied the 10.4.3 combo update on my iMac G5. Repaired permissions before and after. The iMac is now starting normally but the fans are spinning very noisily and won't settle down. [...] Follow-up on my last report of fan noise and keychain problems after updating to 10.4.3. Resetting the SMU appears to have resolved both problems."

Failing an SMU reset, try starting up in Open Firmware mode (by restarting your Mac then immediately holding down the Command, Option, O and F keys simultaneously) then entering the following commands, pressing return after each:

reset-nvram
set-defaults
reset-all

Change Processor performance settings In some cases, a workaround that has been successful in previous instances of this problem has also been effective: Using the Energy Saver pane in System Preferences to change processor performance settings. Some users experience decreased fan activity when setting the processor performance at "Maximum" or "Highest" while others find decreased activity with the "Minimum" or "Reduced" settings.

MacFixIt reader Ulf writes:

"On my Dual G5 with 2.5 GHz the fan activity also increased dramatically. Unfortunately none of your suggestions helped to solve the problem: neither resetting the SMU nor resetting the NVRAM. The only thing that helped was to set the CPU usage to 'minimal' (you also can use 'maximum') in the energy saver settings. But that's not a good solution for this problem... I'm really disappointed about Apple because this is the same problem we got almost a year ago with Mac OS X 10.3.8."

More on issues with third-party displays and orientation We previously reported an issue where repeated freezes occur on some Intel-based Macs where third party displays using portrait orientation cause repeated freezes.

Our previous report implicated a Dell display.

MacFixIt reader Maurice reports a similar issue with a Samsung display:

"I also have the same problem with a Samsung 215-TW display. In portrait mode Quartz Composer would stop the system in its tracks; same with Photo booth and Safari would hang on random sites. However, all of my third party apps rand fine including Imagewell, Livequartz, Gimp etc. Only seemed to have the problem with a handful of Apple apps. At the same time everything ran fine on the iMac display. Switched the Samsung to Landscape mode and the problems went away.

"The Samsung was connected during the initial upgrade (early 10.4.7 delta) I have since done both the combo and Mac OS X 10.4.7 update patch. No change."

If you are experiencing a similar issue, please let us know.

Previous coverage:

Resources

method for determining

processor load spikes

revert to Mac OS X 10.4.6