Mac OS X 10.4.7 Special Report: Intel re-release: Determining whether you have the old or new version, more

CNET staff

Sept. 2, 2009 7:29 a.m. PT

3 min read

Shortly after the Mac OS X 10.4.7 debut, Apple re-released the the 10.4.7 updater for Intel-based Macs due to the omission of some files related to OpenGL performance.

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.

In order to determine whether you have the original or revised version of the Mac OS X 10.4.7 Intel delta update, open the Terminal (located in Applications/Utilities) then enter the following command:

/usr/bin/openssl sha1

do not press return, instead press the space bar. Next, in the Finder, navigate to the Mac OS X 10.4.7 Intel disk image. Drag it to the Terminal window, which will result in the file path being copied. Now press return.

A checksum will now be displayed. If the checksum is as follows:

10aa57dfccd63accb0939a894cea202a8910fb45

you have the new version. Otherwise, you have the original iteration (sans-OpenGL performance enhancements) and should re-download the updater.

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.

It appears that Apple made the revision at around 1:30 PST June 29th, so if you applied the updater prior to that time, you should re-apply the delta or combo updater to make sure you have the new files.

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