Mac OS X 10.4.7 Special Report: Release Notes

On June 27th, 2006, Apple released Mac OS X 10.4.7 in both PowerPC and Intel versions.

The new release is available through Software Update, or via the following download links:

• Mac OS X Update 10.4.7 Combo Intel [215MB]
• Mac OS X Update 10.4.7 Intel [131MB]
• Mac OS X Update 10.4.7 Combo PPC [145MB]
• Mac OS X Update 10.4.7 PPC [64MB]
• Mac OS X Server Update 10.4.7 Combo [192 MB]
• Mac OS X Server Update 10.4.7 [95 MB]

Enhancements in this release include:

• preventing AFP deadlocks and dropped connections
• saving Adobe and Quark documents to AFP mounted volumes
• Bluetooth file transfers, pairing and connecting to a Bluetooth mouse, and syncing to mobile phones
• audio playback in QuickTime, iTunes, Final Cut Pro, and Soundtrack applications
• ensuring icons are spaced correctly when viewed on desktop
• determining the space required to burn folders
• iChat audio and video connectivity, creating chat rooms when using AIM
• importing files into Keynote 3
• PDF workflows when using iCal and iPhoto
• reliable use of Automator actions within workflows
• importing and removing fonts in Font Book
• syncing addresses, bookmarks, calendar events and files to .Mac
• compatibility with third party applications and devices
• previous standalone security updates

We recommend the following procedure when installing Mac OS X 10.4.7.

First, avoid performing any other operations (in Mac OS X or third-party applications) while the update process is occurring. In addition, before installing this security update, make sure all Apple-installed applications and utilities are in their original locations. Moving one of these applications to a different location on your hard drive can lead to an incomplete update. Also, disconnect any FireWire/USB devices before applying Mac OS X 10.4.7 (except for your startup drive, if it is FireWire or USB, and your keyboard/mouse), then re-connect the devices one by one (checking for issues created by any particular device) after the update process is complete and the system has restarted.

Also, note that the first restart after applying Mac OS X 10.4.7 may be abnormally long. Subsequent restarts should take place at normal speed.

Index:

• Release Notes
• Common Workarounds
• Reverting (downgrading) to Mac OS X 10.4.6

• AirPort connectivity issues -- fixes
• Bluetooth: Erratic device behavior, loss of connectivity
• Cellular data modems now natively supported
• CS2 apps (Photoshop, etc.) not launching -- potential fix
• Digital camera problems -- not recognized, workaround
• Don't skip update verification process
• Dozens of SMB processes spawned -- fix
• Example of the dangers in continuing work while update is applying
• External drives not recognized -- fixes
• FireWire device recognition issues
• Increased fan activity -- fixes
• Intel re-release: Determining whether you have the old or new version, more
• Internet access problems caused by DNS errors
• iSync issues
• MacBook Pro screen failures with external display connected
• MacBook (13"): Vertical multi-colored lines at startup after Mac OS X 10.4.7 update
• Microsoft Word crashing frequently -- fix
• Palm synchronization issues
• Printing issues -- fixes
• Problems caused by devices connected during update
• Problems starting up after update -- fixes
• Quark Xpress 6.5: Problems with fonts, temporary fix
• Rosetta problems -- potential fix
• Safari: Problems accessing secure sites, crashes, more
• SoundSticks unrecognized -- fix
• Spotlight will be re-enabled after update
• SuperDrive burn issues -- fix
• Third-party displays causing freezes
• Trackpad difficulties -- input not recognized
• Two-finger click functionality now enabled on 15" MacBook Pros, PowerBooks
• USB problems (device recognition, preventing your Mac from sleeping etc.) -- fixes
• Widget "phone home" function actually a security measure
• Windows sharing and processor hogging (system slowdown)

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