OS X 10.5.7 Server update problems similar to client

Administrators running Mac OS X 10.5 Server have found that since the recent update they have had boot loops and blue screen that requires a hard reset of the hardware, similar to those experienced since the update to the client version of the OS. Because of this, if you are running the server version and are interested in updating, we recommend you only do this when you have physical access to the computer. The hard reset seems to clear the restart hangs, and the OS will update properly afterward.

The display driver problems experienced by client users may also be in the server version, but since most servers run without a monitor, this may not appear or be a significant bug for server users.

In addition to the problems during the update, you may have problems with various services that are running. Some administrators have noticed problems with the mail service is either not connecting, or having database access problems. These problems may not be universal for administrators, but they do outline the need to take precaution when updating, and be sure to stop all services safely before applying the update.

Lastly, MacFixIt reader "Clinton S. Courson" reported a significant problem with corruption or loss of user accounts in the LDAP database, which for many servers is vital for the workgroups they're managing.

"We updated our Mid-2008 Xserve to 10.5.7, only to find upon completion, it had wiped out out both the LDAP and Net Users Database. After spending 2 hours on the phone with Apple Support (Very Helpful), they ended up resetting the LDAP server, and recreated all our net users. Once that was completed, then we ran into a lot of permission issues, as the new set up miss-assigned the respective accounts. How that happened, even they [Apple] could not explain. The total time to fix, 6 hours."

With OS X server, it is very easy to back up the LDAP database, which we recommend you do before every update in addition to creating a clone or Time Machine backup of the boot drive before updating. To do this, open the Server Admin utility and connect to your server, then select the "Open Directory" service and go to the "Archive" tab. In the "Archive in:" field, enter a path for the archive, or click the "Choose..." button and select one. Then click "Archive..." to save the database.

If you run into problems with missing or corrupt databases after the update, you can restore it using this same window of Server Admin.

Have problems with the server update? Let us know: http://www.macfixit.com/contact

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