Problems installing updates? Check for directory damage

We previously reported on problems installing some members of the recent slew of updates from Apple, including iLife application updates, iWork updates and firmware releases.

In at least some cases, the cause for these failed updates is simple directory damage. Such was the situation for MacFixIt reader Mark Hilsdon, who previously reported that the iLife Support 8.1 updater would not install. At the time, he wrote:

"Never had difficultly before with software update. Can't install the iPhoto update or the iLife Support updates. Message says that I must check permissions. Although the other updates did work. Tried running disk utility to repair permissions. All was well. Tried reinstalling using software update. No go. Tried downloading the files directly from Apple. No go."

In the case of drive directory damage or problems with permissions, the solution is usually to use Apple's Disk Utility to repair the disk. Of course, you won't be able to perform this operation normally (simply launching the Disk Utility application, located in Applications/Utilities, and initiating a disk repair) if your system will not startup. So two options exist:

• Insert your Mac OS X 10.4.x (Tiger) media (DVD or CD) and restart the computer while holding down the "C" key. Once the computer has booted from the installation disc, select "Utilities" from the menubar and open Disk Utility. Repair the disk, then quit Disk Utility and restart your system.
• Alternatively, you can repair the disk while booted in single user mode if you do not have access to a retail Mac OS X 10.4.x (Tiger) DVD/CD. To startup in single user mode, hold down the "Command" and "S" keys simultaneously at startup. Once properly booted, type the command fsck at the prompt. Repeat these process until no errors appear.

Mark was able to fix is problem by using an alternative startup drive and running the disk repair command in Disk Utility. After fixing the problem he wrote:

"I rebooted from an eDrive on an external volume. Ran disk utility from there and also some directory repair. That did the trick apparently. This morning I was able to use software update successfully. All is well. Thanks for your help."

If directory damage isn't your problem, there are a host of other potential fixes in our tutorial "When software updates don't work (system cannot see or install updates)."

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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