QuickTime 7.3.1: Problems starting up, sound distortion

Problems with startup Several users are reporting problems starting up after applying the QuickTime 7.3.1 update. One reader, Shirley, writes:

"I'm sending this message on behalf of my friend who runs Leopard on his G5. After installing the QuickTime 7.3.1 update his machine would only display a grey screen and the fans are spinning like crazy. Tried a couple of shutdowns and even tried letting the grey screen displays for more than an hour, still the G5 won't work."

Another reader reports that his Mac was endlessly stuck in Setup Assistant after applying the update:

"Upgrading QT 7.3.1 for Leopard on Aluminum iMac 2.8 - stuck in the Setup Assistant, endlessly cycles through the setup and its windows. Used Leopard Install disc to run Disc Utility, but unable to repair permissions. Started up zapping the PRAM - no effect."

And one more, for good measure:

"Beware of this update. I took a long time to download...half an hour and the on clicking Restrart it would not restart. I did a hard shutdown and got the set up assistant nothing else"

In many cases, startup issues after a significant system update can be resolved by simply booting in Safe Mode -- accomplished by holding down the Shift key while your Mac is starting up. A number of maintenance tasks are performed during the safe boot, and you might not need to perform any additional troubleshooting. Try a safe boot, then a normal restart first.

Failing the aforementioned, peruse our tutorial titled "Startup fails (particularly after a system or security update); solving." One of the solutions listed there -- including delete specific caches, rooting out problematic kernel extensions, repairing drive damage, and disconnecting external devices -- might prove successful.

Distorted sound Meanwhile, a few readers are reporting distorted audio after the update. One reader writes:

"We just updated our G5s here at the lab (Quick TIme and Garageband ), and now the sound output is extremely distorted and crackly regardless if its a video on cnn.com or a song off iTunes. Tried Zapping the PRAM and repairing permissions, even reinstalled QT from the standalone installer on apple.com to no avail."

If you are experinecing similar issues, please let us know.

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