Response to Margin Note: Should Apple create an automatic Mac OS X reversion routine?

Yesterday we noted requests by some MacFixIt readers that Apple implement two Windows-inspired features: (1) Add/Remove, which lets you completely remove an application and all its support files; and (2) "roll back driver" or "last known good state" (System Restore) functions which let you revert to a previous version of a hardware driver or even to a previous "good" state of your entire drive/OS. The story generated a large amount of feedback from readers, nearly universal in its praise of such functionality (although not necessarily in praise of the current Windows implementations). Kelly Davies writes about #1:

"Implementing a standard installer/uninstaller technology is what Apple really needs to implement. This is one area, I am sad to say, that Microsoft is leading Apple by apparently a great margin. The Microsoft Installer technology (MSI) is not universal in the Windows world, but it is very useful. It is easily scriptable for remote or scheduled installations (great for companies or schools doing lots of installs). It is easily reversible when the original MSI is done correctly. Asking the Windows MSIEXEC program to backout changes can generally remove all traces of a unwanted application. However, Apple needs an installation technology that fits with the 'look and feel' of the Mac OS, and then they need to champion it hard among all the major developers, including Apple itself for all Apple OS and application installs. The best technology offered by the OS is useless if the developers won't use it. (As a side note, the Windows 'Add/Remove Programs' control panel is really just a convenient way of getting access to the individual programs' uninstall programs. The real magic lies underneath in MSI installers.)"

Ron Stewart argues for a "reversion" ability:

"Apple should implement a feature that allows users to revert to their last fully functional system when updates cause problems. This only makes sense. I have had annoying freezes/quits with both Mail and Safari since 10.3.4. I've reverted twice to Panther and installed Combo updaters up to 10.3.4 but now am looking at going back further to have a stable system. It is incredibly time consuming to have to reinstall every piece of software since the original Panther, plus the updates from the software apps. A simple 'revert' button in Software Update would make a world of difference."

[PowerOn Software once offered such functionality to Mac OS 9 users via its Rewind utility, but that software has since been discontinued and was never updated to Mac OS X.]

Readers also offered many suggestions for ways to create your own "revert" feature; most recommended buying a second drive (or at least partitioning your internal drive) and then using a utility like Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper! to clone your startup volume before applying an OS update. If the update causes problems, you can then restore the (non-updated) clone version back to your main startup volume. (Just be sure to back up any documents and other files you've changed since applying the update.)

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