Security Update 2005-009: Confusion on Apple's download page; Kernel panics at next startup, recovering
Security Update 2005-009: Confusion on Apple's download page; Kernel panics at next startup, recovering
Confusion on Apple's download page Apple's download page for Security Update 2005-009 for Mac OS X 10.3.9 (Panther) incorrectly states "About Security Update 2005-009(Tiger Client)."
Though the information is wrong, the download link on that page does indeed download the 20 MB Mac OS X 10.3.9 version of the Security Update.
Kernel panics at next startup, recovering A surprisingly high number of users reported kernel panics after application of the update.
One reader writes:
"The latest security update has hosed my now iSight iMac. I.m getting a kernel panic right after startup. I'm reinstalling OS X now.:
Another reader adds:
"Okay, I screwed up, didn't follow your advice, worked while it was updating and now the machine (dual 2GHz G5) hangs after log in with the dreaded 'you must restart'
Dan Nelson adds
"I installed the patch last night on my Pismo it had kernel panic on restart the next reboot it started fine however when I log in it puts me into console mode, I cannot find a way to get it to go in the GUI. I have tried fsck and booting off a Drive Genius disk and repairing permissions and no luck."
If you experience startup problems, first try starting in Safe mode (hold the "Shift" key while you startup), then delete some cache files to make sure their corruption isn't at fault.
This can most easily be accomplished with a shareware utility like Tiger Cache Cleaner or Panther Cache Cleaner, but also bears a manual process which involves dragging the following files to the trash:
- com.apple.kernelcaches (a folder in /System/Library/Caches)
- Extensions.kextcache (a file in /System/Library)
- Extensions.mkext (a file in /System/Library/)
- com.apple.ATS (a folder in /Library/Caches/)
- Files that start with com.apple.LaunchServices (in /Library/Caches)
You will be prompted to enter your administrator password when dragging these files to the trash. You may need to restart after moving them to the trash.
If the above procedure fails, you may need to uninstall Security Update 2005-009.
This can be accomplished via the following process; adapted from our tutorial on reverting to a previous iteration of Mac OS X. Note, however, that reverting your system will remove any refinements brought by the update and leave your system open to potential vulnerabilities.
First, make a backup of your current Mac OS X installation with the Security Update applied, problematic as it may be. If there is an issue along the way, your valuable data will be safely intact in its current form.
Next, you'll need to perform an Archive and Install process to remove all of the Security Update's (and potentially problem-causing) components, and replace them with the components of a fresh copy provided by the Mac OS X disc that shipped with your system, or a retail Mac OS X disc. Unfortunately, this means you will lose some system settings and some or all third-party system add-ons.
To begin the process, insert your Mac OS X CD or DVD, as indicated above. Restart your machine and hold down the "C" key to boot from the newly inserted disc. Follow the on-screen instructions, and after accepting the license agreement, click "Options." Select "Archive and Install," and check the "Preserve User and Network Settings" option if you'd like to do so.
After the installation process is complete, you will be left with an earlier Mac OS X system that (hopefully) does not suffer from the problems generated by the Security Update. Use Software Update or Apple's download page to download the update that brings your system to a state directly prior to the Security Update (Mac OS X 10.3.9 or Mac OS X 10.4.3).
Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.
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