Security Update 2006-003 (#6): Unintended attempted network boots (flashing globe at startup); SCSI drives not recognized; more
Security Update 2006-003 (#6): Unintended attempted network boots (flashing globe at startup); SCSI drives not recognized; more
Unintended attempted network boots (flashing globe at startup) We've previously reported on an issue where users are presented with a "flashing globe" at startup, disallowing the boot procedure to continue. Several readers have now reported this behavior after applying Security update 2006-003.
MacFixIt reader Tony writes:
"Startup problems after Security update have been cured on my dual G5 by unplugging the ethernet cable and reselecting the 'Startup Disk' from 'System Preferences'. The initial display of a world globe icon on startup led me to assume that the network connection was targeting my local network for the startup volume. A further visual clue of a flashing question mark icon several seconds after the internet connection was dropped indicated that a startup volume was missing. The disconnecting of the ethernet cable was crucial in my instance as the boot period was so long that the fans in my G5 were continuously running at a rate that I have not previously experienced. I have not had to move any items from the Startup folders so far as suggested by other users."
As alluded by Tony, if this icon appears, it means that the system is attempting to NetBoot (startup from a remote volume), is failing doing so, and for some reason is not automatically moving to your valid Mac OS X installation.
If simply disconnecting your Ethernet cable at startup does not resolve the issue, try holding down the option key at startup to select the boot volume. If you are still having problems, press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys during startup until you hear two beeps or another startup chime.
SCSI drives not recognized In addition to issues mounting FireWire devices, some users are reporting SCSI hard drive connection issues after Security Update 2006-003.
MacFixIt reader Al Hinds writes:
"I lost my SCSI drives after installing the Security Update 2006-003. Reinstalled OS X 10.4.6 using the combined installer - works fine.
"Running a G3 Blue and White Server with: Apple Adaptec ADPT,3950U2B SCSI Adapter (Unsupported) (2) SEAGATE 50GB ULTRA2 SCSI Drives ST150176LW (Data Drives)."
As noted by Al, re-applying the most recent Mac OS X combination updater (available from Apple's download page) is the most common solution to this problem.
Mat-lab freezes We continue to report on an issue where various applications repeatedly freeze on launch with Security Update 2006-003 present.
MacFixIt reader reader Natalia is the latest to report issues with launching Matlab -- a problem previously noted.
Natalia writes:
I am having problems with the update too -- I read that someone's computer was freezing when matlab was launched. I have the same problem but with Matlab 7.0.1. I was working yesterday with it before the update fine and this morning it would never actually run -- just freezes completely except for the mouse."
Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.
Previous coverage:
- Security Update 2006-003 (#5): More culprits for startup stalls; UnRarX causing freezes; Symantec working on LiveUpdate fix
- Security Update 2006-003 (#4): Confirmation: StartupItems removal fix for startup issues; Removing the update; Other freezes; more
- Security Update 2006-003 (#3): More on startup woes -- check the other StartupItems folder; Active Directory issues; more
- Security Update 2006-003 (#2): Difficulties with startup (freezes at login screen) -- fixes
- Apple releases Security Update 2006-003 for both PowerPC and Intel-based Macs
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