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Snow Leopard: Apple Remote not working?

Users are experiencing issues with their Apple Remote not working properly after updating their Mac OS from Leopard to Snow Leopard.

Joe Aimonetti MacFixIt Editor
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Joe Aimonetti
Users are experiencing issues with their Apple Remote not working properly after updating their Mac OS from Leopard to Snow Leopard. Users are no longer able to control Front Row or other applications that allow remote control. The preference to unpair the Apple Remote has also disappeared from its spot in System Preferences > Security.

To regain the ability to use your Apple Remote, try some of these suggestions.

  1. Replace the battery in the remote and pair it with your Mac.
  2. If the option to Pair/Unpair does not exist (System Preferences > Security > General):

    Screenshot by singfadamoment

    1. Repair Permissions using Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities).
    2. Reset PRAM: Hold (Command + Option + P + R) while restarting until you hear three tones.
    3. Remove the com.apple.systempreferences.plist file from (username > Library > Preferences).
    4. Toggle your Firewall settings (System Preferences > Security > Firewall).
    5. Replace the AppleIRController.kext file (System > Library > Extensions) with a copy of the file from a working system. After replacing the file, repair permissions using Disk Utility.
    6. Wait for the impending release of 10.6.2. The update is rumored to have over 150 updates, bug fixes, and feature additions.
    7. Reinstall Snow Leopard from the disc.

Of course, when attempting any troubleshooting steps, be sure to have a secure backup of all your important data.


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