Mac OS X 10.3.3 (#5): Vanishing partitions, more mounting problems; Resetting PRAM and fans; more

Vanishing partitions, more mounting problems We continue to cover problems with mounting various drives, as well as a problem with vanishing partitions - particularly with ACARD SCSI adapters. One reader writes:

"As some people with ACARD made SCSI raid have reported, I have vanishing partitions. When I rebooted after Software Update upgraded the system, everything seemed fine. The next day when I logged out of one user profile and in to another, the second partition on my Maxtor drive vanished. After a reboot the drive had returned. Subsequent reboots had about a 2 in 3 chance that the partition would just not be there. It was a HFS+ Journaled drive, formatted with Disk Utility at the time I clean installed Panther. Rebooting in MacOS 9 showed no problems what-so-ever. Diskwarrior found no problems, Norton found no problems."

Solutions

Some users have reported that removing the files:

• Avid_SCSI_RBC.kext and
• Avid_SCSI.kext

from the Library/Extensions folder, then restarting allowed proper mounting.

Others have reported that using Prosoft's Data Rescue allowed successful FireWire drive mounting.

Resetting PRAM slows fan to regular speed We previously reported issues with excessive fan noise after applying the Mac OS X 10.3.3 update, namely constant running of the fan even during inactive, apparently low-heat periods.

MacFixIt reader Koyo Yuki was able to resume "normal" fan operation by resetting his PowerBook's PRAM:

"My PowerBook G4 (Titanium/667MHz) had the excessive fan activity at full speed after updating to 10.3.3, which is involved with excessive heat on the PowerBook. The problem was completely resolved by resetting PRAM in my case, though I can't tell if the heat (processor) and fan control is improved yet."

Resetting PRAM can be accomplished by shutting down the computer, turning it back on and immediately pressing the Command-Option-P-R keys as described in Knowledge Base article #2238

Fix may be coming for Lexar Secure media We previously reported problems with Lexar JumpDrive Secure Mac-formatted media after updating to Mac OS X 10.3.3. Some readers have since corresponded with Lexar technical support.

A segment from Bob Kinsman's discussion with Lexar:

"There's some compatibility issue with the Safe Guard software for the Jumpdrive Secure and the new Mac OS X 10.3.3 and we are testing the software for possible solution. [...]"

"We only have information that there is this issue and that the software is being tested now and should come out with a result soon. [...]"

Dock problems We are beginning to explore some dock-related issues that are cropping up after the Mac OS X 10.3.3 update. Donald Mizokawa's experience is echoed by a handful of other readers:

"Ever since installing the latest Panther upgrade, I've been having trouble with a couple of dock icons--AppleScript icons and Adobe Acrobat 5.0. These two have been in dock for a long time and have had constant use, but have suddenly gone clueless (the gray question mark appears superimposed over the dock icon). I remove these icons from the dock, find the original application, and drag the app to the dock, where a new dock icon is placed. Then when I select the new icon, nothing happens except that a gray question mark is now superimposed over the dock icon."

If you're experiencing a similar issue, or other Dock problems, please drop us a line at late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Promise RAID solution MacFixIt reader Bryan Schappel reports that upgrading firmware is all that is required for a number of users experiencing problems with their Promise RAID systems after the 10.3.3 update. "I have a solution for those having problems with their Promise RAID subsystems and the 10.3.3 update. All that is required is to update the firmware on the Promise controller. I have many Promise systems including the RM4000, RM8000 and the SX8000. All three use the same internal RAID controller and firmware.

"Here is the URL to download the firmware: http://www.promise.com/support/file/bios/1_SX8K1130.zip

"To perform the update one will need a DOS boot floppy and a PC with a free COM port. The update takes only a couple of minutes and will not damage the data or array. I have upgraded all of my systems with a 100% success rate.

Sony Memory Stick Reader conflict MacFixit reader Bob Kinsman reports a problem with the Sony Memory Stick reader, and notes a discovered conflict:

"The Memory Stick will not mount on the desktop if a folder called 'RetroRun' is in the Library/Startup Items folder. If you trash the 'RetroRun' folder (or just move it to the desktop) and restart, the Memory Stick Reader works again. However, 'RetroRun' is a folder created by the Retrospect backup program. If the folder is missing when Retrospect starts up, it will create a new 'RetroRun' folder in the location mentioned earlier. At least with this workaround, I am able to get my digital photos into iPhoto again. I have no idea if Sony (Memory Stick Reader) or Dantz (Retrospect) are aware of the issue."

Router problems Irwin Walot reports some router problems after the update: "Purchased a Dlink DI 624 router a month ago. Worked fine on my home network (G5 dual, G4 tower and G3 powerbook) under OS X 10.3.2. After upgrade to OS X 10.3.3 the router will only hold a connection for a few minutes and times out if I try renew the DHCP connection from the router control web interface. Upgraded the router firmware to newest posted, still won't work. Went back to my 3 year old SMC router which works fine."

If you are having problems with this, or another router, let us know.

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