Mac OS X 10.4.7 released in PowerPC and Intel versions; Update recommendations

CNET staff

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CNET staff

Sept. 2, 2009 7:23 a.m. PT

4 min read

Apple has released Mac OS X 10.4.7 in both PowerPC and Intel versions.

The new release is available through Software Update, or via the following download links:

Enhancements in this release include:

preventing AFP deadlocks and dropped connections
saving Adobe and Quark documents to AFP mounted volumes
Bluetooth file transfers, pairing and connecting to a Bluetooth mouse, and syncing to mobile phones
audio playback in QuickTime, iTunes, Final Cut Pro, and Soundtrack applications
ensuring icons are spaced correctly when viewed on desktop
determining the space required to burn folders
iChat audio and video connectivity, creating chat rooms when using AIM
importing files into Keynote 3
PDF workflows when using iCal and iPhoto
reliable use of Automator actions within workflows
importing and removing fonts in Font Book
syncing addresses, bookmarks, calendar events and files to .Mac
compatibility with third party applications and devices
previous standalone security updates

We recommend the following procedure when installing Mac OS X 10.4.7.

First, avoid performing any other operations (in Mac OS X or third-party applications) while the update process is occurring. In addition, before installing this security update, make sure all Apple-installed applications and utilities are in their original locations. Moving one of these applications to a different location on your hard drive can lead to an incomplete update. Also, disconnect any FireWire/USB devices before applying Mac OS X 10.4.7 (except for your startup drive, if it is FireWire or USB, and your keyboard/mouse), then re-connect the devices one by one (checking for issues created by any particular device) after the update process is complete and the system has restarted.

If you have problems after applying the delta (standard, smaller) update, try the following common workarounds:

Delete kernel extension caches, other caches for some issues A number of common issues that crop up after incremental Mac OS X updates can be resolved by deleting specific cache files -- specifically kernel extension caches -- and restarting.

This can most easily be accomplished with a shareware utility like Tiger 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.

Re-apply the Mac OS X 10.4.7 combo updater A workaround that has proved successful for various problems caused by previous incremental Mac OS X updaters is re-application of the current combination updater (PowerPC or Intel). Doing so overwrites potentially problem-causing files that were not replaced by the "Delta" (adjacent version-to-version) update.

Re-apply the Mac OS X 10.4.7 combo updater from an alternate startup volume

Download and save the Mac OS X 10.4.7 combo updater (PowerPC or Intel).

Startup from an alternate boot volume, such as an external FireWire drive, or use another Mac to boot the problematic system in FireWire target disk mode (connect the two machines via a FireWire cable, and boot the target [problematic] system while holding down the "T" key)

Once booted from an alternate drive, select the problematic volume in the Finder, and "Get Info" -- either by pressing the Command-I keyboard combination or accessing the "Get Info" option in the File menu. Check the box marked "Ignore ownership permissions on this volume."

If you have a third-party disk repair utility like DiskWarrior, use it to re-build the directory on the problematic volume (this step may not be necessary)

Re-install the Mac OS X 10.4.7 combo updater on the problematic drive.

Re-attempt booting from the problematic volume (hold down the option key at startup to select the desired drive)