Security Update 2007-006 (#2): Serious issues, uninstalling the update; Problems installing; more

[Published Monday, June 25th]

Serious issues, uninstalling the update Some users are reporting dire issues after installing Security Update 2007-006, including inability to launch applications, problems logging in to various accounts and more.

A case example from one reader:

"Just installed the Security Update 2007-006 via software update. Completely ruined my system, had to reinstall to get it working again! It seemed to install and work fine for a while but then I started to see problems. First Mail would not launch at all, when I tried to restart the machine, it would get to the login screen and then it would disappear and drop me into the terminal. I was using 10.4.10 without the Safari beta installed. Mac is working fine again now - I'm back up to 10.4.10 but I'm not gonna install this Security Update again."

In these cases, after all other viable troubleshooting options have been exhausted, you may want to try uninstalling Security Update 2007-006 by re-installing Mac OS X as described in this tutorial.

Problems installing Apple's cryptic release notes, some apparent download link issues and perhaps other problems are spawning confusion over installation of Security Update 2007-006. As previously reported, many users are receiving the message "volume does not meet requirements" when attempting to apply the update. The potential causes for the problem are manifold:

• Some users report that clicking the general PowerPC-version download link has resulted in the apparent download of a server-version of Security Update 2007-006. One reader writes: "I used the PowerPC Security Update link [...], it reads for all users but once it is downloaded the Agreement you have to sign reads 'for server' and I get the message it will not install on my G4 Powerbook running 10.4.10. Same with the download on the Apple site." If you are experiencing this issue you may want to try downloading the update through Software Update
• It appears that the presence of the Safari 3.0 beta can affect whether or not Security Update 2007-006 can be installed. However, Apple makes no mention of the updates overlapping or obviating one another in its release notes. You can try uninstalling the Safari 3.0 beta then running Security Update 2007-006; since Security Update 2007-006 only makes changes to WebKit and WebCore, however, the security refinements may well overlap, potnetially meaning that if you have Safari 3.0 beta installed, you do not need Security Update 2007-006. Again, Apple does not explicate either way.
• The fact that Apple labels one version of the update "Universal" is confusing. This update will in no shape or form install on the standard PowerPC version of Mac OS X despite its moniker. It is only for Intel-based Macs.
• The disk image on which Security Update 2007-006 is stored may not mount. If this is the case, try booting in Safe Mode (by holding down the Shift key while starting up), then re-attempting mounting of the disk image.

Mail.app, other apps not launching Several users have reported that various applicatoins will not launch after applying Security Update 2007-006 -- particularly Mail.app. In this case, try removing any third-party add-ons for the problematic applications then restart and check for persistence of the issue.

Failing that, check our turorial "What to do when a Mac OS X application will not launch."

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

• Security Update 2007-006 released: Problems installing

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