Workaround for OS X 10.5.8 wireless problems
<p>A workaround has cropped up for people who're affected by wireless problems with the latest OS update. This workaround requires you to have a copy of an OS X 10.5.7 installation, so you can grab a few kernel extension files from it for use with 10.5.8.
Written by Topher Kessler
A workaround has cropped up for people who're affected by wireless problems with the latest OS update. This workaround requires you to have a copy of an OS X 10.5.7 installation, so you can grab a few kernel extension files from it for use with 10.5.8.
We should warn that while this seems to get rid of the power-related glitches in Airport connections, it is modifying your system in ways that may lead to other system instabilities, so proceed at your own risk. This workaround is simple, so you should be able to easily undo it if other instabilities arise.
The procedure:
(thanks to Apple discussion poster "Kuro-to")
Go to the /System/Library/Extensions/ folder and copy the following items to your desktop (or otherwise back them up):
- AppleAirPort.kext
- IO80211Family.kext
- Obtain a recent backup of your 10.5.7 installation (Time Machine or cloned disk).
- Find the same two files in the same location on the backup drive.
- Copy the files from the backup drive to the /System/Library/Extensions/ folder, replacing the current files in there.
- Reboot the computer.
This should clear the connectivity issues; however, since Apple specifically addressed Airport incompatibilities with this update, there is chance that running the older kernel extension could lead to unforeseen problems. Still, you should be able to easily reverse this workaround if any problems should arise.
If you are still experiencing wireless problems after performing this workaround, try some of the suggesions in our other articles on this issue (1, 2), and be sure to revert the kernel extensions back to the most updated versions.
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Topher has been an avid Mac user for the past 10-15 years, and has been a contributing author to MacFixIt for just over a year now. One of his diehard passions has been troubleshooting Mac problems and making the best use of Macs and Apple hardware both for family and friends, as well as in the workplace. He and the newly formed MacFixIt team are hoping to bring enhanced and more personable content to our readers, and keep the MacFixIt community going here at CNET. If you have questions or comments for Topher or the other MacFixIt editors, feel free to contact us at http://www.macfixit.com/contact
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