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Fix for iBook/Titanium PowerBook modem failure under Mac OS X 10.2.4

Fix for iBook/Titanium PowerBook modem failure under Mac OS X 10.2.4

CNET staff
2 min read

Several readers have reported problems with the internal modems on recent-model iBooks after upgrading to Mac OS X 10.2.4, including the following: failure to dial at all; failure to achieve "Authenticating User" stage of connection (corresponding to timed-out sync requests in the verbose log); disconnection within 60 seconds of connecting; and inability to receive any data at all.

Wade Tregaskis offers a solution that involves reverting to Mac OS X 10.2.2's internal modem driver. A similar solution was used in Mac OS X 10.2.3, with some users choosing to downgrade their IOUSB.kext kernel extension for better USB device compatibility.

Tregaskis' workaround is as follows:

"Using Pacifist or an equivalent extraction tool, extract and install '/System/Library/Extensions/InternalUSBModem.kext' from the Mac OS X 10.2.2 updater.

Similarly, extract and install all the following from the Mac OS X 10.2.1 updater or original system install (10.2.1 shipped with most effected iBook's): /System/Library/Extensions/

  • PPP.kext
  • PPPoE.ppp
  • PPPSerial.ppp
  • PPPT.ppp

"Contrary to popular belief, the 3 Apple Internal USB Modem scripts have no effect, although they are updated in 10.2.4. The updated scripts may be left alone, or if you really want you can extract and install them from 10.2.1, along with the 4 extensions previously listed. They are located in '/Library/Modem Scripts/'.

Rob Snell used a similar workaround for his Titanium PowerBook G4, this time using modem drivers from Mac OS X 10.1.4.

"I had problems connecting to a WAN server under Mac OS X 10.2.4 on a Titanium PowerBook G4. Out of desperation, I loaded 10.1.4 (provided with the Titanium Book) onto a spare partition and tried the connection to UUNET. This configuration worked.

"Changing the modem scripts for the internal modem did not solve the problem. What I began to suspect was the modem drivers (kext). Saving the 10.2.4 versions so that they can be restored, I copied the 10.1.4 versions into the /System/Library/Extensions folder. Note that you need to be booted from another system disk to make this change (otherwise OS X will not let you). Now reboot your machine back to the 10.2 partition.

"Sometime after boot, the system will inform you about the internal modem kext being a security threat to your machine. It will present three buttons; click on the use button. Be sure to use the Mac OS X 10.2.4 supplied V.90 modem script (the 10.1.4 one will not work). Start up Internet Connect and give it a whirl."

Feedback on this issue? Drop us a line late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Resources

  • Pacifist
  • Mac OS X 10.2.2 updater
  • Mac OS X 10.2.1 updater
  • late-breakers@macfixit.com
  • More from Late-Breakers