Optical drive noise After installing the Mac OS X 10.5.6 update, some users have found that their optical drives make random loading or ejecting noises, as if the drive is trying to manage some disc media.

Apple Discussions poster Paradoxial writes:

"Ever since the 10.5.6 install, my black Macbook optical drive is randomly making noises like it's searching for a disc inside."

This problem affects some MacBook and MacBook Pro owners with "Matshita" optical drives, but most MacBooks are shipped with drives from this manufacturer and the problem is not widespread. Luckily, although this problem is annoying, it is not associated with any loss of function. Users are able to burn and read optical media.

One user was able to stop the noise by removing the command line version of Disk Utility (diskutil) from his computer. While this may stop the problem, doing so is not recommended because "diskutil" is exceptionally useful for system maintenance and is required by some utilities and software packages. Removing it may introduce other problems.

The issue may be caused by an incompatibility between the notification software package "GROWL" and the Mac OS X 10.5.6 update.

Fix: Remove "GROWL" software Users with the "GROWL" notification software have noticed the sounds disappear after removing it. Therefore, it is recommended that affected users remove this software if they have it installed. Hopefully the GROWL developers will issue an update soon to address the problem.

Extensis Suitcase Fusion not launching Mac OS X 10.5.6 introduces code changes to many aspects of the operating system and, as such, is more than simply a patch to problematic code. These changes have resulted in a number of software packages not working properly, if at all. One such package is Extensis Suitcase Fusion font management software, which has failed to start for some Leopard users after the update.

Apple Discussions poster Bernardo314 writes:

"Just updated to 10.5.6 thinking that it would be as safe for me as others in the past have been. However, ever since installing this update, version Suitcase Fusion 2 no longer works. It now crashes every time you launch it (no reason why it crashes, it just starts and stops almost immediately)."

This problem has affected many users; for those with multiple computers the software may work on one computer and not on another even though the operating system and installed software is identical for both. This behavior indicates some specific system setting as opposed to hardware configurations that's not working with the software, especially when identical machines and software versions will work for one user but not for another.

Representatives from Extensis have tackled this problem, and with the help of affected users have narrowed it down to a bug with long computer names. It seems that any Bonjour networking name that is longer than 32 characters or has complex characters in it will prevent Extensis Suitcase from working. By user reports, this seems to be true for multiple versions of the software.

Until Extensis releases patches to their software to properly address this problem, the following workaround should allow the software to work again.

Workaround: shorten and simplify the computer name In the "Sharing" system preferences, change the computer name to a short and basic name. By default, the system will name it something like "John Smith's Power Macintosh G5", and give it a bonjour name of "John-Smiths-Power-Macintosh-G5.local". Instead of these names, it might be best to give the computer a name "Hal2000" or otherwise remove punctuation (dashes are ok), and shorten the length to 20 characters or less as per Extensis' recommendation. While this problem has been reported to be with the Bonjour name, it is recommended that both the computer and Bonjour names be set to the same.

Feedback? http://www.macfixit.com/contact.

In Leopard, Apple has adopted some Google-like features in it's searching, including the ability to do simple calculations. Some users have experienced problems with Spotlight where the calculation function has stopped working.

Apple Discussions poster UnkaBubba writes:

"Since I've updated to Mac OS X 10.5.6 the calculator function of spotlight seems to not work."

Initially since this seemed to crop up after upgrading to 10.5.6, users suspected the problem was the updater. However, this has also occurred in OS X 10.5.5 for some users. It may be that the 10.5.6 updater caused this problem in some users, but it is not limited to 10.5.6.

This problem seems to be an issue with the spotlight preferences being changed. This can occur after updating the system, but also occur through other means as well. In order to fix this problem, users will need to manually turn spotlight's calculation functions back on again.

Fixes

Manually enable spotlight's calculations Open the Terminal application, and enter the following command (copy and paste):

• defaults write com.apple.spotlight CalculationEnabled YES

After applying this command, restart the system and try a few calculations in spotlight again.

Remove Spotlight's preferences If the first fix does not work, users should try removing the spotlight preferences file to see if any corruption in the file is preventing it from being properly read. The file is called "com.apple.Spotlight.plist" and is located in the /username/Library/Preferences/ folder. After this file is removed, users should restart the computer.

NOTE: Removing this file will set the spotlight settings to the defaults, so any exclusions users have setup will need to be set again.

Previously, MacFixIt reported on a problem experienced by many MacBook Pro owners in which systems were not starting up properly after installing Mac OS X 10.5.6. After installing, the system would reboot twice as expected and then the screen would not light up, resulting in basically a useless laptop.

This problem was initially suspected to be caused by a faulty firmware update in the 10.5.6 package, but it turns out users who have been affected by this problem have not updated their MacBook Pros to the latest EFI firmware. Mac OS X 10.5.6 installed some additional firmware updates which were incompatible with the older EFI firmware, and this resulted in the faulty video.

The latest EFI firmware (v1.5.1) is available for download here.

In order to fix this problem, users should first ensure their firmware is the older version. This can be done after users establish visibility to the Finder and Desktop by either screen sharing or connecting an external display (described below).

To check the firmware version, open "System Profiler" and with the "Hardware" section highlighted, check the "Boot ROM Version". If the string of letters and numbers is NEITHER "MBP21.00A5.B08" or "MBP31.0070.B07", users will have to update their firmware.

There are two ways to do this: through screen sharing, or though external displays. NOTE: Updating firmware can harm the computer if it is not done properly, so be sure to follow all on-screen instructions in the updater utility, and ensure the computer is attached to an external power source.

Fixes

Use screen sharing MacFixIt previously suggested that users with Screen Sharing enabled use this to connect to their computers and reapply the 10.5.6 combo updater. This is again the recommendation, but users should apply the firmware update this way instead.

Use external display and keyboard The MacBook Pro will function with an external display as the main monitor if users attach it to one along with an external keyboard (and mouse), and then close the lid. The computer will automatically detect the display, and then stay awake with the lid closed if a keyboard is attached. In this setup, the computer will be fully usable, and users can download and apply the EFI firmware update.

After updating to Mac OS X 10.5.6, many users are experiencing problems with Time Machine backups, wherein the system will show an error stating the users does not have sufficient privileges on required files for the backups.

Apple Discussions poster GreggSymington writes:

"After the 10.5.6 update today my backup is no longer recognized, and when trying to reselect the drive i get this error: You do not have appropriate access privileges to save the files '.001b6397c156' in folder 'Backup'."

Time Machine associates backups to the computer based on the computer's MAC address, which is a unique identifier number associated with the ethernet card. The computer stores this information in an invisible file that has the computer's MAC address as it's name. This file is stored at the root of the Time Machine drive, enabling the drive to be used with multiple computers. For some reason, the latest OS update has altered either the file or how permissions are read from the file. Basically, this file has become corrupted, and users should be able to manually reset ownership and permissions on the file with the terminal.

Fix: Change ownership and permissions on the file In the "Terminal" application, perform the following steps to figure out what the file is called, and then change the permissions on it accordingly.

1. Type "cd" followed by a single space, and then drag the Time Machine drive to the Terminal window. The command should then look something like this:

• cd /Volumes/Backup

2. Press enter to submit that command, and then enter the following command:

• ls -la

3. Note the name of the file that begins with a period and has 12 characters in the name, such as ".001b6397c156" mentioned in the quote above.

4. Now enter the following commands, substituting "FILENAME" in the commands with the file name exactly as it's shown both in the error as well as in the output of the command in step 2, including the period before it (ie: ".001b6397c156"):

• sudo chown `id -un` FILENAME
• sudo chmod 400 FILENAME

After each of these commands are entered, users will need to supply their passwords (which will not be shown) and the Time Machine backups should work again.

Some MobileMe users are having problems accessing their online photo galleries from Apple mobile devices such as the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Apple Discussions poster whitby writes:

"I have an iPhone 3G. I can get to the gallery web page but I have all my content protected by an id and password. I select the album and the iPhone prompts for the id and password. I enter it correctly (I know it works by going to one of my MACS and trying it), however all I get is a display to enter the id and password again."

In addition to the galleries not working, users might also experience application hangups and crashes when this problem occurs. Safari has become unresponsive for many users, causing them to force the iPhone/iPod Touch to reset in order to regain functionality. Some have found that hitting enter repeatedly will eventually clear the hangup, but not always.

This problem has been tracked to a bug in the iPhone/iPod Touch software which apparently does not properly handle the gallery names properly during the authentication process. Apple is aware of this bug, and has submitted a knowledgebase article (http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2493) with a workaround which will allow users to access their galleries until a fix is released.

Workaround: Access galleries through the browser Instead of using the iPhone's MobileMe gallery feature for protected albums, log in to the MobileMe galleries through Safari, using the "http://gallery.mac.com/membername" URL scheme. This should allow users to view the images.

Updating to Mac OS X 10.5.6 has caused some severe graphics problems for a number users. After receiving the update, the system will reboot as expected, but then appear to not respond aside from performing some basic functions.

Apple Discussions poster Paiva P writes:

"After updating my 17'' MacBook Pro 2.16 Core 2 Duo to 10.5.6 via software update, the computer restarted twice and then turned off. Now I just can't turn it on again. When I press the power button I can hear a sound of something spinning inside it (sound like the cooler) and the main led light in front it turns on permanently (doesn't blink as would in sleeping mode) and nothing happens."

This problem has affected both MacBook Pros and iMacs, which means it is not limited to one hardware configuration; however, it seems to be most prevalent in older-model MacBook Pro computers. For some users the system will display the initial Apple logo on the black screen, but then the screen will shut off and result in similar nonfunctional behavior. For others the computer will seem to boot normally, but not display anything on the screen.

Many MacBook Pro owners with this problem seem to clearly be experiencing a video hardware malfunction. Some have been able to connect with Screen Sharing, which indicated the possibility of a broken display backlight. However, running graphics-intensive applications in screen sharing has given errors that indicate major hardware malfunctions. For instance, upon launching Final Cut Pro some users have received the following error:

"Final Cut Pro requires that your system have a quartz Extreme capable video card. Final Cut Pro recommends that your system have 64 MB of VRAM this system. This System has 0 MB of VRAM"

This sudden inability of the system to recognize video hardware components (video RAM, etc) indicates the video firmware and related hardware-based settings might be corrupted. This seems to have happened for some users who noticed the black screens start after the second automatic reset during the OS update process. The OS X 10.5.6 update does contain some firmware updates that are applied after the first automatic reboot, and problems during this process could result in nonfunctional and mismanaged hardware, hence the incorrect reporting of VRAM sizes with Final Cut Pro.

Users have tried resetting the PRAM, booting off the Leopard DVD, and booting into Safe Mode, but these efforts have not helped. It could be possible that this problem is related to a suspected faulty batch of video processors from nVidia, which has been suspected in cases where video goes black during high GPU usage. Apparently small cracks in the solder used in the chips has resulted in hardware malfunctions under heat stress. Still, this has not been confirmed to be a contributing factor in the problem at hand.

While it is recommended to make an appointment at an Apple Store to repair this problem, there are things people can try beforehand.

Potential Fixes

Fix drive with another computer In some instances this problem has to do with faulty drive hardware not allowing the system software to load properly. Users have been able to mount the disk in another computer using Target Disk mode and run disk repair utilities on the drive to fix any filesystem or other disk errors.

Reset SMC Resetting the system management controller might help some users out. To do this, shutdown and unplug all power sources from the computer (removing batteries as well). Then press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds. Release the power button and plug the power sources back in. Then startup the computer and immediately reset the PRAM by holding down the options-command-P-R keys right after the initial boot chimes. Hold the keys down until the system resets 2-3 times, and then release them.

Reapply combo update Since some uses are able to boot and access their computers via Screen Sharing, it may be possible to download and reapply the combo updater. Hopefully the firmware updates included will be reapplied properly.

Preventative measures

Reset PRAM before updating Problematic hardware parameter settings could contribute to hardware malfunctions after an update that includes firmware updates. Therefore, as a precaution it is recommended to reset the PRAM before applying an update.

Turn off firmware passwords before updating Some have suspected this may be caused by users having firmware passwords enabled for their systems, but this has not been the case with all users. Still, it is possible that firmware passwords could interfere with the firmware update process, and as such it is recommended to boot off the Leopard DVD and disable any firmware passwords before updating the system to a new version (security patches are ok).

Accessibility Tips

While it is always possible for problems to occur during updates, many users have benefitted from enabling various sharing options available in the OS. It is recommended to enable screen sharing, file sharing, and remote management in the "Sharing" system preferences, even if these features are not used. In the event of a faulty display, or hung system, users can access their computers to remotely shut them off, access and manage files, and troubleshoot the problems.

Apple fix for installation hangs As we previously reported, many users are experiencing some pre-installation problems with the Mac OS X10.5.6 wherein the Software Update hangs when the update is selected for install.

This problem seems to be the same as similar ones users have experienced with past updates, and relates to how updates are downloaded and managed by the Software Update application. Users have been able to bypass the problem by following MacFixIt's recommendation to download the standalone updater for 10.5.6. However, users should also be able to address this problem by removing all downloaded updates that are in Software Update's "Updates" folder. On Wednesday, Apple released a Knowledge Base article outlining this procedure:

Go to the /Library/Updates/ folder and remove all files in it. Then launch "Software Update" again (available in the Apple menu) and try running the update procedure again. Removing these files may prevent the problem from recurring for future updates, so it is recommended to do this even if affected users have successfully installed the Combo update.

Display options missing Apple appears to have left some components out of the Mac OS X 10.5.6 release. So far, users have noticed the battery menu does not have any options to switch power modes, and users who connect to their TVs do not have any options for enabling "Overscan".

Some users have tried removing various preference files, creating new user accounts, and changing system settings, but those attempts have not worked. As with the battery menu, the lack of this option seems to be an oversight on Apple's part, and hopefully it will be added back with a future update.

System not booting past white screen As we described previously, some users are experiencing boot problems after installing the Mac OS X 10.5.6 update, wherein the system will indefinitely reset. In addition, some users are not able to boot past the white screen.

Apple Discussions poster guvenen writes:

"The update was downloaded automatically by machine....It restarted (it seemed with difficulty. It had to reboot itself twice before coming up). Then nothing seemed to work so I had to push the power button down to restart. Then nothing.. now it does not seem to be able to find the boot disk or something...it just hangs up on the white screen."

We recommend that users only resort to holding the power button down as a last resort. After updating system software users might experience slowdowns while the computer applies settings and other configuration changes, which can take a long time. In the process users can experience pauses at the white and blue screens, but in many cases just waiting it out will give positive results. However, if the system will not respond, in addition to booting off the Leopard DVD and running disk/permissions repairs as recommended previously, users can also try booting into safe mode by holding the shift key at startup, which runs additional maintenance routines.

Feedback? http://www.macfixit.com/contact.

Booting into Setup Assistant When Leopard was first released, updates would cause the setup assistant to open when users restarted. While Apple has addressed this issue in the past few updates, the problem has recurred for some users.

Apple Discussions poster Jim Dysart writes:

"I just completed the 10.5.6 update through Software Update process. When the computer restarted, it opened Setup Assistant with a blank form."

When this occurs, the behavior will not hurt the system, but users may have to force quit the setup assistant to close. This problem seems to occur because of some permissions problem, and in many cases has been fixed by starting up in Safe mode and running system and disk checks. When the system boots into Safe mode, several disk and filesystem maintenance routines are run.

Fixes: Run Disk Utility in Safe Mode Boot the computer while holding shift to get into "Safe" mode. Then open Disk Utility and run both a permissions fix on the boot drive, as well as verify the drive. Then reboot the system.

Battery menu not working properly After updating to Mac OS X 10.5.6, some users are noticing that some menubar options are no longer present. In some instances there have been hardware bugs preventing some of these menus from displaying, but for others there seem to be some missing options.

Apple Discussions poster lawrenced writes:

"After updating to 10.5.6 I noticed that my battery icon menu in my menu bar changed. It no longer gives me the option of "fast switching" to different energy modes (i.e. Normal, Better Battery Performance, Custom) as it did in 10.5.5."

It seems this problem with the battery menu is a truncated feature in OS X 10.5.6, where Apple has removed it (most likely inadvertently). Perhaps this is just a bug in the update and will be added back in a future update. Until then, it is recommended that users notify Apple about this missing feature and request they add it back at the OS X feedback site (http://www.apple.com/feedback/macosx.html).

Spotlight not indexing Some users have had an issue where one or all disks in the system will not get indexed for spotlight searching. This has occurred for users with past updates and other software installation, has occurred for some uses with the recent 10.5.6 update.

Apple Discussions poster Jaoc writes:

"All our files are stored on a server...After updating one iMac to 10.5.6 spotlight no longer searches the shared volume. Can access it manually no problem though."

Some users have suggested adding the affected disks to the "Privacy" list for Spotlight, since this technically should delete the spotlight index on the drive. Removing the drive from this list then should allow the computer to remake the index. However, this does not properly occur in some cases. In order to fix this problem, users should manually reset the spotlight index using the terminal.

Fix: Manually reset spotlight indexing. Open the Terminal application and at the pormpt type the following command:

• sudo mdutil -e -i on

With this text entered (and ensuring a space is after the last character) drag the mounted disk that will not index to the terminal window, and the command should complete with the file path of the disk, as such:

• sudo mdutil -e -i on /Volumes/diskname/

Then press enter, supply the administrator password, and the index should be rebuilt.

Change, even for the better, brings consequence. With the release of Mac OS X 10.5.6 Apple targeted problems problems related to graphics performance, security and stability. Among the components targeted for improvement are AirPort, MobileMe, Time Machine, and networking performance. Unfortunately and unsurprisingly, these are the components with which users are having the most probles after the update.

Pre-Installation--hangs and more

As reported yesterday, some people are experiencing problems with the installation process for the Mac OS X 10.5.6 update. Although Software Update presents the appropriate update file, many users are experiencing hangs resulting in the update never completing. As also noted yesterday: for some users, this occurs during the "configuring setup" step, and the system never goes into the actual update mode. Other users have reported errors stating the update cannot be installed because it encountered an error, as well as "validation" errors for the update files. For the most part, these problems have occurred with the delta updater.

Fix For most of these situations, users can fix the issue by downloading and applying the standalone "Combo" update. This edition includes all updated files since the release of 10.5.0, and as such will ensure all files are properly accounted for in the system. It is recommended that users update by downloading the combo update and then boot into Safe mode. When in Safe mode, run a permissions fix and drive check using Disk Utility, and install once those are completed.

Post-Installation--the infamous startup loop

Although the update should cause the computer to reset twice, several users have reported computers going into the infamous startup loop, in which the system endlessly boot and make the boot chimes, then reset and chime again after the white screen. Unfortunately this problem may indicate a major corruption in the boot drive.

Potential fix Run a disk and permissions repair Boot off the Leopard DVD and after selecting the language, open "Disk Utility" from the "Utilities" menu and run a permissions and disk repair on the boot drive. Hopefully this will fix the problem. Additionally, users with third-party drive repair tools (such as TechTool or Disk Warrior) might try booting off those repair disks and diagnose the drive. If these do not work, then users may have to reinstall their operating system using the "Archive and Install" method which will preserve user data and settings. This might require users to reinstall some software packages, but it is probably the easiest option.

A few users are noticing the system is creating a loud pop sound after installing the updates. This happens during the boot process, right when the system begins to load after the grey screen. It could be a problem with the computer switching audio inputs to the headphone jack, as internal speakers do not seem to make this pop, but devices plugged into the headphone jacks will.

Fixes

• Reboot with no devices plugged in Some users have corrected this problem by rebooting with no audio devices connected. This seems to clear the problem, though has not worked for all users.
• Reset PRAM It may be possible this problem is from a PRAM setting, and resetting the PRAM might help. To do this, reboot and hold the options-command-P-R keys all at once until the system resets and chimes a few times. Then release the keys and allow the computer to boot normally.

Bluetooth

Several users have experienced a problem in which Bluetooth is not working under Mac OS X 10.5.6; mice and keyboards do not work. This may also be accompanied by the disappearance of the Bluetooth icon in the system menubar. Users have tried deleting the bluetooth preference files, as well as changing batteries and resetting various bluetooth devices. It's clear that the bluetooth receiver in the computer is not working. It seems most users experiencing this problem are running older PowerPC Macs, though this does not rule out the possibility of it happening on Intel machines.

Fixes:

• Remove Bluetooth configurations in the system Users have found that this problem seems to be a result of bluetooth cycling on and off with certain devices configured. As such, they fixed the problem by connecting a USB keyboard and mouse, and then removing all bluetooth devices in the bluetooth system preferences. Re-adding the devices has resulted in flawless functionality.
• Remove third-party bluetooth connectors and restart the computer Users might try uninstalling the software and hardware for third-party bluetooth solutions, and reboot the computer. This could be caused by a driver incompatibility with the OS update, or could be another instance where bluetooth devices need to be reset and reinstalled.

Airport

Some users are having problems connecting to wireless networks after applying Mac OS X 10.5.6. Some have described Airport Extreme connections dropping out, and others have suspected either WEP or WPA protection being the culprit. However, in most cases these problems seem to have self-corrected after a while of usage. As such, it is recommended to restart the computer when this problem happens, and perhaps also run permissions and disk repairs with Disk Utility. Additionally, try resetting the wireless routers the computer is connected to, in order to refresh the connection and IP address lease information in the router.

Some users might get an error claiming no AirPort card is installed, but resetting the PRAM in the computer seems to clear this problem up.

Time Machine

Because Apple updated various components of Time Machine, some users are experiencing various new problems with Time Machine after updating. Backups are failing many times, and other times users are getting "access privileges" errors. Some folks are also getting problems with the Time Machine volume being "read only". For some users the initial backup after the update may take a long time. Time Machine will do a deep traversal of the boot volume to ensure all files are properly accounted for in the backups after the update has been applied, so it is recommended to wait it out if backups seem to take a long time.

Potential Fixes: Reset Time Machine Go to the Time Machine preferences and remove the backup drive from the destination. Then turn off Time Machine and shut down the computer. With the computer off, turn off or unplug the Time Machine drive and wait a few minutes. Then boot the computer and wait for it to load. When the computer is completely loaded, plug the TM drive back in and turn TM back on in the system preferences, reselecting the drive as the backup volume.

• Reapply the combo update Users should first try downloading and applying the combo update for the 10.5.6 updater. This may fix some problems with various frameworks and other system resources that Mail uses, and is a way to ensure all updated files on the system are refreshed as much as possible without having to reinstall.
• Delete Mail's preferences file These problems could be due to a corruption in the Mail preferences file. As such, users should try removing the "com.apple.Mail.plist" file from the /username/Library/Preferences/ folder, and then relaunch Mail.
• Rebuild Mailboxes Since this problem happens for many when they load messages, launching Mail with the shift key held should allow it to load as this prevents the program from loading messages when the program starts. With the program open, users can select each mailbox and use the rebuild option that's available in the "Mailbox" menu to hopefully fix this problem.

Trackpads

Several MacBook owners have posted issues regarding loss of functionality with their trackpads after updating to OS X version 10.5.6. This seems to be a problem only in the Finder, as Safari and other application seem to recognize multi-touch inputs that do not work in the Finder. This problem seems to be a bug that's affecting earlier MacBook models, and hopefully Apple will supply a fix for it. Currently there are no known fixes that users can try.

If you are experiencing similar issues, please let us know.

Apple has released the following updates to its pro applications:

• Apple Shake 4.1.1
"addresses general performance issues and improves overall stability."
• Apple Compressor 3.0.5 "addresses specific customer issues and general performance issues and improves overall stability."
• Apple Final Cut Pro 6.0.5
"addresses specific customer issues and general performance issues. The update also improves compatibility and overall stability."

If you are experiencing problems after any of these updates, please let us know.

According to posters to the site:

"Minutes ago, Apple released the new OS X 10.5.6 update. We have to put a Big Warning on this update, because it causes problems with DFU mode. So with the Update 10.5.6 you cannot Jailbreak or Unlock your iPhone / iPod Touch with PwnageTool or QuickPwn as on the newest MacBooks. Update your System only if you really need it!"

According to some, the workaround or fix is to replace some of the 10.5.6 frameworks with files from 10.5.5 overwriting the newer versions of the files in the kernel extension IOUSBFamily.kext. A safer workaround is to reinstall Mac OS X via an Archive and Install and upgrade it to 10.5.5.

Failed installation (stuck on configuration installation) By far the most widely reported issue with Mac OS X 10.5.6 invovles failed installation, specifically stalls that occur during the "configuring installation" phase. Sample reports from MacFixIt readers include:

• "The installation configuration phase stalls almost immediately with 10.5.6 on my MacBook.
• "Twice I've tried to install the latest OS X update. The Finder quits and the Configuration Installation screen hangs with just a hint of blue on the progress bar. Dual 2.3 GHz PowerPC G5. Had to force shutdowns."
• "I have a PowerBook g4 1.33 aluminum and I have just downloaded the update. I rebooted and now I have been on the "configuring installation" screen for at least 2 hrs. I have 2 gigs of ram and at least 20 gigs free. I have never had a problem with an installation before. I googles around and haven't seen any mention of anyone having this problem."

If you are experiencing a similar issue, first try downloading (or re-downloading) the appropriate standalone update from Apple's download page and reapplying it.

Failing that, restart into Safe mode, by holding down the Shift key from the moment you hear the startup "bong" to the moment the "spinning gear" appears. Expect this startup to take longer than usual. Don't be alarmed if the fans whir loudly during the "spinning gear" display. Eventually you will be presented with the Safe Boot login screen. Log in as the administrator and reattempt the update.

Remember to avoid performing any other processes while the Mac OS X 10.5.6 update is taking place in order to lessen the chances of this issue.

Mail quits after launching, crashes Several users have reported repeated Mail.app crashes or quits on launch after the Mac OS X 10.5.6 update. Reports include:

• "I updated to 10.5.6 and launched Mail. It quits right after showing the Inbox. Wish I knew how to fix this."
• "Since updating, Mail crashes EVERY TIME I try to open an email with an attachment."
• "After installing 10.5.6 my Mail application crashed repeatedly , even after rebooting."

Remove ToDo itemsUsers might check the console application for the Mail crash log (listed under "CrashReporter" in the Console application) if the problem occurs. If the crash log lists something such as "trying to set a non-ToDo MailboxUid for a ToDo", then users might try removing accumulated ToDo items. These items are available both in Mail as well as iCal, so users can remove them by opening iCal and deleting them from that application. It's recommended to list all ToDo items and then cut them using the "Edit" menu instead of outright deleting them. Then quit iCal and attempt to open Mail again. If this does not fix the problem, users can then open iCal and paste the previously cut ToDos back into the application.

Troubleshoot messages loaded at startup If a message contains corrupt content (pictures or attachments) that are causing problems, users can prevent the messages from loading at application launch by holding the shift key directly after launching Mail. From here users can troubleshoot mail messages to see if any cause the program to hang or crash, and remove any problematic messages causing such behavior.

Remove preference files and troubleshoot accounts If the first two fixes do not address the problem, users can try removing the Mail application preferences, called com.apple.Mail.plist and located in the ~/Library/Preferences/ folder. Doing this will require mail account information to be reentered, but all previous messages and mailbox setups will remain and be visible again after account information has been supplied. In addition, Mail setup can be compared against that for a fresh account by creating a new user account and logging into that one. Then users can set up Mail and see if the problem persists. If it does not, then users know the problem has to do with their account and can troubleshoot the problem, targeting items in the ~/Library/Mail/ folder, or removing the contents of the ~/Library/Caches/Mail/ folder.

AirPort Utility problems A handful of users have reported that AirPort Utility is broken after the Mac OS X 10.5.6 update. One reader writes:

"MBP 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo. Installed 10.5.6 using combo updater in safe mode. After update, "Airport Utility was unable to find any Apple wireless devices." Airport connection is fine, though. I reapplied the combo updater, repaired permissions, ran DiskWarrior 4.1.1, and Airport Utility still doesn't see any of my routers. Please advise."

This issue can generally be resolved by downloading and reinstalling AirPort Utility.

Swollen RAM usage Some users have reported dramatically increased idle RAM usage under Mac OS X 10.5.6. One reader writes:

"First impressions are that I regret applying it to my MacBook Air, which of course has only 2GB of RAM in it. This update consumes almost 1 GB of that without any running apps besides the usual background daemons. That means there is just one Gig of RAM left for my apps. A reboot does not change this behavior."

If you are experiencing a similar issue, please let us know.

Apple has released Security Update 2008-008 for Mac OS X 10.4.11. The new release offers to Tiger users the relevant security enhancements introduced in Mac OS X 10.5.6.

The new release is available in both PowerPC and Intel, client and server editions:

• Security Update 2008-008 (Client PPC) [71.6MB]
• Security Update 2008-008 (Client Intel) [163.2MB]
• Security Update 2008-008 (Server Universal) [133MB]
• Security Update 2008-008 (Server PPC) [133MB]

For a full list of security refinements offered in this release, see Apple's security update information page.

Problems after updating? Please let us know.

Apple has released Mac OS X 10.5.6, which resolves a slew of bugs, and increases performance and stablity for a number of system components. Among the enhancements purported in this update:

• AirPort Improves the reliability of AirPort connections, including improvements when roaming in large wireless networks with an Intel-based Mac.
• Graphics Includes general improvements to gaming performance; includes fixes for possible graphics distortion issues with certain ATI graphics cards.
• MobileMe Contacts, calendars, and bookmarks on a Mac automatically sync within a minute of the change being made on the computer, another device, or the web at me.com.
• Time Machine Fixes issues that could cause Time Machine to state the backup volume could not be found.
• Safari Improves compatibility with web proxy servers.
• Networking Improves Apple File Service performance, especially when using a home directory hosted on an AFP server; improves reliability and performance for AT&T 3G cards.

The relatively large release is available in the following types:

• Mac OS X 10.5.6 Update (delta) [372MB]
• Mac OS X 10.5.6 Combo Update [668MB]
• Mac OS X Server 10.5.6 [469MB]

Problems after updating? Please let us know.

When some users attempt to send attachments to mail recipients, the attachments will either not be received, or not properly attach to the message in the first place.

Apple Discussions poster sladana writes:

"I have problems with attachments,actually, I cannot drag and drop the file to the message, I can only attach file (photo) if I open iphoto and then click email, otherwise, I can't even attach file via attach icon in new message, or attach file from menu bar."

For attachments that do not properly attach, sometimes the file will simply appear as greyed out, as if Mail does not recognize the filetype. This has been reported to happen with MobileMe accounts, either when using Mail or when logged into me.com. Affected users have tried rebuilding mailboxes, trashing Mail preference files, and restarting the computer, but these efforts have not fixed the problem.

It is unclear why some files will not attach to messages, but there are several possibilities for addressing this problem.

Fixes

Send "Windows-friendly" attachments By default, Mail sends attachments in embedded form, which allows them to be viewed directly in the email message by the recipient. However, this can be problematic for some users so Apple has included an alternate method of attaching files which does not embed them, and instead tacks them on as a classic "attachment". To do this, open Mail and in the "Edit --> Attachments" menu select the option to "Always send windows-friendly attachments". While enabling this is usually for ensuring recipients can view attachments, it may allow Mail to load attachments again.

Send compressed versions of the file Most operating systems come with utilities to manage files compressed in the ".zip" format. In OS X users have the ability to compress files in this format right in the Finder, by right-clicking a file and selecting "Archive". This will zip the file up, which might allow Mail or the MobileMe webmail applications to properly recognize the file as a sendable attachment. The one problem with doing this is files cannot be embedded, but at least they should be sendable.

Apple's Mighty Mouse, despite its unique features, still uses a mechanical ball that is used for the navigation. Just like previous ball mice, this mechanism is prone to skip after a while of usage.

Apple Discussions poster mboughey writes:

"My mouse has stopped letting me scroll down , it lets me scroll up only. This has recently started , is this a known problem?"

The roller ball in the mouse is largely inaccessible, unlike old ball-mice where the ball could be removed by opening a hatch. Users could then apply alcohol cleaners to the roller mechanisms. For the Mighty Mouse, the ball will need to be cleaned in-place. Apple recommends taking a lint-free cloth and lightly moistening it to clean the surface of the mouse as well as the mouse enclosure. If the mouse has a noticeable piece of dirt that can be felt in the mechanism, users are recommended to turn the mouse upside down and roll the ball against the cloth rapidly until the dirt dislodges.

Apple has a quicktime movie of the process available here.

In addition to the steps suggested by Apple, users might try cleaning the ball with some over-the-counter isopropanol, which should help in clearing away finger grime that might have built up on the ball. Using a cloth or Q-tip, users can lightly moisten the ball with isopropanol (just enough to moisten, and not drip onto the ball) and roll it around with a clean cloth until the alcohol dries up. This step may need to be repeated several times depending on how dirty the surface is. If too much alcohol is used, allow it to dry (with the aid of an air canister if available) before using the mouse again.

Other users have found that the easiest way to dislodge dirt is to lay a piece of paper on a table or other flat surface to provide a slight friction surface, and then turn the mouse upside down and roll the ball rapidly around on the paper. This allows for more rapid movement of the ball than just using a cloth around one's finger. In addition, if users do this on a counter or glass surface they can try soaking the paper in isopropanol so it will run up into the roller mechanism during the rapid rolling action.

Some users may run into a relatively unique situation wherein the system persistently opens a series of Finder windows upon login despite no settings to do so.

Apple Discussions poster wastedyuthe writes:

"When ever I login, a Finder window appears immediately, even though there are non open when I shut down. It happens EVERY time."

Although there may be several possibilities as to why a window would be opened, users have tried removing Finder preference lists, and attempts to troubleshoot by moving system files has even made the problem worse for some folks, resulting in multiple finder windows opening.

While it is recommended for users to try removing startup items, trying new user accounts, and uninstalling any utility or haxie software packages that were recently installed, the root of this problem for some has been the desktop picture. For some reason when the Finder loads the desktop for affected users it seems to spur it to open a window.

Fixes

Change the desktop background The fix for this problem is to change the desktop background, either by right-clicking a new image and setting it as the background, or perhaps more preferably by using the "Desktop & Screen Saver" system preferences.

Change the method for selecting backgrounds Some affected users have had the computer randomly select from a group of pictures as the desktop, and it may be this random choosing of the image files that causes the finder window to open at login. As such, in addition to just selecting a new desktop users might also try setting it to only one image. It may be that toggling this setting will cure the problem, so after setting it to one image users can try setting it back to a random picture again.

The new SMC and EFI firmware updates for the various "Late 2008" (unibody) MacBook models have, for the most part, installed and worked properly. Users have reported the resolution of various issues, and the relativel scarcity of questions on the Apple Discussion boards indicates that the updates are, generally, working as they should.

Still, there have been one or two people for whom the updates have introduced new problems. One user had a Siig eSata expresscard for connecting some external hard drives, but after the firmware update the card is no longer working. Another user found problems with his displays not properly switching when he plugs in an external monitor. It seems that the computer now will not recover the original display after unplugging an external monitor. If users are experiencing either these or other problems after applying the firmware updates, please let us know.

Users who are experiencing problems after these updates are installed should try resetting the computer's PRAM and resetting the System Manamgement Controller (both quite relevant to these updates).

• PRAM: Reboot and immediately hold the options-command-P-R keys down. The computer will continually reset and make the boot chimes while these keys are held, and users should allow it to cycle 2-3 times before releasing the keys and allowing the computer to boot normally.
• SMC: Power off the computer and remove all power sources (Battery and AC adaptor). Then press and hold the power button for 5-10 seconds. Re-attach the power sources and start the computer back up again.

Aside from direct hardware problems, one user found that his networked Time Machine disk image backups would no longer mount. However, this situation was addressed by mounting the disk image in Disk Utility and repairing the file system. Most likely this was not directly caused by the firmware updates, but there's always the possibility that some change could spur a previously unstable situation into failure.

Beyond these relatively few problem reports, the updates appear to not address a few prevalent problems, namely displays problems. For a while users have been plagued by screen flashes on their new machines, and this seems to persist. Additionally, folks attaching external displays still seem to be getting graphics artifacts or go black for a while. These problems may be a driver issue, and hopefully will be addressed with the upcoming release of OS X 10.5.6.

Some iPhoto users are experiencing an issue in which photos are missing from their libraries. Even though the library size indicates all files are there, no files are visible in the library even though albums seem to be working properly.

Apple Discussions poster vincas writes:

"I'm running the latest version of iPhoto (7.1.5) and OS 10.5.5 on a PowerPC iMac. The size of the library is about 150 gigabytes (~35K photos), and it is located on a dedicated external drive. The size of the library properly shows the 150 GB size, but when I open iPhoto, although all albums are in place, the library indicates there are 'No items.'"

Users have tried rebuilding the iPhoto library and permissions fixes on the boot drive, but have not been able to fix the problem via these methods. Unfortunately if iPhoto libraries do get corrupted, sometimes there is nothing users can do to resolve the problem, so it is always recommended to have a backup that can be restored. However, if a backup is not available there are several things users can try:

Things to Try

Use iPhoto Library Manager The popular utility iPhoto Library Manager has several scripts that can be applied to problematic libraries. Users can download the software and run the "rebuild" function on the current library.

Recreate the iPhoto Library Since this problem involves corruption in databases and other organizational files instead of the photos themselves, users can get their photos back by recreating the library from the original photos in the previous library. To do this, quit iPhoto and drag the library to a temporary location such as the desktop (or to an external drive if space is limited and the library is large). Next, right-click the library and choose "Show Package Contents" and open the "Originals" folder. Now open iPhoto and confirm the creation of a new library. Then drag the contents of the "Originals" folder in the old library to the open iPhoto window. This will copy the files to the new library, keeping them organized by event.

Unfortunately recreating the library will not preserve metadata associated with the previous library, including keywords and photo ratings. Still, if users can live with this loss then they can recover access to the photos via library recreation.

Feedback? http://www.macfixit.com/contact.

Mac portables have always been attractive to thieves, and can be sold quickly on eBay or other sites. Over the years, many users have inquired about the best ways to secure their laptops. Although there are many solutions for users to consider, here are a few recommendations:

Hardware solutions:

Key/combo locks. The most popular solution is to take advantage of the Kensington security slot that's available in most MacBook computers. Users can purchase a number of locking devices that are compatible with lock slots, with options available to suit the user's convenience. Laptop locks generally come in two varieties: Keyed and combination, each which have their advantages and drawbacks.

Keyed locks Although they are recommended over combination locks, some designs of key locks can be easily broken into. A few years ago, news headlines and YouTube videos showed how easy it was to break into some round-key locks by using the housing of a ball-point pen. As such, if given the option it is recommended to avoid round-key locks.

Combination locks Combination locks provide convenience, but with a set number of combination possibilities users should consider the environment in which the computer will be locked before going with a combination lock. If users plan on leaving their computers in the same place for extended periods of time (such as a dorm room or office cubicle), then a keyed solution might be better than a combination lock. Considering 10,000 possible combinations for a standard 4-digit lock with 10 numbers per digit, a determined thief could get through all those combinations in under 3 hours in total. This means combinations could be tried in intervals until the lock is broken.

Lock Recommendation: Kensington Microsaver DS

Bracket/Tie-Down locks For the super-paranoid, some companies make bracket locks that clamp around the whole laptop body, and then chain or bolt it to a desk or other immovable object and hold the laptop securely in both the closed and open positions. While a little more pricey than standard laptop locks, these solutions are definitely more robust and might provide more of a visual deterrent. Unfortunately they're not so portable, but may be useful for some computers that do not have kensington key locks, such as the MacBook Air.

Recommendation: "Computer Security" solutions

USB alarms Although locks are the best way to secure a computer, another measure in conjunction with locks would be to use a USB alarm system. Users can plug these devices into a USB slot and set them either with a software password or with a device key so if the computer is moved or the device is unplugged, it will sound a loud alarm. The drawbacks of this type of system is users will need to be nearby, and as such is probably only good if someone is going to be away from the computer for a few minutes at most. There are also relatively few of these devices available.

Recommendation: Belkin F5L013 Security Alarm

Software Solutions

"Lo-jack" software packages Several companies provide software "lojack"-like solutions for tracking stolen computers. While this is not a deterrent from theft, users can hopefully use these software solutions to locate stolen laptops. They have many features including faking hardware malfunctions so the thief might try getting the computer serviced, at which point the computer attempts to notify the service center about the theft. Additionally, they can take advantage of the iSight camera to take pictures of the thief.

Recommendations: "Undercover" by Orbicule, "iAlertU" by SlappingTurtle

Built-in security measures While there are no real theft-deterrent features built into the OS, Apple does provide a relatively robust method for securing user data and passwords; however, by default the system is set up to be relatively open. This default allows users to seamlessly access their files and passwords by only providing one instance of authentication credentials at login, then managing most other authentication through the keychain. This feature is very convenient for users, but leaving a laptop unattended can give unauthorized access to anyone who sits down at the computer.

There are a couple of ways users can ensure their files are secured from unauthorized access. The first is to manually lock the screen before leaving the computer unattended. To do this, open the "Keychain Access" utility and in the preferences choose "Genera" and enable "Show Status In Menubar". This will make a small lock menu available which will allow users to lock the screen or keychain on-demand. Alternatively users can set the option to require a password to be woken from sleep or screensaver, and when leaving the laptop just close the lid. The key to this type of security is habit, and it is recommended that users get into the habit of locking their screens when they leave their computers. A skilled thief can easily get files and passwords if people leave their computers in an unlocked state.

Beyond the options that require users to actively lock their systems, OS X has several features to increase security behind the scenes. The first is to enable FileVault on the system which secures the user's home folder in an encrypted disk image. In the event of theft, with FileVault enabled there is virtually no way for thieves to access sensitive data. If users are concerned about the drawbacks of FileVault, such as the need to log out for it to work with Time Machine, or data access in the event of a crash, users can store sensitive files in a dedicated encrypted disk image which can be created in Disk Utility. MacFixIt previously outlined this procedure. Dedicated disk images can be set to open at login, and will prompt users for passwords that are separate from those stored in the keychain and other parts of the system. Therefore, even if a thief dissects the computer and removes the hard drive for access to files, the disk image will still secure the files.

Lastly, Apple provides some extra security features in the "Security" system preferences pane, which further help lock down the computer if users are fearful that someone could access their files. It is recommended to at least turn on the option to disable automatic login, so unauthorized users will not be able to access files on a locked computer just by restarting it.

Apple has released a firmware update for its late-2008 (unibody) 2008 MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air computer models. In a first (as far as we know), Apple is requiring two updates for each model: the EFI Firmware update and the SMC Firmware update. Apple previously released a different firmware update for the unibody MacBooks and MacBook Pros.

Release notes state:

"These updates address system stability issues, as well as problems with the computers properly sensing the presence of magsafe power adaptor attachment and battery indicator lights."

However, it's not known how many of the myriad issues we've chronicled are actually fixed. To recap:

• Late-2008 MacBooks: More on freeze-on-wake, wireless problems, trackpad issues
• MacBooks crashing with aluminum keyboards
• Keys Improperly installed on some MacBooks
• Unibody (Late-2008) MacBooks have a relatively audible hum
• Late-2008 MacBooks: Fan noise
• Late-2008 MacBooks: Battery issues
• MacBook (Late-2008) screen brightness undesirably varies
• Late-2008 MacBooks: Migration Assistant fails

Instructions for applying the EFI firmware updates are located here, and instructions for applying the SMC firmware updates are available here.

The firmware updates can be downloaded from the following locations:

• EFI Firmware v1.3
• SMC Firmware v1.2

• EFI Firmware v1.6
• SMC Firmware v1.2

• EFI Firmware v1.1
• SMC Firmware v1.1

If you are having problems or have noticed improvements after the update, please let us know.

A few owners of the new Late-2008 (Unibody) MacBooks have had the keys on their keyboards pop off. It seems the keys can either be loosely fastened or somehow not be fully secured to the holding arms.

Apple Discussions poster Michael Ginsberg writes:

"Just got a custom configured MacBook Pro 15 inch and after typing on the left bracket key for a bit, it pops off to one side. I push it down and it clicks in and then is OK, until it pops off again."

This problem seems to affect keys, with one affected user reporting the "V" key, and others identifying "O" and "E" keys. For some users the problem seems to be easily correctable by firmly pressing down on the key until a click is heard, though for others this is only a temporary fix.

The keys on all MacBook laptops are held in place by a rocker mechanism that connects to the keycap via a hinge and snap. If a key is loose, it is recommended to lift it up to see if the snapping clamps are blocked or broken. If so then a replacement can be installed at any authorized apple service center, or users can try installing new ones themselves. Some keycaps can be purchased at various online sources as well, including PowerBook Medic.

Beyond loose keys, users might also have a defective keycap installed where a print error or error in the plastic has the key installed crooked with the text not aligned with the other keys. Since this is more of a cosmetic problem it shouldn't affect the performance of the computer, but if desired users can replace the keycaps by gently prying them up, following the steps outlined in these articles (1, 2)

While the computer models outlined in those articles may be different, the mechanism for holding the keys in place is the same so the principle applies to all models. If users are unsure about replacing keys themselves, this can be done at an authorized service center and usually takes a few minutes to complete.

Some users are having problems with the Apple Aluminum keyboards causing crashes when attached to their MacBook computers.

Apple Discussions poster KimonoW:

"Plugin USB Aluminium Keyboard and the MB instantly hangs with the "you must restart error". It was working a treat with Tiger. The same keyboard works perfectly in a Macbook Pro."

Affected users have tried updating the firmware on the keyboard to ensure the software is the latest, but this has not fixed the problem. This issue is the result of a software incompatibility because the keyboards worked fine on the systems in the past, and currently work properly when attached to other systems. This relatively long-standing problem has been tracked to users having the "DoubleCommand" software installed. This software is a kernel extension which offers useful key remapping functionality, but seems to have bugs in some configurations.

It is recommended to first try updating the DoubleCommand software to the latest version, even going to a prerelease beta version if the functionality of the software is required. If that does not work, users should uninstall the software until a software fix is issued by the developer. To uninstall the software, locate and delete the "DoubleCommand" folder in the /Library/StartupItems/ directory, and remove the "DoubleCommand" preference pane located in the /Library/PreferencePanes/ directory.

Feedback? http://www.iphoneatlas.com/contact.

When Macs boot up, users have the option to provide key sequences for various boot options: reset PRAM, select boot volume, single-user mode, etc. However, some users may experience problems were

wbetters:

"I cannot use any keyboard commands while booting with my iMac. I thought I was going nuts so I tried it on my MACBOOK and they all work fine. It won't let me use C, T, option, command + S, command +V, nothing."

Users can check whether or not boot parameters are properly working, by modifying the NVRAM entries in the terminal. To do this, open the terminal and enter the following:

• sudo nvram boot-args="-v"

This will boot the computer in "verbose" mode. Other options include supplying "-s" for single-user mode. If the computer boots as expected, users can then reverse this by entering the following command to clear the boot arguments:

• sudo nvram boot-args=""

Depending on the computer's configuration, there may be two known reasons why keyboard inputs may not be registering at boot.

Firmware password set When firmware passwords are set on the computer, most boot arguments cannot be passed to the computer. The only option is to hold the options key to select the boot device, but even this will first prompt for the user's firmware password. If this password is set, users will first have to unset it before they can provide boot arguments. While certain hardware changes can reset the password, the recommended method for doing this is to boot off the Leopard DVD (using the "Startup Disk" system preferences or the "options" key at boot) and then use the "Firmware Password" option in the "Utilities" menu of the OS X installer.

Aluminum keyboards There is a known problem with the new Aluminum keyboards where some mac models may not recognize them until the system has loaded. It is recommended that all Aluminum keyboard users with input problems be sure to apply the keyboard firmware update that was released last April.

Owners of the new unibody MacBook Pro computers have noticed an audible hum that can be heard in silent conditions.

Apple Discussions poster doctorholliday writes:

"Yesterday, when returning to my desk, I realised that my MBP was making a humming noise. It is not super loud and if I had bad hearing, I probably wouldn't notice it. So instead of being super quiet and the occasional clicking of the hard drive, I have a continuous low level humming noise."

Some users have been able to muffle the sound a bit by pressing slightly on the casing of the computer, which indicates that this a mechanical problem. As such, it appears the computers may need some extra dampening to help with the noise, but it seems this does not hurt the computers at all and may just be from a "settling--in" of the components.

For other users, however, this problem materialized after applying the recent firmware update for addressing trackpad issues with the new MacBooks. Therefore, in addition to components breaking in, another potential cause includes errors in the new code for interacting with various hardware components of the computers, such as mishandling of voltages that could stress components.

For some users, the various noises developing over time and then disappearing after a few days, so it is recommended to monitor the sounds and allow the computer to break in a little. If the sounds get worse then it is recommended to take the computer in for servicing; however, most likely Apple will not cover mild humming sounds if the computer is otherwise functioning fine.

Currently the recommendation for affected users is to trying the computer on various surfaces to see if one helps dampen the sound a bit more. Beyond that, resetting various hardware components might have a remote chance of fixing the problem. Things users can try are resetting the PRAM and the System Management controller.

Things to try

Reset the PRAM Reboot the computer and immediately after the boot chimes, hold down the options-command-P-R keys all at once. Hold them until the computer resets and makes the boot chimes three times, then release the keys and allow the computer to boot normally.

Reset the SMC Shutdown the computer and remove the battery and power adaptor. Then hold down the power button for 10-15 seconds to reset the controller. Plug the battery and power back in, and start the computer back up.

We previously reported a problem wherein users' calendar event times shifted by an hour or so, resulting in inconsistencies between iCal and MobileMe calendars. We previously suggested that users check the system's time zone and reset the calendar sync data through the MobileMe system preferences. In addition, it appeared this problem was related to the use of time zone support in both iCal and MobileMe, and recommendations were to uncheck these settings in the calendar applications. It seems in addition to iCal and MobileMe, this problem has been prevalent with iPhone users, and has been fixed by these users also turning off time zone support in the iPhone calendar application.

Fix: Turn off Time Zone support in the iPhone In the time zone, go to the General settings and choose "Date & Time; then select the option to turn Time Zone Support on. If this does not fix the problem, it is recommended to try the suggestions in the original MacFixIt report.

Some users have encountered a problem in which, upon either waking from sleep or the screen saver, if a password is required, the computer will prompt for the password twice.

Apple Discussions poster Xdeepsea writes:

"From sleep mode i usually log in my password and then the desktop will display on the screen. For the past 3 months after a archive install of 10.5.2 I have to log-in 2 times."

For some users, this problem started after system reinstallations system updates. Additionally, while it seems to happen most during wakes from sleep or screensaver, some users have had this occur at the login window, which indicates it has something to do with the system's authentication directory as opposed to any problem with the sleep or screensaver functions. It seems one possibility might be the system could be waking up prematurely and then starting the sleep process again, and with each process requiring authentication this could result in two authentication prompts. This may be the case for some users since for them the problem only happens when accidentally waking from sleep with the screen closed such that the computer wakes up and immediately goes back to sleep.

While there are no known fixes for this problem yet, users may try the following to fix the problem. Luckily this problem does not harm the computer, and as such is more a matter of annoyance.

Things to try:

Create a new account Users might try creating a new temporary account in the "Accounts" system preferences to see if the problem is a result of problematic settings in the user's library. Additionally, creating a new account might create properly entered authentication information in the computer's directory, which might clear the problem for other accounts or at least have one account that works properly.

Change the account password If this problem is a result of the account's authentication information not being accessed properly, users might be able to reset this by changing their account passwords to a different one. This can be done in the "Accounts" system preferences, and after the initial change can be reverted back to the original password.

Reset PRAM It is possible this problem could be due to faulty settings in the PRAM that pertain to the sleep functions of the computer. While this might not apply to all situations, a PRAM reset might help in some cases.

Some users have been experiencing a problem when trying to retrieve messages from Mail's junk mail folder, in which some message header information seems to disappear.

Apple Discussions poster Aaron Harpole writes:

"When I drag a message out of the Junk folder into the Inbox, it goes into the Inbox, but the message loses its From field and Subject field. The Date received text is still visible."

Most affected users seem to be missing the "From" and "Subject" lines in the messages, though it is possible that other parts of the messages may be missing for other users. Some users have noticed that the messages with missing information regain it if they move the messages to another folder such as the trash and then move them back, though this is rather impractical to do every time a message arrives.

This problem is a classic example of a corrupted mailbox that should be fixed properly by rebuilding the user's mailbox.

Fix: Rebuild the affected mailbox To rebuild the mailbox, select the individual folder in the mailbox list (not a folder group), and select "Rebuild" from the "Mailbox" menu. This can take a while, depending on the number of messages in the mailbox.

Feedback? http://www.macfixit.com/contact.