10.6.4 Update broke my internet access

Question

I'm using a MB Pro and since I upgraded to 10.6.4 using Software Update this morning I haven't had any internet access at all.
I've done all the usual stuff:
- Repaired all permissions
- Installed the Full Combo update
- Tried both ethernet and Airport to connect
- Tried restarting my machine
- Set up new network location
- Restarted my BT Home Hub 2.0 network.
Bizarrely, I am able to browse my local network and even access files on my MacPro.
Nothing works.
Yet my Mac Pro using 10.5.8 is browsing the net flawlessly.
This is the worst experience I've ever had with an upgrade/update. As MB Pro is my work machine this is a real problem.
Any ideas?
Simon
Message was edited by: burgons

Answer 1

Dear All
I wish to thank everyone (and others) for their feedback on this (and other posts on this topic) as my wife and I were also afflicted at the home office.
*My situation was also very curious*. Two macbook pros (MBpro) updated to 10.6.4 were not able to connect to the internet following the upgrade, however on the same home/office networking system, the one iMAc that *did not upgrade* was able to continue to work flawlessly. The 10.6.4 machines continued to work on our corporate exchange-based network without any problem.
I have some interesting observations from the home/office that might assist others:
*Scenario Home/Office:* Router D-Link 604+ connected by ethernet to two time capsules (TC). All hardware (MBPro x 3, Axiotron modbook, iphone x2, PS3, PSP etc) connected wirelessly to either of the TCs working flawlessly prior to upgrade.
*Situation post upgrade of 10.6.4 of macbook pros only:* iMac continued to work, macbook pros did not. They showed connection to TCs AND and active IP, but no traffic! No other signs of traffic at all through browsers or upload/download apps, *with the exception of skype* (very weird).
I could get MBpros to work using iMAC ethernet sharing (proxy hardwire- i.e. talking via 10.6.3). But I could NOT get MBPros to work with ethernet to either TC or D-Link directly (also very weird)- i.e. *NOT just a wireless problem, but a potential 'protocol' talking issue*
For MBPros I tried the following WITHOUT success:
Hard reset (power-down for 60mins) of all equipment (at numerous stages of the below)
IP reset from provider
Bypass TCs and direct wireless/hardwire to D-Link
Manual configuration of IP address (range) and router with/without DHCP
Deletion and soft re-installation of airport 'service' from network settings
Repaired permissions on wireless, altered security settings, renamed wireless network
MAC address enabling on/off
Delete system configuration folders
Backup from earlier Time Machine (prior to 10.6.4 upgrade)
Downgrade to 10.6.3
*My interpretation:* 10.6.4 changes the 'protocol' for IP traffic for select (but common) apps only with select (older?) routers and renders a working and apparently functional system with the inability to 'talk'.
(Curiously the 'change' cannot be re-instated with a downgrade of OSX and maybe related to user-specific settings/files that are not deleted during this process).
The consequence and presentation of the problem is also potentially specific for each Mac (as the 10.6.4 upgrade is specific for each hardware configuration) AND I believe is dependent on the make and model of the internet router (and/or possibly the configuration of the local network). At present this theory would fit most posts and observations I have read thus far.
*My solution:* Provider upgraded the router to Siemenns Gigaset SE567 and now everything works flawlessly in 10.6.4 (this was after false starting with an upgrade to another D-link model).
I hope this of use.
Regards
xSDP