Back up your iCal files before applying the Mac OS X 10.4.4 Update

Question

It seems as though this sort of thing should not happen, but the mere application of the Mac OS X 10.4.4 Update - in small but noticeable ways - damaged my existing calendars, rendered a subscribed calendar effectively unsubscribed, and the Birthdays calendar present but empty. Neither of these calendars were actually removed: they just appeared devoid of data.
Because I had previously backed up the calendars using the Back up Database… option in iCal before applying the update, I simply restored them to fix the issues in the standard calendars.
To fix the subscription problem, I had to unsubscribe, then re-subscribe to that calendar.
To fix the Birthdays calendar issue, I simply had to launch the Address Book, remove a birthday in one record, exit the edit mode, then paste it back in. Instantaneously, the Birthdays calendar was populated with data once again.
Does anyone actually test these updates before they are released? [Facetious question, I know - but one does have to wonder…]
PowerBook G4 12 867 MHz 640 meg 40 gig SuperDrive   Mac OS X (10.4.3)   What problem? I use the The Missing Sync for Palm OS

Answer 1

You have limited options:
1. If there is an Apple retailer nearby you can have them copy the update to a CD for you - usually at no or nominal charge.
2. You can go to a local Mac user group (if there is one in your area) where they would be happy to provide a copy of the update for you on a CD at no or nominal charge.
3. You can find another Mac user who has a high-speed connection and can download the update for you.
4. You can call AppleCare and order a copy of the update on CD for a charge of (I think) around $9.95.
5. You could find a Mac owner somewhere who would copy the update to a CD and mail it to you at any negotiated cost. However, do not solicit this assistance on these forums. Of course anyone reading this post could offer their help.
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