Error when trying to use Software update

Question

I was trying to update the software on my Powerbook when I get the following message from the software update:
Make sure you have permission to write to /tmp/501/Temporary Items/com.apple.Software Update, then try again.
Does anyone know what this means or how to fix it? Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi Again Lille!
The first thing you should do is run Repair Permissions, and then try Software Update again.
If that doesn't help, there are some other things to look at.
TO REPAIR PERMISSIONS ON THE STARTUP DISK
1.Open Disk Utility, located in Applications/Utilities, and select the startup disk in the left column.
2.Click First Aid.
3.Click Verify Disk Permissions to test permissions or Repair Disk Permissions to test and repair permissions. (I never "Verify". Just run "Repair".)
Rerun RP until the only message it reports is:
"We are using special permissions for the file or directory ./System/Library/Filesystems/cd9660.fs/cd9660.util.
New permissions are 33261"
This is a status message and not a cause for concern. You may safely ignore it.
Or these:
"We are using a special uid for the file or directory ./private/var/at/jobs. New uid is 1"
"We are using a special uid for the file or directory ./private/var/at/spool. New uid is 1"
Again, these are status messages, which appeared after Security Update 2005-001.
There may be others that you can ignore. Complete list at link below.
Spurious Permissions Errors Using: 10.3.x
When "Repair Permissions" is complete. Quit "Disk Utility".
Good Luck!
ali b