Everyone: This time repair your permissions before and after 10.4.8 update

Question

Hello All,
Just a reminder for all those who are updating to OS 10.4.8.
While many people do ignore all the recommendations that we provide and still come through fine, please do consider observing the following to minimize your problems.
To insure the best chance of success, please consider downloading the Combo Updater for your computer instead of using Software update.
For PowerPC Mac's, this would be:
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macosx1048comboupdateppc.html
For Intel Macs, this would be:
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macosx1048comboupdateintel.html
The benefit of using the Combo Updater, is that it replaces all system files that have been changed since the last major release (in this case since 10.4.0).
So, if you have any system files that have become corrupted, the Combo Updater will very likely over-write those, and spare you the headaches that come from updating an operating system that has problems that just haven't come to the surface yet.
In many cases, you can have problems that have not come to the surface, and the "Delta" or Software update method will bring them out to bite you. The reason for this, is because the Delta / Software Update version only changes files that have changed since 10.4.7. And, it works more in a "patch" fashion. So, if there is a problem in one of the files being patched, then the update will cause you some major headaches.
Going with the larger "Combo" update over-writes almost all the System files with clean versions instead of just making patches. So, it is frequently much more successful.
Now, with that said, before you update, you should make sure your permissions are all set properly. If your permissions are wrong, then your update will likely have trouble.
So, go into "Disk Utility" in the Applications --> Utilities folder and repair your permissions.
Start by selecting your hard drive on the left window of Disk Utility. Then, go down and click on the "Repair Permissions" button. Once it's completed, then exit Disk Utility.
Now, it is also extremely important to make sure all running programs are closed before you install any system update. So, go ahead and restart your computer.
Restarting will make sure that all programs are closed, and that nothing weird is stuck in memory before you install.
If you have anti-virus programs running, then disable or deactivate them first (you don't want them interpreting this as unauthorized modification or it might prevent certain files from being updated).
Now, with your computer freshly restarted, install the Combo updater you downloaded.
When prompted, click on the "Restart" button when prompted.
Now, the computer will startup, but sit at the spinning wheel for several minutes. It will eventually restart again on it's own. And, finally, it will start-up all the way and you'll be back at your desktop.
Now, immediately go back to Disk Utility and repair permissions as you did in the previous step. You will likely see several permissions that have been repaired. In my case, I had dozens of CoreAudio, Widgets, and other permissions that needed repair. Once permissions have been repaired, go ahead and restart one last time. This makes sure that everything is set and then cleaned-up.
Once it reboots, begin using it and enjoy.
Now, this may sound like a lot. But, it really is simple. It just reads like a lot of stuff.
And, of course, you are free to ignore this and just install it however you like. Many people have their own ideas here. And, many people say you don't have to do anything to prepare. But, for those that have had huge problems in the past, these extra steps will usually save you the major headaches that tons of people inevitably have with every new update.
Anyway, I hope this helps to save at least a few of you any problems. If you don't agree with the ideas above, just ignore it and do as you like.
But, if you want a little extra piece-of-mind and a better chance at success, then please consider exercising this extra caution.
And, for the record, I have updated my machines to 10.4.8 (within minutes of the update being available) and it is working perfectly smooth on my systems.
I hope you find this helpful.

Answer 1

mhunter, thanks and good that you take the time and effort again to remind everyone that it does take an effort to do a major OS update, to ensure maximum stability.
So far my 10.4.8 Update is a-okay, and I have had many trouble-free updates since installing 10.4
I too practice rigourously and "religiously" before and after an OS or Security Update, but I normally use Software Update, equally successful:
1. Before Startup, UNPLUG all external devices, left only keyboard, mouse and internet connection, unless they are all wireless.
2. Startup, disable NAV if any, Repair Disk Permission. Restart again, Repair Permission again.
3. Do Software Update
4. Restart, Repair Permission
5. Shutdown, plug everything back
6. Startup Mac, use Mac
So far these steps have been keeping all my macs both at home and at work very very stable and healthy.
Maybe, just maybe if everyone here, all mac users were to follow these steps, yes they can be a hassle, yes they can take up some time, but then there will be less less complains and "blasts" at Apple, just because perhaps themselves have been too careless or negligance in performing updates.
Cheers