HT1222 Security 2012 update has crashed my Mac Office 2004.

Question

And who knows what else.... I tried "repair permissions".  That hasn't worked.  My time capsule was off (fairly new mac user and still learning about it!). 
Is there a way to time capsule back even if it was off?
How can I fix this?  Buy new office software?  Purchase mac repair plan?
How long does it take for them to fix this kind of thing?!?!  Nightmare.

Answer 1

Security Update 2012-001 Bricks Rosetta programs
Restore method.
#1 Backup your personal data off the machine.
Backup files off the computer (not TimeMachine). If you don't have a external drive, get one and connect to the USB/Firewire port and simply drag and drop copy your User folder to the external drive, it will copy all your files. That's all you need to do at this time, disconnect all drives now to prevent mistakes.
#2 Try Restoring from a TimeMachine or option bootable clone
If you have TimeMachine drive, or a hold the option key bootable clone use that to erase and restore from.
Note: A TM restore can take a awfully long time, a clone restore takes under 2 hours in most cases.
#3 Reinstall OS X 10.6 from disk
If no TM or bootable clone then:
Get out your 10.6 install disk and make sure it's clean and polished (very soft cloth and a bit of rubbing alcohol, no scratches) If your disk is borked, you'll have to order a new one from Apple with your serial number.
Hold c boot off the 10.6 disk (wired keyboard, internal optical drive), use Disk Utility to >Repair Disk and Permissions  (do not format or erase!!), Quit DU and simply re-install 10.6.
Note: If Disk Repair gives a error that is not repaired, then you have to consider erasing the drive (with Zeros) and try reinstalling 10.6 fresh or replacing the drive.
Note: Simply reinstalling 10.6 version from disk (without erasing the drive) only replaces 10.6.8 with 10.6.x and bundled Apple programs, won't touch your files (backup anyway)  or most programs, unless they installed a kext file into OS X itself. (only a few on average do this)
#4 Update to 10.6.8 without Security Update 2012-001
Reboot and log in, update to 10.6.8 via Software Update, but EXCLUDE THE Security Update 2012-001 by checkinig the details and unchecking the blue check box.
#5 Reinstall any non-working third party programs
When you reboot, make sure to reinstall any programs that require kext files installed into OS X, you'll know, they won't work when you launch them or hang for some reason.
If you get gray screen at any time when booting (possible it might occur when you reinstall old programs), hold the shift key down while booting (Safe Mode, disables kext files) and update your installed third party software so it's compatible with 10.6.8.
Further Reading below:
#6 Learn how to have a OS X drive restore ability using TimeMachine or cloning software
Learn how to clone here
http://www.bombich.com/get_ready_for_lion.html
TM help here
http://pondini.org/OSX/Home.html
#7 Make copies of your original Snow Leopard
Learn how to make copies of your 10.6 disks here
http://www.walterjessen.com/make-a-bootable-backup-snow-leopard-install-disc/
Learn how to make a bootable SL USB
http://www.maciverse.com/install-os-x-snow-leopard-from-usb-flash-drive.html
#8 Deciding on upgrading to Lion?
Learn which programs ARE NOT compatible with Lion
http://roaringapps.com/apps:table
#9 Unverified hacks
Note: You may see a "hack" for this issue floating around, it has had mixed results as people's software is different.
You may want to try it, but it's at your own risk. It has worked fast for some and not at all for others, hopefully over time it will work for all.
The above methods I outline are Apple approved restore methods + based upon experience here and not a quick fix, but are sure to work as Apple recommends such steps themselves.
https://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570
If at any time you feel this is beyond your capability, please seek local professional assistance before you lose your data.
If you don't have any backup, please maintain at least a TM drive, just hook up a new blank external drive and TM will ask you to make a backup, takes some time so let it work.
If your a bit more skilled, a option bootable clone is much superior than TM drive.
Good luck
<Edited by Host>