March 08 software updates trigger iMac failure?

I just got back from a trip, turned on my iMac G5, came back with some coffee and saw "software updates are available for your computer - install now?" So I unplugged everything (old habit), said yes, and clicked on "restart" when it asked. The computer did the install, restarted, and came back on with no startup chime, no slot-loading CD drive noise, no monitor activity, and the fans running at 100%. I let it sit for a couple hours, still no change. After pressing and holding the power button to shut it off, I unplugged the machine from power (PMU reset procedure) and attempted to reboot. No luck.
Since then I've tried
- boot into Target disk mode: same symptoms, no FWTDM at all
- boot from CD: same symptoms, drive will not make a startup noise nor suck in a CD. Using original disks and/or Disk Warrior 4.1.
- boot into safe mode: same symptoms. Have tried wired and wireless keyboards both verified to work with other macs.
Next I'm going to try taking out the 2GB Ram and replacing the original Ram, but I don't expect that to change things for the better. The computer was working fine under the old RAM for at least 4 months prior to these software updates.
SO, any other suggestions? I've been using macs since 1988 and am considered the resident Apple Genius, but this one has me stumped. My iMac is a Rev B which has had the power supply and hard drive replaced on apple care. All the latest updates, regular care and feeding with Disk Utility, OnyX and Disk Warrior, backups with Time Machine, etc.

The saga continues. The iMac would not restart after either a shutdown, restart, or sleep cycle. I opened it back up, removed and replaced the RAM, and it started fine. But would not restart - just a black screen, no startup chime, and 100% fan speed.
I removed the back and put it right back on - no other hardware changes. Same sequence: good first boot, failed subsequent boots.
I unscrewed the back, DIDN'T move it AT ALL, screwed it back together, and same sequence: good first boot. Very strange. The iMac must have a continuity check that involves the three screws. When the screws get backed out, the circuit must get broken and trigger something.
So I ran the OS X 10.5.2 combo updater over top of the existing 10.5.2 install. After the install was complete, I got a little message that said the computer needed to update Boot Cache files and restart. Crossing my fingers, I clicked OK.
So far no problems. My guess is that there is a hardware override of boot cache after the case is opened. Then on subsequent reboots without a hardware config change (actual or assumed by a screw movement), the system looks for the boot cache. The recent updates corrupted those files or something in the process, making the mac hang. By over-installing the combo update, I forced the boot caches into a usable format again.
The phantom part is shown in this photo. (Right click and open in new window to see bigger). The offending part and gapping are both on the power button and peripheral port side of the computer (left when viewed from the back). It looks like a printed circuit board held on by a hard drive mounting screw: .
The right side is perfectly flush as it's supposed to be. The case warping on the left side is shown in this photo: .
Any thoughts?

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After latest Software Update my iMac goes to a prohibition sign on startup

iMac Info:
24" Intel Core 2 Duo, 2.66Ghz, 4GB Ram, yadda yadda
The latest software update notice I received informed me the following new software was available:
* Performance Update (version 1.0)
* iMovie Update (version 8.0.5)
I told it to install the updates, after which the computer had to be restarted. Upon restart the computer seems to be restarting normally, ie: the bell tolls and the Apple symbol shows above the spinning icon. But after what seems like a very long time a "no symbol" aka "prohibition sign" takes the place of the Apple logo, and the spinning icon remains. Nothing else happens. To see the screen I'm referring to check this image:
http://donnypauling.com/images/prohibitionsign.jpg
*Here's what I have done so far:*
* I called expert case support and we tried a few things. The guy I talked to decided that I needed to use my snow leopard disk to use time machine to restore my system to the way it was before the software updates. He figured something must have been corrupted in the software update. I couldn't find my Snow Leopard disk so he emailed me instructions to follow when I finally found it.
* After finally finding the disk I followed his instructions and restored my system to an October 8th backup.
* Upon restart all was supposed to be well. That didn't happen. The same problem persists.
* Support is now closed, so here I am searching these discussion forums. One thread mentioned a similar problem and it was recommended that the person start in safe mode and repair disk permissions. Sure enough, my iMac starts in Safe Mode. I repaired disk permissions. Restarted the iMac. The same problem still exists.
Now what?
Message was edited by: Donny Paulling
Message was edited by: Donny Paulling

I have had similar issues since upgrading to Snow Leopard. The first time, I took my MacBook to be checked and the tech said it booted up fine under another startup disk. Since it's under warranty, they just reloaded the original system (Leopard) and I needed to rely on a time machine backup. Now, after the latest software update from Apple, I had the same problem, and am restoring from the latest Time Machine backup.
Does anyone know if this is a systemic problem? Any tips on preventing a repeat the next time I need to update my system software?
Thanks.
-- Al

Software update on iMac. Trying to update software I get message "an error has occurred. the request has been timed out" how do i know if there are updates?

Am trying to update software through "Software Update" on my iMac (latest Lion operating system).
I keep getting message "An error has occurred. The request timed out"
How do I know if there are software dates available to down load.
Ernie

Two things, bushmanernie (love the name)
First what version of Lion are you running and have you downloaded any Combo updates since you installed it.
Second; I see you only have 10.6.2 in your profile. You might like to update it.
I don't have Lion myself but I'm guessing you don't have the very latest version. You can check what should be available through the opening Apple support page > downloads.

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I installed the software update today, but now the screen resolution has shrunk dramatically - I can barely make out my text. I'm now limited to 2 resolution options, the current one and another that just blows everything up and cuts it off to the point of ridiculous. I cannot use my computer and my computer is how I earn a living. Please help.

Try downloading the combo update (http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1524) and re-install that. It may fix the problem.
Also, see the posts in More Like This. There may be something useful in those.

I just downloaded software update for iMac Intel Core i5 10.6.8 and Office applications are frozen

I just loaded a software update and word will not save, entourage will not add documents, and is anybody else experiencing this. Download was about 45 mins ago on 2/1/12 Californai time (8:10pm).

Hi there,
Thank you for your response – I am running 10.6.8 (apologies for any confusion).
I have just returned from a meeting so was pleasantly surprised to see so many responses. And I normally *do* know better and in my old job I would have never updated whilst on a deadline. Somehow working from home (only my second week) has made me forget all the rules!
Any suggestions welcome. Meanwhile will try what others have come up with.
Cheers

March 2009 Software Updates for C4580

I only have two problems left with my printer: (1) it loses its connection if you don't print for a while and (2) it becomes unresponsive if you don't print for a while. The only way to cure either issue is to restart my whole system including modem and routers, unplugging the printer and leaving it unplugged for at least 5 minutes (if I don't, it turns on automatically when I plug it in, and it is still unresponsive).
I was delighted to see the patches - I had read that the one to cure the unresponsiveness was due out in March. Here's the problem: I can't install either one of them! When I look up the drivers for my specific printer, both of these are listed. The one to correct the connection loss says that I don't have the right device so I don't need the update. The one to correct unresponsiveness insists that my printer is not connected...even though it is and is printing just fine.
I don't understand in the first case if the driver is listed under my model why I am blocked from download, and in the second case why it can't seem to "find" my printer. As an attempt around this, I ran my HP Update software and it did download an update xx.xx.12 (I don't remember the first part!). So, I'm wondering if those fixes were in the update - does anyone know if there is a way to find out? I've searched everywhere to try to find out. And if not, does anyone have any experience with these patches that might be able to help me troubleshoot? I'm out of ideas.
Thank you very much for your time!!!

The saga continues. The iMac would not restart after either a shutdown, restart, or sleep cycle. I opened it back up, removed and replaced the RAM, and it started fine. But would not restart - just a black screen, no startup chime, and 100% fan speed.
I removed the back and put it right back on - no other hardware changes. Same sequence: good first boot, failed subsequent boots.
I unscrewed the back, DIDN'T move it AT ALL, screwed it back together, and same sequence: good first boot. Very strange. The iMac must have a continuity check that involves the three screws. When the screws get backed out, the circuit must get broken and trigger something.
So I ran the OS X 10.5.2 combo updater over top of the existing 10.5.2 install. After the install was complete, I got a little message that said the computer needed to update Boot Cache files and restart. Crossing my fingers, I clicked OK.
So far no problems. My guess is that there is a hardware override of boot cache after the case is opened. Then on subsequent reboots without a hardware config change (actual or assumed by a screw movement), the system looks for the boot cache. The recent updates corrupted those files or something in the process, making the mac hang. By over-installing the combo update, I forced the boot caches into a usable format again.
The phantom part is shown in this photo. (Right click and open in new window to see bigger). The offending part and gapping are both on the power button and peripheral port side of the computer (left when viewed from the back). It looks like a printed circuit board held on by a hard drive mounting screw: .
The right side is perfectly flush as it's supposed to be. The case warping on the left side is shown in this photo: .
Any thoughts?

Software update for iMac OS X 10.5.8

I'm looking to upgrade an iMac with OS X 10.5.8 to read the new iphone 5s. Am I correct in thinking that Snow LeopardOS X 6 is the way to go?

The minimum is v10.6.8 to sync with an iPhone 5S as noted here > Apple - iPhone 5s - Technical Specifications
Before purchasing v10.6 Snow Leopard, make sure your Mac meest the requirements > Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard - Technical Specifications
Snow Leopard can be purchased from the Apple Store > Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Apple Store

HELP ASAP! Crashes after Software Update Failure.

Last night, used Software Update on iMac to update to Safari 5.0.4, Mac OSX 10.6.7 (OS is now 10.6.6), Java for 10.6 Update 4 and iTunes 10.2.1. It took a long time to Update--about 30-45 minutes--was at "putting things in their place" (or whatever) stage, then Update unsuccessful. Tried again this morning but only updated Mac OSX. Same thing happened.
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Ran Disk Repair from Application-->Utilities. Must Repair Disk. Started up from install disk, ran Disk Repair, got "Invalid Node Structure/1 volume could not be repaired because of an error" message.
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I have a WD Passport External back-up which I've never had to access. Can I get my Pages files to at least print out from the back-up?
What do I need to do to fix Invalid Node Structure? Please, please HELP!

I have a WD Passport Back up and it auto backs up every 30 - 60 minutes (can't remember what I set it at). I have Time Machine but haven't turned it on because I thought it might conflict with the Passport. I just tried to open the Passport and now it, too, is crashing.
Would turning on Time Machine mess things up if Passport is still working?
I did figure out a few ways to retrieve content from Pages. Attach the file to an email and mail it to someone who also has Pages. (My husband does but I think it's a diff. version because he can't ever open pages files I email to him.) The other way is to highlight the file in the folder, go to Finder-->File-->Quick Look. It will open a window with a readable version of the file, however you can't do much else with it--like print it. I took a screen capture of my file and then printed it out. Eureka!
But my computer is still screwed.
Thanks for all of your help! Let me know about turning Time Machine on.

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My system profiler lists my graphics chipset model as NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 yet software update is telling me to download the firmware update for the ATI Radeon HD 4850. I'm confused. Which card do I have? Can't find a reference to the ATI card anywhere on my 24" 2.93 GHz Core 2 Duo iMac and can't believe it'd install if it were the wrong one but.........

That link (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1237) certainly appears to suggest that the Firmware update might apply to most early 2009 iMacs.
However the release notes for the update state:-
"This update fixes intermittent system freeze issues for iMac computers with ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics and fixes wake-from-sleep issues in Boot Camp."
They also state:-
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IM91.008D.B08"
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I think that Apple needs to issue a definitive answer by way of amending the Software Update and Stand Alone download release notes that clears up the issue once and for all Also, if appropriate, they should stop the update appearing in Software Update on iMacs without the Radeon HD4850 graphics card.

Failed software update

Just ran a software update on iMac for iTunes and Lion, now not restarting, chime sounds, white screen for about 15 seconds then tries to restart again. Then loops like this. not sure what steps I can take now

Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode.* The instructions provided by Apple are as follows:
Shut down your computer, wait 30 seconds, and then hold down the shift key while pressing the power button.
When you see the gray Apple logo, release the shift key.
If you are prompted to log in, type your password, and then hold down the shift key again as you click Log in.
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If you can boot in safe mode, try to reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode.)

ITunes 10.5 did not install after software update ran.

After running software update on iMac 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 duo, the iTunes.app in the Applications folder is still 10.4.1.
I downloaded the installation dmg, and ran that twice. Still no change. What is going on?
The system updates were installed 10.7.2.

Praise God - I found the solution after hours of work: (1) Uninstall all Apple programs (itunes, Quicktime, Bonjour, .....); (2) Go to "Common Files" and delete all Apple files - this might be difficult for some are locked from you - you may have to change the "Owner" of the file in order to delete it - if that doesn't work "Rename the Apple Follder to something like Apple Old - that's like deleting it. Then download 10.5 from Apple and away you go - yippee.

Software Update Failure - Mid 2010 iMac / OSX 10.6.4

I just received a never before opened or used iMac that was sitting in a storage room at work since 2010. I have been attempting to update the software but it always fails. I have tried by clicking on the Software Update button located under About this Mac and through Apples website. Same error every time. I don't need to do anything fancy, just wanted to update to the latest software / OSX Mavericks. From what I have read my model is new enough and should upgrade, any help is appreciated.

If this Mac is still on OS X 10.6.4, you need to use the OS X Software Update feature in the OS X System Prefernces Panel to update to OS X 10.6.8.
This update will give you access to the Mac App Store where you can upgrade your Mac to OS X Mavericks.
What year, screen size, CPU speed and amount of RAM installed?
To find out info about your system,
click on the Apple symbol in the upper left of the OS X main menu bar. A drop down menu appears.
Click About this Mac. A smaller popup window appears. This gives you basic info like what version of OS X your iMac is running, the speed of your iMac's CPU and how much RAM is installed.
Click on the button that says More Info. A larger window appears giving you a complete overview of your iMac's hardware specs.
Highlight all of this info and copy/paste all of this into another reply to this post, editing out your iMac's serial number before actually posting the reply.
This will tell us everything about your iMac so we may begin to help with your iMac issues.
Before upgrading to OS X Mavericks, make sure that your Mac has, at least 4 GBs of RAM installed and meets these other requirements.
To install Mavericks, you need one of these Macs:
iMac (Mid-2007 or later)
MacBook (13-inch Aluminum, Late 2008), (13-inch, Early 2009 or later)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid-2009 or later),
MacBook Pro (15-inch or 17-inch, Mid/Late 2007 or later)
MacBook Air (Late 2008 or later)
Mac mini (Early 2009 or later)
Mac Pro (Early 2008 or later)
Xserve (Early 2009)
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OS X Mountain Lion, Lion, or Snow Leopard v10.6.8 already installed
2 GB or more of memory
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How dose AddPrinter.app trigger software update?

Has any one figured out how AddPrinter triggers software udpate to download and install printer drivers? Because it would be really cool to be able to add printers from the command line and still be able to trigger software update to download the printer drivers.

Thanks for the response, that is good to know!
I agree that you shouldn't wipe out completely. In my case however, I use a database to track alot of changes in my app.
By default, I create a copy of the source database, and the user's changes go to the copy. In my update, I released a new table in my database, but I'm guessing the user's database copy remained in their workspace. So essentially, any calls to the new table cause a system failure, or in my case a crash because the user's old version still referenced the old database.
Any ideas on how to approach this kind of problem? Is there a way to query a database version? I am using a sqlite3 database. Perhaps my app can check the working version of the database? And overwrite if it sees an older version?
Either that, or is there a way to modify the actual update/install process? So that my app will automatically clear a certain directory where my old database file is sitting?

Failure to download software updates and IP blacklisting

SOme setting on my computer is stopping me from downloading iPhone software and Office for Mac software updates (network time-out and 9006 errors). My IP address is also repeatedly being blacklisted at my web based ISP (they say because of my file sharing settings!). I am at a complete loss! I do not run any anti-virus or malware program. Is it my firewal setting? I have also tried to turn off Airport and effect downloads via ethernet cable directly to my router. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. My firewall log (see extract below) is full of stuff - mentions Dropbox data and nmbd data amongst other things - is this perhaps the problem? HELP!!!!
Apr 3 14:15:35: --- last message repeated 1 time ---
Apr 3 14:15:35 IDs-iMac Firewall[53]: Deny nmbd data in from 192.168.0.6:137 uid = 0 proto=17
Apr 3 14:15:53 IDs-iMac Firewall[53]: Deny Dropbox data in from 192.168.0.6:17500 uid = 0 proto=17
Apr 3 14:16:23: --- last message repeated 1 time ---
Apr 3 14:16:23 IDs-iMac Firewall[53]: Deny Dropbox data in from 192.168.0.6:17500 uid = 0 proto=17

The IP address 192 etc is my router!
Had a look at my Firewall settings in System Preferences.
Allow all incoming connections is ticked.
In the box below under File Sharing (AFP) is -
BackService.app - Block incoming connections.
Does this have anything to do with my failure to download the software?
I have managed to do Microsoft Office software updates and a few others, so it appears to only be the iPhone update and my web based email being blocked (blacklisting my IP address) - this service provider says it is something to do with file sharing and their system being "pinged" too many times in a short time frame and thus automatically blocking my IP.
Am so confused as to how to solve this......

I can't open almost any app on my iMac (OSX Lion 10.7.4). Every time I attempt to do so, the app "unexpedtely quits" and can't go further. This happens with iTunes (when I turn to the iTunes Store), MacApp Store, Software updates an many other apps...

I can't open almost any app on my iMac (OSX Lion 10.7.4). Every time I attempt to do so, the affected app "unexpedtely quits", showing a window (sort of expanded dialog box) with the log history, wich form a complete report wich is said to be sent to Apple. Despite that this window has a "restart" button, I haven't been able to go any further from this point, as it repeats the process again and again, impeding me to use the affected app.
This has get to a critical point, as it is afecting apps like iTunes (especifically when I turn to the iTunes Store from within te app), MacApp Store, Software Updates (I can't update anything, given this problem) and many other apps, including Aperture 3, Fusion 4, integrated Dictionary and Wikipedia, as I've been able to verify.
As far as I'm concerned, it hasn't affected apps like Office, Vectorworks, Pixelmator, iDraw, Quick Note...
Can anybody help me on this matter?
Thanks a lot, in advance...
Marcus

Use Lion Recovery to repair the startup disk if necessary, or reinstall the Mac OS X.

March 08 software updates trigger iMac failure?

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