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Updated Wednesday, October 22 2008 @ 02:55 PM PDT

Today's Featured Article
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Mac OS X 10.5.5: Wireless settings not sticking

Some users have experienced an issue in which systems do not save WiFi network settings, resulting in the network setup information needing to be reentered whenever the computer is restarted.

Apple Discussions poster Frank Gayer writes:

"I use a MacBook in a wireless network. On my iMac the Network-Settings are the same as on my Macbook. If i restart the Macbook the WLAN-Settings are gone and i have to input all settings like WPA2 and so on."

Users with this problem have tried altering the network settings, checking options to remember networks the user has joined, and also checking the keychains to ensure the passwords for WiFi connections are being properly stored. However, these efforts have proven unsuccessful, and the constant resetting indicates the system is not able to either store these settings or properly retrieve them from system configuration files.

For the network settings and other global configurations, the preference files are not stored in the user's home folder, but instead are located in the library folder at the root of the hard drive. This specific problem is a result of a corrupt AirPort preferences file.

Fix: Remove the AirPort preferences file Locate the file named com.apple.airport.preferences.plist, which is stored in the /Macintosh HD/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/ folder and remove it. Then reboot the computer and set up the WiFi connection again.

4 comments Most Recent Post: 10/22 08:40PM by angel218


Late-Breakers Late-Breakers

iPhone 3G Cannot Find/Connect to WiFi Networks

Several users have reported an issue in which the iPhone 3G fails to find and or connect to otherwise valid WiFi networks. A sampling of reports from this Apple Discussions thread:

  • "My laptop can find my router network fine. I reset my router and iPhone but my iPhone still cant find any routers. I reset the network settings too. If I try to put in the name and password manually it just says 'Joining InsertNetworkNameHere' Over and over, with no results."
  • "Suddenly my iPhone 3g can't find any wifi network. I have restored factory configuration but still the same. Yesterday my iPhone could find 4-5 wifi networks including my own now not even one."
  • "My brother and sister have iPod touches and theirs each work fine on my home network. I got an iphone last Tuesday, had to get update to start, won't connect to my home network."

Read More...

1 comments Most Recent Post: 10/23 02:24AM by msozer

Late-Breakers Late-Breakers

Tip: New MacBook trackpad usage

The MultiTouch trackpads on the new MacBooks do not have separate clickable butons; instead, the entire surface acts as a button. While this new design has been well accepted by Macintosh users, some potential buyers may have concerns and a few new users may have to get used to the new trackpads having touch surfaces on the button mechanism.

In contrast to Apple's advertisements and popular belief, the new trackpads are not true "click anywhere" trackpads. They are mounted on a springboard-like hinge system that is connected to the chassis along the top edge of the trackpad opening. This means that while the trackpad can be clicked on the majority of the surface, as users click towards the top it will get harder to press down. At the very top edge of the trackpad it will be extremely hard to press the button down.

This results in the area along the bottom edge being the best place to click the trackpad, making the new trackpad system much easier to work with if users treat it like an old button-based system. As such, the first recommendation for new trackpad users is to just "trust it" and treat it like an old trackpad. On older trackpad systems, many users tended to click with the side of the thumb while moving and dragging around with their index finger, and this behavior will still work as it used to if users position their hands over the trackpad as they would any other trackpad.

Some users have found that using their thumbs on the "touch" surface has been a burden since they may inadvertently move the cursor or activate unwanted functions such as zooming. If users feel they want to change things up and no longer wish to use their thumbs, one way to help train the hand to not use the thumb is to tuck it under the front of the computer's body, or at least keep it off the front of the case. Doing this will keep it out of the way and allow only the fingers to have access to the touchpad and over time users will get accustomed to using only their fingers.

Feedback? http://www.macfixit.com/contact.

6 comments Most Recent Post: 10/22 08:39PM by angel218

Late-Breakers Late-Breakers

Apple releases AirPort 2008-003... or does it?

Earlier today, Apple released AirPort 2008-003, an update for the wireless networking hardware built-in to various Macs. The update is now, however, nowhere to be found.

Regardless, at least a handful of MacFixIt readers have reported a lack of success in resolving wireless issues via this update. One reader writes:

"Lots of people, including myself, have had very intermittent wireless connections since upgrading to "AirPort Extreme update 2008-002" back in June. Apple finally acknowledges this by patching it with 'AirPort extreme update 2008-003' which came out today 10/21. Well guess what... I'm still having the same problem after the update. It may be a little bit better, but only a little. I've already trouble shot this with Applecare last week, and we confirmed it was not hardware related, but a software issue. This update was suppose to fix it, and in my case...it has not.

If you managed to sneak this update in before Apple pulled it, please let us know your thoughts.

8 comments Most Recent Post: 10/22 08:39PM by angel218

Late-Breakers Late-Breakers

Late-2008 MacBooks: Image problems on external displays with mini-DisplayPort converters

The new MacBooks and MacBook Pros come with a Mini-DisplayPort adaptor for external video, and Apple supplies various adaptors (DP to DVI, and DP to VGA) to accommodate current monitors. Some users are having difficulties with their adaptors when connected to certain monitors.

Apple Discussions poster Ocell writes:

"I have the exact same problem with my Viewsonic VG2030wm 20" LCD. I've ruled out bad DVI cables. The Macbook Pro works with my 12" Cintiq's display, and the Viewsonic works with my Intel iMac, so the video out/mini displayport adaptor/dvi cable/viewsonic display are all operational. It's just the specific combination of the Macbook Pro and Viewsonic that doesn't work."

This problem has been found to frequently occur with DVI adaptors attached to their computers, however it has also happened with users connecting to the VGA adaptors. In these cases, unlike the DVI situation where no signal gets through, users have noticed the screen blinking or shutting off at random times. While drivers may definitely be suspect, the problem appears to be hardware-related since users have experienced the issue both in Mac OS X as well as in Windows via Boot Camp.

The DisplayPort connections used on the new MacBooks have slight differences in their protocols than other connection types, which allows for expanded functions in smaller connectors, but also can run users into difficulties, especially when older connetion types are used. While there could be software involvement in this problem, it sounds like there's most likely a firmware-related problem that hopefully can be patched by Apple, or at least be accommodated for in a driver update.

Things to Try

Reset the monitor to defaults If there is a method for fully resetting the monitor, try doing that first. Most have a menu option to reset to factory defaults, but in addition there may be a way to fully reset the device such as unplugging it for an extended period of time. This information may be available on the manufacturer's website, or users can just try unplugging the device for an extended period such as 20-30 minutes.

Toggle various monitor setups In the "Displays" system preferences, toggle desktop mirroring on and off to see if the monitor is not just extending the desktop to the second monitor. Especially if users have black wallpaper on their desktops, secondary monitors that are just serving as extended desktops may appear to be off when connected. Alternatively users can try dragging documents off the sides of their main monitor to see if they go over to the second monitor.

Reset the computer Users might try resetting the computer's PRAM (which does contain some graphics parameters) by holding the options, command, P, and R keys down at bootup until the computer resets and makes the boot chimes again. Release the keys and allow the computer to boot normally. Additionally, users might try resetting the computer's system management controller. Here is an Apple Support article on how to do that.

Use a different monitor Unfortunately, with hardware problems such as this users will not be able to do much, so if another monitor is available that works then users should switch to that.

Try another adaptor Many monitors support both VGA and DVI inputs, and there is potential for users to get things working by using another connection type. Additionally, while it may be a long shot, users might also try chaining together various adaptors. For instance, users might try going from displayport to DVI, and then using a DVI to VGA adaptor as the next connection, to see if that somehow sends a proper signal to the monitor.

4 comments Most Recent Post: 10/22 08:39PM by angel218

Late-Breakers Late-Breakers

Mac OS X 10.5.5: Wireless settings not sticking

Some users have experienced an issue in which systems do not save WiFi network settings, resulting in the network setup information needing to be reentered whenever the computer is restarted.

Apple Discussions poster Frank Gayer writes:

"I use a MacBook in a wireless network. On my iMac the Network-Settings are the same as on my Macbook. If i restart the Macbook the WLAN-Settings are gone and i have to input all settings like WPA2 and so on."

Users with this problem have tried altering the network settings, checking options to remember networks the user has joined, and also checking the keychains to ensure the passwords for WiFi connections are being properly stored. However, these efforts have proven unsuccessful, and the constant resetting indicates the system is not able to either store these settings or properly retrieve them from system configuration files.

For the network settings and other global configurations, the preference files are not stored in the user's home folder, but instead are located in the library folder at the root of the hard drive. This specific problem is a result of a corrupt AirPort preferences file.

Fix: Remove the AirPort preferences file Locate the file named com.apple.airport.preferences.plist, which is stored in the /Macintosh HD/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/ folder and remove it. Then reboot the computer and set up the WiFi connection again.

2 comments Most Recent Post: 10/22 08:39PM by angel218

Late-Breakers Late-Breakers

Late-2008 MacBooks: Display hinge apparently loose

Some Late-2008 MacBook users have posted complaints about the hinges on their computers apparently not holding the display open properly, resulting in the display either falling open or closing on them.

Apple Discussions poster Tul3erhead:

"Last night I was laying down on my back, with my MBP on my knees, angled. I noticed that if I angled it a little more, the display couldn't keep open and would swing down, not quite closing but to the point where I can't see the screen, as if the display hinge is a little loose."

The displays for the new MacBooks are slightly heavier than those of previous versions, mainly because of the use of glass in the display instead of plastic. As such, Apple appears to have designed compensation mechanisms into the display hinge to make it open easily and close without slamming shut. The spring systems used in these compensation mechanisms are built to hold the display open in a normal sitting position. With the computer body flat, the screen should hold its position at any angle, but if users angle the body up steeply (ie: when sitting or laying knees-up on a bed), this can add unexpected weight to the compensation springs and cause the display to tilt down some more until the springs tighten up enough to stop the display again.

This design is convenient for the heavier display, but unfortunately does assume the computer should be kept more flat, or at least that the display be kept as vertical as possible when the body is at a steep angle. Despite this, however, if users are noticing that the display seems a bit loose or that it falls even with the body in a flat position, it is recommended to take it to an Apple store for inspection. If the display is behaving abnormally then Apple will readily replace it.

Feedback? http://www.macfixit.com/contact.

8 comments Most Recent Post: 10/22 08:39PM by angel218

Late-Breakers Late-Breakers

Late-2008 MacBooks: Migration Assistant fails

Users who have just purchased new MacBooks may run into an issue in which the Migration Assistant fails to properly transfer data.

Apple Discussions poster fghia writes:

"I just bought the new aluminum MacBook and I am trying to move my files and settings across from my IMac. I set up the DVD / CD share software on both machines. I tried connecting both via direct Ethernet cable and wireless. Both machines are stuck on 'Preparing Information' for a long time, then i get a "Network Connection Failed" error message on the MacBook."

Being first-run hardware, the new MacBooks have had some glitches that have been addressed by software updates from Apple. Before running Migration Assistant on the new MacBooks directly out of the box, connect them to the Internet and run Software Update. Apple recently released software updates for the new MacBooks as well as for Migration Assistant. The standalone installers for these updates are available here:

It is recommended that users apply the Migration Assistant update to all computers, to ensure they are running the same version of the driver and utility software before transferring data from one Mac to another. Doing so has solved the Migration Assistant issues for users.

11 comments Most Recent Post: 10/22 08:39PM by angel218

Late-Breakers Late-Breakers

QuickTime 7.5.5: H.264 playback stutters

Many QuickTime users use the H.264 codec to encode content, but under QuickTime 7.5.5, some users are experiencing stuttering upon playback of encoded video.

Apple Discussions poster Disctrict: "I've been encoding to H.264 for over a year...I most often use 720p25 format (1280x720 progressive, 25fps), at 6Mbps, encoding from a progressive source (Photo-JPEG or HDV 720p) in Compressor...watching the H.264 encode in QT Player (vsn 7.5.5) it stutters really badly."

When users have nudged through videos with this problem, its apparent the movie is only advancing every other frame in the forward direction, but seems to show every frame properly when nudged in reverse. This problem seems to affect other QuickTime-related players as well, since it has been reported in iDVD; however, the movies play fine in VLC and other players that do not rely on QuickTime. In addition, users have tried changing encoding settings, such as keyframes, bit rate, and quality settings, but still experience the problem.

This particular issue is related to an incompatibility with the Perian plugin that many users install to enhance their QuickTime installation by adding support for various popular video formats not native to QuickTime.

Fixes:

Update Perian The version 1.1.1 update for Perian is available here. While users have updated the plug-in, for some the stuttering came back; however, this was most likely due to the plugin not being properly updated. It is recommended that users download the Perian update and install it. Then right-click the Perian.prefPane file, choose "Show Package Contents", and navigate to the /Contents/Resources/Components/ folder and drag the "Perian.zip" file to the Desktop. Unzip the file and then drag the resulting Perian.component file to the /Macintosh HD/Library/QuickTime/ folder, replacing older versions. Doing this has fixed the stuttering issue for users.

Uninstall Perian If users are not actively using Perian then uninstalling it may be the best option to prevent any incompatibilities with future updates from affecting the system. To do this, remove the Perian.component file from the /Macintosh HD/Library/QuickTime/ folder.

8 comments Most Recent Post: 10/22 08:39PM by angel218

Late-Breakers Late-Breakers

Security Update 2008-007 (#2): Cannot startup, WebCore app issues, slow Internet, more

Cannot startup Several users have reported difficulty starting up after applying Security Update 2008-007. These issues include getting stuck at the Apple logo-gray screen and undesired boots into single-user mode.

MacFixIt reader Michael writes:

"When I updated the Security Update 2008-007, my iMac 24 inch dual-core, I see the Apple logo and the spinning wheel for about a minute, and then it shuts down and starts up again."

Another reader writes:

"Yesterday i update my MacBook with security update 2008 07 intel and my Mac doesn't restart properly. It display black screen and line code."

Yet another reader adds:

"Both mine MacBook Air and Imac, running 10.5.5, had a panic kernel after rebooting while doing this update. Didn't try with the Macmini, because it acts as my server and I donīt won't to take a chance."

The first recommended procedure, if you are experiencing this issue, is to simply boot in Safe Mode -- accomplished by holding down the Shift key while your Mac is starting up. After the safe boot, restart normally. A number of maintenance tasks are performed during the safe boot, and you might not need to perform any additional troubleshooting. You might receive a message indicating that the update has finished installing after performing the safe boot.

You can also try temporarily disconnecting any USB, FireWire other otherwise-connected external peripherals then re-attempt startup.

Other possible include resetting the PRAM (hold options-command-P-R keys at bootup until the computer chimes, then resets and chimes again) and SMC resets (Portables, Mac Pro), as well as shutting the computer completely off and unplugging it for a few minutes before starting it back up.

Failing the aforementioned, peruse our tutorial titled "Startup fails (particularly after a system or security update); solving." One of the solutions listed there -- including delete specific caches, rooting out problematic kernel extensions, repairing drive damage, and disconnecting external devices -- might prove successful.

If worse comes to worst, you may need to reinstall the system (even though reinstalling the system isn't that bad), via our tutorial.

Safari, Mail.app, other WebKit apps crash Although Security Update 2008-007 does not make any explicit changes to WebKit, some users are experiencing issues with WebKit-based apps, including Safari, Mail.app and others, after applying the update.

One reader writes:

"Yesterday I installed the latest Security Update on my PPC G4 17". Initially I had crashing problems with Safari only. This morning any app which relies on WebCore appears to be unstable. These include Mail & Safari.. Both Mail and Safari crash here: "com.apple.WebCore 0x95c0dc84 WebCore::SVGPathSegListBuilder::svgCurveToCubicSmooth(double, double, double, double, bool) + 580"

A potential workaround for this issue is to install the latest version of the nightly WebKit build, though doing so may obviate Apple-created security enhancements and possibly introduce other conflicts.

If you are experiencing similar issues, please let us know.

Cannot login Some users are experiencing an inability to login to any user accounts after Security Update 2008-007. One reader writes:

"I am having major problems after applying the security update onto my PowerBook G4 (1 GHz) running OS X 10.4.11. The installation took about 20 minutes, which was odd in itself. Upon restarting, again, it was slow... and when I got to the login screen, the passwords are not working for any of the users on the machine, and it hangs on shutting down/restarting. Everything is there on the hard drive, I am just in the process of trying to copy everything off and go the clean install route. A pain, but I hope it works."

Apple's Knowledge Base document TS1543, which suggests starting in single-user mode and deleting the AuthenticationAuthority file may prove helpful in this situation.

Wireless Internet slow Some users have reported slow wireless Internet access after applying Security Update 2008-007. One reader writes:

"My wireless internet connection has slowed to a crawl after installing the new Security Update."

The most promising fix for this issue involves adding DNS servers, such as those from OpenDNS, to Mac OS X's repertoire. Open System Preferences and click "Network." Select "Built In Ethernet" and click Advanced. Select the DNS tab and add:

  • 208.67.222.222
  • 208.67.220.220

to the DNS server list. If you currently have DNS entries, note them and keep them in a separate location but replace them with the aforementioned.

Some users have found that turning off all of equipment, waiting a few minutes, then turning it all back on results in elimination of the network lag.

Cell phone modem issues Some users have reported issues with tethered (cell phones as modems) after the update. One reader writes:

"I've done some checking and there is an issue with waking from sleep and reconnecting with CDMA modems on 10.4.11. If sleep is automatic or requested, with or without the modem session being disconnected, 10.4.11 will not reconnect. The response message states 'disconnected by remote site' but this is likely not the correct cause.

"When using a different user (or a new one) and carrying out the setup the issue is repeatable. Apple Support shows no search responses to address issues with modems, CDMA or GSM internet usage. Perhaps this is due to the 3rd party drivers that are required."

If you are experiencing a similar issue, please let us know.

Cannot adjust volume A MacFixIt reader writes:

"After installing Security Update 2008-007, I can no longer adjust the system volume. Checking the System Preferences -> Sound, gives me 'No output devices found' in the Output tab."

Some users have reported that resetting the PRAM has worked to resolve this issue. To do this, shut down your Mac, then start it back up while immediately holding the following keys: Command, Option, P and R. Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the third time.

Display distortion Some users report issues with display distortion after the update. One MacFixIt reader reports that corrupt NVRAM may be involved.

"I installed security update 2008 007 last night and turned my computer off afterwards. When I started it up this morning it worked for about 10 minutes before the display went crazy. I did a hardware test and it seems the vram has an error- not sure if its related to the update but it seems fishy."

PRAM resets, as indicated in the section above, also reset NVRAM, and may be effective for this issue.

Feedback? http://www.macfixit.com/contact.

Previous coverage:

6 comments Most Recent Post: 10/22 08:39PM by angel218

Late-Breakers Late-Breakers

"New Mail" tone sounds with no new messages

In complete contrast to some users' experiences of a marked lack of "New Mail" sounds in Mail, others have had these sounds play at seeming random times, even when no new mail has arrived.

Apple Discussions poster kibia writes:

"Lately, over the last week or so, the "new e-mail message tone" plays even if no new e-mail has been received in Mac Mail. This is incredibly annoying."

There are several possible reasons why the new mail sounds would seem to occur without any new messages showing up. The first is if there are rules set for messages to move them to specific mailboxes and mark them as "read". This could result in Mail sounding new mail alerts but when users check there are no apparent new messages. In addition, sometimes mail that's flagged as junk and automatically moved to the junk mail folder may sound the new mail alerts. Beyond sounding in response to incoming messages, there may be problems with Mail's preferences files that have the sounds playing at random times.

There are several things users can do to help correct this problem, including changing a few preference settings either in Mail or by forcing the program to make a new preference file.

Potential Fixes

Perform a permissions fix The first thing users should try is to fix the permissions on the boot drive using Disk Utility. A couple of users have reported the problem disappearing after trying this.

Toggle new mail alert preferences Under the "General" tab in Mail's preferences, change the "New mail sound" option to another alert sound, and close the preferences. Then open them again and toggle the alert sound back. In addition, try toggling the "Play sounds for other mail actions" option back and forth. Hopefully doing this will write the sound-related preferences back to the preferences file, ensuring the settings are properly accessible.

Remove the Mail preferences file Lastly, users can remove the mail preferences file to have the program write a new one and hopefully overcome any corruption in the file that may be leading to this behavior. To do this, remove the com.apple.Mail.plist file located in the /username/Library/Preferences/ folder. When this is done users will have to re-enter their mail account information, but downloaded messages and organized mailboxes should not be affected.

4 comments Most Recent Post: 10/12 11:00AM by rnorris2

Late-Breakers Late-Breakers

iCal calendars changing to read-only

Some users have had problems with iCal changing calendars to read-only, which results in an error when users attempt to edit events or add new ones.

Apple Discussions poster TTemp writes:

"My iCal changed to 'Read-only' calendar a couple of days ago for some strange reason. When trying to write in my calendar I get 'Read-only Calendar' 'You cannot change events or To Do in a read-only calendar.'"

For some users, this problem has self-corrected, with the calendar reverting back after a week or so of being "read-only". This is puzzling behavior, but indicates there could be something wrong with either iCal or perhaps some synchronizing functions such as iSync or MobileMe. This is not a new problem, as users running OS X 10.4 have had this issue as well as those running 10.5. Still, while the specific cause of the problem is not known, users can force calendars back to being editable by exporting them and reimporting them.

Fix: Reimport affected calendars In iCal, select the problematic calendar and choose "Export" from the "File" menu. This will allow the calendar to be saved to a temporary location such as the Desktop. When the calendar has been saved, delete it from iCal and then from the "File" menu, select "import" and import the previously saved calendar. This should allow the calendar to be readable again.

5 comments Most Recent Post: 10/22 08:39PM by angel218

Late-Breakers Late-Breakers

Apple TV 2.2: endless restarts; sleep/standby function change

Endless Restarts A surprisingly high number of users have reported an issue in which the Apple TV is rendered non-functional by the Apple TV 2.2 update. For these users, the unit goes into an endless restart loop. Sample reports from MacFixIt readers:

  • "Totally hosed my Apple TV. After updating, it went into an endless loop of restarting. Running diagnostics said the software was OK, but I ended up having to factory restore and reinstall the update. Now I just have to resync 50GB of media -- which should take, oh, a week or so.
  • "I downloaded the update, did the install and it restarted. The startup movie came on, but the Apple logo just keeps flashing on and off. It won't get to the main menu. Unplugged the Apple TV and got the same result."
  • "The latest update bricked my Apple TV. The Apple logo flickers constantly. Reset does not work and am about to try factory reset. Forums are already starting to fill up with complaints. Thanks Apple!"

A post by an Apple representative claims:

"Apple briefly experienced server difficulties resulting in some Apple TV units rebooting continuously. This issue has been resolved and is unrelated to the Apple TV 2.2 software release."

Try rebooting your Apple TV by pressing the "-" and menu buttons simultaneously for several seconds.

Failing that, reset the Apple TV to factory default settings.

Sleep/standby function annoyance Apple TV 2.2 update makes an annoying change to sleep functionality. Per one MacFixIt reader:

"Previously, to put your ATV to sleep, you could press the Play/Pause button on the Remote Control for about 5-7 sec, and do this in any menu, any place. Now (2.2), you can use this command only on the top of menu hierarchy, which makes it an obligation to navigate to this main menu each time you want to put ATV to sleep (tested on 2 ATVs) I dont see any justification to this "feature" ; a bug ? (not a major one, just annoying)"

Feedback? http://www.macfixit.com/contact.

4 comments Most Recent Post: 10/20 08:17PM by angel218

Late-Breakers Late-Breakers

iTunes 8.0.1: browsing the iTunes store causes crashes

When some users attempt to access the iTunes store, the iTunes application will crash. This problem seems to happen randomly, and for most with this problem, it appears to affect the whole system.

Apple Discussions poster Laura in CT writes: "I'll be browsing and suddenly--no warning, no spinning beachball--my entire computer is non-responsive. I can move my mouse, but no buttons work, cannot force quit, and I must shut down via the power button."

While this problem has cropped up for some uses more recently with the iTunes 8 upgrades, a similar problem, in which the store would crash iTunes immediately when users clicked on it, has been ongoing for other users since iTunes 7. While this problem persisted in iTunes 8, users were able to fix the issue by updating to iTunes 8.0.1. As such, for any of these problem users should ensure they have the latest update installed for the program to ensure known bugs are addressed.

For the current issue at hand, however, some users have not had success with updating to iTunes 8.0.1, and some have even gone so far as to reinstall the operating system using an Archive and Install, but that has resulted in the same problem. For some, this issue cannot be readily replicated, but for others, it happens repeatedly for certain actions such as scrolling down the main iTunes page.

This type of behavior suggests a faulty QuickTime installation; when iTunes attempts to display new content in the main window it crashes. This may be related to reports of iChat freezing when users attempt to run video conferencing after installing the latest version of QuickTime, which was released around the time of the iTunes 8 upgrade. Reinstalling the QuickTime update worked for some of these users.

Potential Fix

Reapply the iTunes and QuickTime updates It is recommended that users try downloading the updater files for both QuickTime 7.5.5 and iTunes 8.0.1, and applying them when booted in Safe Mode. The files can be downloaded from the following links:

When the files have been downloaded, reboot the computer and hold the shift key to get into safe mode. Then apply the updates and restart the system.

Perform standard fix attempts Standard fixes for these problem might include running a permissions fix on the hard drive with Disk Utility, and removing the iTunes and QuickTime-related preference files. These files are located in the following directories:

  • /username/Library/Preferences/com.apple.iTunes.plist
  • /Macintosh HD/Library/QuickTime/com.apple.QuickTime.plist
8 comments Most Recent Post: 10/22 08:46PM by angel218

Late-Breakers Late-Breakers

Safari 4 developer preview problems

Since Apple released the Safari 4 update for developer testing, many users have decided to install the software on their systems. While users may be eager to test out the latest features in Safari and experiment with the newest software from Apple, this practice is not recommended because of the potential problems that can arise from software that has not been fully tested. Just a few of the problems users have experienced by installing the Safari 4 beta:

  • Mail unexpectedly quitting on start
  • Nightly "WebKit" builds not working
  • Various websites not working, such as MobileMe
  • Inability to edit or create ToDos in Mail.

While most of the problems users are experiencing seem to be with either Mail, MobileMe, or iCal, it is possible that other system features could also be affected by the presence of beta software. As such, if users are experiencing bizarre problems with any of these applications and have installed the Safari 4 developer preview, it is recommended that they uninstall the software as a first step in troubleshooting the problems. To check what version of Safari is installed, users can right-click the application in the Finder and get information. The latest released version is 3.1.2.

4 comments Most Recent Post: 10/22 08:46PM by angel218

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