Level 2

470 points

Update downloads keep stopping.......

For some reason, whenever I try to get updates (either via Software Update or by manually downloading the needed updates from the Apple site), they always stop (sometimes @ 5 MB, sometimes @ 9 MB, or whatever MB). Has anyone else experienced this?? I have no problems updating the PC that is in the same room as my Mac. In fact, it is downloading & installing updates right now for iTunes & QuickTime without any issues. This has me puzzled. My internet service provider verified the line & found no packet losses. Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

G5 2.0 DC/Pismo 400, Mac OS X (10.4.9), 5.5 GB, 16x DL DVD Burner, Nvidia 6600 LE/512 MB, Still going strong

Posted on Nov 9, 2007 9:03 AM

34 replies

Wakko Warner Author

Level 2

470 points

Nov 28, 2007 7:44 PM in response to CM Leung

I have been working with Apple tech support & my case has been elevated to a specialist. They sent me a program that logs what is happening on my machine when I am trying to do my downloads. The problem is that the file that was created by their software to monitor my machine is too big to send to them (none of my e-mail accounts will allow attachments as big as this file is). They did recommend that I do an Archive & Install without preserving settings. This did not solve the problem either. As soon as I can figure out how to get them the file they need to research this further, then I can post more about it.

Nov 28, 2007 8:43 PM in response to Wakko Warner

I have the same problem 6 months old macbook was ok with Tiger. After clean install of Leopard downloading became a problem. Downloads for big files are stoping in the middle. I will try firefix let's see if it is the new safari or the leopard.

Wakko Warner Author

Level 2

470 points

Nov 28, 2007 9:01 PM in response to Jaywalker83

I have tried multiple web browsers (Safari, Firefox, Netscape 9, Sea Monkey) & they all do the same thing. Occasionally a large download will complete, but the majority of the time they just stop. There has to be a bug in Leopard that is causing this, as every other thing has been ruled out so far.

Nov 28, 2007 9:05 PM in response to Wakko Warner

I'm sorry ... Firefox does the same thing. It stops too. Also my ichat keeps disconnecting either. I think source of the problem is same or similer. I did a clean install and I wonder if the others have the same problem. If you dont have this problem I will try to reinstall my Leopard.

Nov 30, 2007 7:44 AM in response to Wakko Warner

I was planning to reinstall but there is no point for that now. You have already tried. I'm sure there are more people with this problem please post here. I'm also having ichat connection problem. It disconnetcs by it self every 1-5 minutes. I strongly think that the problams are related.

Wakko Warner Author

Level 2

470 points

Dec 1, 2007 7:20 PM in response to skyem

I tried changing the MTU setting & it worked. I have now successfully downloaded 5 large files (all in excess of 100 MB) with no problem whatsoever. It is still a problem within Leopard, but now we can inform Apple what fixed the problem.

Wakko Warner Author

Level 2

470 points

Dec 2, 2007 8:20 AM in response to CM Leung

Unfortunately, changing the MTU setting for the Airport card requires using the command line, & from what I have read, you have to do it every time you restart your machine. Apple technical support could probably assist you with a way to do it permanently, but I do not know how that would be done. However, if you want to do it for your ethernet port, open up System Preferences, then click on Network. Be sure that the ethernet port is selected, then click on the Advanced button. A new window will open where you will click on the Ethernet tab. Once that is open, click on the drop down list next to Configure (it will be set to automatically), then change it to Manually. Go to the last drop down (where it says MTU:) and select Custom. In the box that appears, type 500 (you can probably use any number less than 1492 - but bigger than 72 - and it should work). Then click on OK, followed by Apply (back in the main Network window). This should do the trick for the ethernet port. If anyone knows how to make it work with the Airport card, please let us know. Thanks.

CM Leung

Level 1

0 points

Dec 9, 2007 5:51 PM in response to Wakko Warner

I had tried to change the MTU value by setting the command line in Terminal but it did not work.
Also, in Leopard Help Menu, there is no mention about changing the MTU of AirPort.
And Apple has no further comment/solving method for this problem.

Now I'm only waiting .....

Wakko Warner Author

Level 2

470 points

Dec 9, 2007 7:25 PM in response to CM Leung

I haven't heard back from my specialist since I e-mailed him to tell him the problem on my machine was solved. However, I am sure that they are aware of this problem & are working on a way to fix it. In the meantime, I would just use an ethernet cable whenever you need to download large files.

RGFrog

Level 1

0 points

Jan 28, 2008 5:05 PM in response to Wakko Warner

I have the exact same problem on a brand new Early 2008 MacPro. Leopard 10.5.1 - Have confounded my IT staff and my ISP... Nothing wrong with the routers, the cisco switch, or any other mac in my office. This is the only one running Leopard... I'd start a dl and for about 3 seconds everything would blaze away at better than 500KB/sec but drop to 0 over the next minute.

Tried everything but the suggested above change in the MTU... set to 500 and the downloads, while slower actually don't stop but chug along at around 200KB/sec. So, at least there's hope in getting updates, etc.

Nothing larger than 500 in the MTU works, though... Sys Prefs > Network > Advanced > Ethernet > Configure: Manually ; MTU: Custom; 500; > OK > Apply...

I'm really hoping this is a driver issue, or at least something fixable...

Message was edited by: RGFrog

skyem

Level 1

4 points

Nov 30, 2007 8:12 AM in response to Jaywalker83

I've been having the same problem. I've seemed to solve it by going to the advanced section of the Network sys pref pane and changing my ethernet MTU to 500.

Wakko Warner Author

Level 2

470 points

Nov 9, 2007 10:03 AM in response to a brody

The problem is occuring when downloading manually from the Apple downloads page as well.

a brody

Level 10

85,320 points

Nov 9, 2007 10:04 AM in response to Wakko Warner

Sounds like you have an internet connection problem.

Wakko Warner Author

Level 2

470 points

Nov 23, 2007 7:59 PM in response to Wakko Warner

I tried one more experiment. I do have Virtual PC on my G5, so I fired that up & guess what?? Downloads complete with no stalls or stoppages. Something in Leopard has to be the culprit.

Wakko Warner Author

Level 2

470 points

Nov 25, 2007 3:55 PM in response to R C-R

I tried all of that & not one thing made a difference. I guess I will be calling Apple next week to see what they know.

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Update downloads keep stopping.......