Upgrading to 10.5.5 breaks wifi?

Hi guys,

First off, sorry to create another post about wifi issues.

I just switched to a Mac earlier this month and absolutely love it. My only gripe is that the wireless capability of my macbook pro appears to be having some issues when I update from 10.5.2 to 10.5.5.

I dare to say so because some how the "symtoms" (erratic signal strength and disconnects) I am experiencing are very much similar to thousands of mac users and only happens after I updated to 10.5.5 through the apple software update. I was able to update using my wireless network! I have since re-installed using the bundled software discs and reverted to 10.5.2 and I have had no problems what so ever.

I have not applied all available apple updates except for 10.5.5 and still have no problems. I am now tempted to try to apply 10.5.5 update to see if the "symtoms" return.

Can someone comment if they have had wifi issues since 10.5.5?


Zed over and out!

Message was edited by: SwitcherZed

MacBook Pro (Early 2008), Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Nov 16, 2008 8:10 PM

Reply
24 replies

Nov 19, 2008 4:28 AM in response to clintbradford

Thanks for commenting, Clintbradford!

I had updated to 10.5.5 and also the latest Airport extreme update yesterday and have been testing. I should be revising for my exam! : P

The sIgnal strength is going roller coaster on me again. I have to use my PC desktop to write this post!
Unfortunately, there aren't any Apple Store here in Singapore but there are some authorised service provider. I'm going to bring it over for servicing this coming friday after my next paper. Hopefully they have some solutions. Otherwise, I suppose a re-install (again) will suffice. : (

Nov 26, 2008 8:28 PM in response to SwitcherZed

1.83 macbook pro core duo.. wireless was working fine (dare i say flawlessly) up until i upgraded to 10.5.5 and the latest airport update (2008-004)... it is very annoying.. thousands of people complaining about the same thing for so long and still no fix or even so much as some acknowledgement from apple that there is a problem.. apple support gives a bunch of bogus fixes for the problem and acts like its something with my system and seems to not be aware of the fact that thousands of customer's wifi interruptions began after those last updates.. very frustrating

Nov 27, 2008 1:30 AM in response to SwitcherZed

I have a new iMac and new TimeCapsule. Things were running OK'ish until I upgraded to 10.5.5 when network access started to deteriorate in an unpredictable fashion. The network would slow, and grind to a halt at times. Signal strength would vary markedly. At first I suspected the TimeCapsule and I had this replaced. the problem persisted. I bought a new MacBook Pro (I needed to transfer machines anyway) and after a brief honeymoon period of a day the problem returned. I trawled the internet and followed the tip to delete /Library/Preferences/System Configuration and indeed that would provide temporary relief but not for long.

The new MacBook Pro was installed and had the settings transferred from the old iMac. The TimeCapsule has been reset to factory settings. This has cost me days of work time.

There are countless reports of 10.5 WifI problems. Why have Apple not publicly acknowledged this and at least provided us with some reassurance that this is being addressed?

Nov 27, 2008 9:33 PM in response to SwitcherZed

Same here, have exactly the same Wi-Fi issues with my MacBook Pro 15" (early 2008) after the system updates. Very very annoying to say the least, it almost renders my Mac useless as I am not able to use the Internet for more than 10 minutes every time I get a signal.

It's definitely not a problem of my wireless router because other devices (including my Apple TV) just works fine, and I experience the same issue with connections to another router at work.

I've read other posts on this forum and it seems that downgrading back to 10.5.2 is the only proven solution. However, I wouldn't want to do it as it would involves too much effort re-installing the system and restoring all my data and apps. This is my only Mac, and I use it at work and at home at least 16 hours every day.

Much appreciated if any one could share any other solution.

Nov 28, 2008 5:58 PM in response to SwitcherZed

I am experiencing the same problem - my MBP1.1 (early 2006 model) worked fine - Since latest update, the only way wireless works is if I sit next to my base station. If I move more than a few feet away from the base, the signal drops out. Intermittently, operation restored. Problems appears to begin when the laptop goes to sleep. On wake up, signal strength first appears good, then drops out. Resetting machine, PRAM, permissions, etc had no effect. Will try 10.5.2 after the holidays.

Dec 3, 2008 9:50 AM in response to fallenturtle

I was looking at the software update history on my Mac and I'm starting to think that the issue may not have been the 10.5.5 update but actually the 2008-004 Airport update as the date I installed the OS update predates by several weeks my wifi issue where as the update for Airport was much more around the time I started having issues.

Thoughts?

Message was edited by: fallenturtle

Dec 3, 2008 8:31 PM in response to fallenturtle

I am virtually certain it was the 2008-004 update for my MBP 2.2. The good news is I have turned off wifi encryption security on my access points and am using only MAC filtering and everything works great on my own networks. I try to connect to another network with WPA or WPA2 and the wifi thrashes and dies quickly. Try it. Go with caution that MAC filtering only is not secure, especially if sloppy network shares are used.

Beyond reinstall, I would like to know how to rollback 2008-004. I am stubborn and know its possible! LOL.

Dec 4, 2008 6:22 AM in response to JackGrat

You can try re-installing 10.5.2 with the DVD that came with your MBP. Assuming it is a 10.5.2. Instead of a clean install, try 'Archive and Install'. This way all (most?) of your apps and settings are maintained. Even your password and docks. I can't be sure how well archived it is since I did this with a relatively new MBP. In any case, you will need a substantial amount of HDD to do this as it backups your prev version into a single folder in your Macintosh HD. You should be able to find a guide on how to do this in Apple Support.

I did thought about updating till perhaps 10.5.4 but that's pretty tedious as you will have to download the 10.5.3 and 10.5.4 update. You also won't know which one could break your wifi again.

Btw, sent my MBP for servicing last week. I just called today and they are still testing it. I will update you guys to see how they might be able to resolve this.

Message was edited by: SwitcherZed

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Upgrading to 10.5.5 breaks wifi?

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