Disconnect ALL peripherals during update installs?

Question

Level 2

231 points

Disconnect ALL peripherals during update installs?

I know some of you have explained this already, but I keep reading about disconnecting peripherals (except for mouse and keyboard) before an update. I just read here, somewhere, that after the new Security update (2009-002) for some there has a recognition problem with external HDs.

My question - I've disconnected my printer, my backup and other external HDs, but not my modem and not one of my external HDs because it is my startup disk for Tiger. Just asking now, in case it is a problem and I'll need to know what to do: if an external HD is also the startup disk, is it possible that that won't be recognized after the update? And if so, what to do?

Mrs H

PS I also shut off automatic update checks for OS and Office - several of you told me not to bother with this for Office 2004 since updaters don't kick in unless the app is open. This isn't entirely accurate since a week or so ago I turned on the G4 and before any app was open, an update check from Office 2004 occured.

I wondered if this updater issue could be solved if I just disconnected my modem from the G4, but the updater would still run and could bollix up the update itself...maybe?

MacBook Pro, Dual 450 G4, iBook G3, Powerbook 170, Mac Plus, Mac OS X (10.4.11), iPod Classic 160G

Posted on May 15, 2009 12:45 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

May 15, 2009 1:08 PM in response to Mrs H

If this particular external drive is your startup volume (and I would be curious as to why) then, no, you cannot disconnect it or you won't be able to do system updates. However, if it's simply a backup drive of your normal startup drive, then you should disconnect it during system updates/installations. Afterwards you can re-backup to the external drive so it's updated as well.

Although I have never had problems with my external drives after any OS X update (since 10.0) I would not anticipate a problem with an external drive that is also the startup drive. However, there's no guarantee that a problem may not arise. It would be much better to update the internal drive. If there is any problem you should be able to restore the old system from the external drive.

As for third-party software like Office you may have an option to only check for updates upon open or you can check for updates manually. You can also monitor VersionTracker and MacUpdate for software updates.

Apple provides a read-me with most system updates and there is a read-me on every OS X Installer Disc. The recommendations are to remove all third-party peripherals (including external drives) and only use the original keyboard and mouse. In the case of system updates quit all running applications before running the installer for the update. During the update do not use your computer. Leave it be until the update is completed (or if you must provide input to the installer.)

My general suggestions on updating are:

1. Repair the hard drive and permissions.
2. Clone your existing system to an external drive and test the clone.
3. Disconnect your peripherals and quit all applications.
4. Download standalone updaters directly from Apple's download site (support.apple.com/downloads/.)
5. Run the installer. Restart the computer if directed by the installer.
6. Verify your system is functioning properly.

Reply

Answer 2

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

May 15, 2009 1:14 PM in response to Mrs H

For the most part, IME, Peripherals only need to be disconnected if it's a proven problem one, or you have some hidden glitch in the OS already, I'd guess that if you can Sleep it with everything connected, and wake it without problems, then they won't interfere.

Of course for Safety, I'd disconnect my Backup Disk so it can't possibly be affected by anything.

Reply

Answer 3

Mrs H Author

Level 2

231 points

May 15, 2009 1:42 PM in response to Kappy

Kappy wrote:
If this particular external drive is your startup volume (and I would be curious as to why)

Here's why:
The internal HD in my G4 was clicking. But it always clicked, from day one it clicked. Everyone here said, it's dying, get it checked at Apple store. I did even though I kept saying it's always done this. This is before I switched to X - I am a late joiner to the world of Tiger.
There was, in fact, nothing wrong with the clicking HD - but it's tiny and so it just has 9.1 on it still.
The solution proposed by the Apple techs was to get 2 LaCies (actually I have more than 2, but that's another story) use one as a startup running 10.4.11 (with 9.1 and 9.2 on it) and the second LaCie as a backup.
It's worked fine this way for 2 years now.

then, no, you cannot disconnect it or you won't be able to do system updates.

I realize that, but wondered what to do if a problem occured.

Thanks for the additional, useful info as well,
Mrs H

Reply

Answer 4

Mrs H Author

Level 2

231 points

May 15, 2009 1:50 PM in response to BDAqua

BDAqua wrote:
For the most part, IME, Peripherals only need to be disconnected if it's a proven problem one, or you have some hidden glitch in the OS already, I'd guess that if you can Sleep it with everything connected, and wake it without problems, then they won't interfere.

I NEVER use sleep on the G4. Since day 1 sleep has been a non-starter. Apple said the reset button inside may fix it - OR may really screw things up. Way back when Applecare was still an option on the G4 the techs there said, some models, mine included, could not be awakened from sleep IF the user put them to sleep - if they go to sleep on their own, no problem. I have it set for sleep at either never or at something like 3 hours - I change in occasionally.

BDA, you may remember we've had this conversation before, I turn the computer on and off and don't leave it on 24/7. I asked Apple about this too - and recently - they said there are proponents of both theories, but turning it on and off is best for our type of usage.

Of course for Safety, I'd disconnect my Backup Disk so it can't possibly be affected by anything.

That I do do.

Mrs H

Reply

Answer 5

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

May 15, 2009 1:56 PM in response to Mrs H

I'm not sure why you would want to spend a lot of money on more external drives when it's possible to replace the internal drive in your G4 (or add additional internal drives depending upon the model.) You need not lose the ability to use OS 9 even if you replace the internal drive. You can always purchase an external enclosure for the old drive in order to use it as an external drive.

I'm sure the Apple techs' suggestion to purchase two LaCie drives was more motivated by making a sale then coming up with a reasonable solution for you. If I have identified your G4 correctly it has four internal drive bays.

Reply

Answer 6

Mrs H Author

Level 2

231 points

May 16, 2009 11:53 AM in response to Kappy

Kappy wrote:
I'm sure the Apple techs' suggestion to purchase two LaCie drives was more motivated by making a sale then coming up with a reasonable solution for you. If I have identified your G4 correctly it has four internal drive bays.

I would hate to think it was purely profit motivated (I've dealt with the store for years; the tech is a friend; and - most surprisingly - they *neglected to charge me* for the 2 LaCies. I told them of their billing error when I got home, checked the invoice for the other work done and saw their mistake. I do business with them frequently and did not want to cheat them).

That said, it is the set-up I have and it has worked just fine for me thus far.

I can't explain why they made the recommendation they did. Perhaps the thinking was that the G4 was 6 years old then and I'd probably be replacing it soon so an external HD would be easier to move. However, given the fact that Mr H still uses our PowerBook 170 and our MacPlus just in the last year stopped recognizing its HD, the likelihood of our giving up our G4 any time soon is unlikely! (we have 5 Macs, 4 functioning) I was having them install Tiger on the G4, could it be that it was easier to do it this way? I'll never know...

Now, you have me a bit worried about how things are set up...
Mrs H

Reply