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Level 1

16 points

Can security update be un-installed?

After downloading and installing Apple's latest security update ["Security Update 2009-002 (Intel)" (1.0)] my MacBook fails to recognise the Lacie portable drive I've been using for some years. Never had this problem before. The drive connects with a firewire cable, the green light comes on, and the hard disk spins. But the drive icon doesn't appear on the desktop or in Disk Utilities.

My desktop computer (G5, PPC), which did not have the update, still recognises the portable drive.

I've tried using other firewire cables to confirm the problem isn't the cable.

I've been in touch with Lacie who say since the portable drive is still functioning well, I should try to un-instal the latest Apple update. Is this possibe? If so, how can this be done.

Thanks.

iHope

G5 Dual 2GHz PowerPC; MacBook 2GHz Intel, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Jul 11, 2009 9:09 AM

45 replies

Limnos

Level 10

411,241 points

Jul 14, 2009 2:59 PM in response to iHope

Have you run Apple Hardware Test? A copy probably came with your computer. Right now I'd say it looks like the port itself is the problem and I an not sure if there are any other tests to use.

iHope Author

Level 1

16 points

Jul 15, 2009 3:27 AM in response to BDAqua

BDAqua wrote:
Yes Date & Time would change with a PRAM reset, but if you're connected yo the Internet & have Date & Time's Pref Pane to set Network Time, it'd be changed/updated before you could see or check it.

The laptop was disconnected from the internet when I reset the PRAM and checked the date/time. As reported, there was no change. Does this mean the PRAM wasn't really reset? Could this be significant in any way? Should I try again?

iHope

iHope Author

Level 1

16 points

Jul 15, 2009 3:34 AM in response to Limnos

Limnos wrote:
Have you run Apple Hardware Test?

As reported yesterday, the Apple Hardware Test was run and reported no problem. This was the 'short' Test, lasting about 4 minutes. The longer test was abandoned when the progress bar indicated it would take about 40 minutes. Should the longer one be run too?

iHope

BDAqua

Level 10

239,351 points

Jul 15, 2009 11:40 AM in response to iHope

I do think it means the PRAM wasn't reset, but did you hear a bong sound and see it restart the screen when you held those 4 keys at bootup?

iHope Author

Level 1

16 points

Jul 16, 2009 11:43 AM in response to BDAqua

BDAqua,

I reset the PRAM again today. The bong sounded 3 times in all, I released the 4 keys after the first bong.

Like last time the date & time were not affected. And like last time the laptop still doesn't recognise the FW drive.

You seem to believe the new update is not the culprit. So given all I've tried so far, should I conclude it's a hardware issue?

iHope

BDAqua

Level 10

239,351 points

Jul 16, 2009 1:24 PM in response to iHope

You seem to believe the new update is not the culprit. So given all I've tried so far, should I conclude it's a hardware issue?

What I meant, if the Update worked as it should, it won't be the cause, there's always a chance that something went awry during the update.

You can try reapplying the bug Combo update, or If all the above fails, then it appears to be time for a relatively painless Archive & Install, which gives you a new/old OS, but can preserve all your files, pics, music, settings, etc., as long as you have plenty of free disk space and no Disk corruption, and is relatively quick & painless...

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107120

Just be sure to select Preserve Users & Settings.

iHope Author

Level 1

16 points

Jul 17, 2009 2:03 AM in response to BDAqua

BDAqua wrote:
You can try reapplying the bug Combo update

You mean download and install the same security update again? That's exactly the opposite advice I was offered by Lacie, the drive vendors.

iHope

BDAqua

Level 10

239,351 points

Jul 17, 2009 12:17 PM in response to iHope

Sorry for any confusion, and my misspelling of big as bug!

Not the Security Update, but The combo update for PowerPC-based Macs...

http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macosx10411comboupdateppc.html

iHope Author

Level 1

16 points

Jul 17, 2009 12:46 PM in response to BDAqua

BDAqua wrote:
Not the Security Update, but The combo update for PowerPC-based Macs...

BDAqua,

Why would I need to do that?

I believe I've been clear throughout that the problem is with the (Intel) MacBook, not the PowerMac G5 which continues to recognise firewire drives. I reported that the security update was NOT installed on the desktop G5 - the update was only for Intel-based computers.

Could you please clarify your remarks?

Thanks, iHope

BDAqua

Level 10

239,351 points

Jul 17, 2009 1:28 PM in response to iHope

So sorry again!

The combo update for Intel-based Macs on the MacBook...

http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macosx10411comboupdateintel.html

If all the above fails, then it appears to be time for a relatively painless Archive & Install, which gives you a new/old OS, but can preserve all your files, pics, music, settings, etc., as long as you have plenty of free disk space and no Disk corruption, and is relatively quick & painless...

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107120

Just be sure to select Preserve Users & Settings.

Message was edited by: BDAqua

iHope Author

Level 1

16 points

Jul 18, 2009 2:31 AM in response to BDAqua

BDAqua wrote:
The combo update for Intel-based Macs on the MacBook...

http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macosx10411comboupdateintel.html

Could you please explain the purpose of doing this? What exactly is the combo?

Thanks, iHpoe

jsd2

Level 5

6,245 points

Jul 18, 2009 4:54 AM in response to iHope

I think you've done the most important software diagnostic:

2) When booting up from the Tiger Installation CD, Disk Utility doesn't recognise either the portable drive or an external hard drive.

It seems to me that this isolates the problem to hardware or firmware, and that nothing you alter or install on the internal HD is likely to help.

What does System Profiler show when you click Hardware>FireWire?

iHope Author

Level 1

16 points

Jul 18, 2009 9:30 AM in response to jsd2

jsd2 wrote:

What does System Profiler show when you click Hardware>FireWire?

It says: "Maximum Speed: Up to 400 Mb/sec".
Nothing else. What does this mean?

iHope

jsd2

Level 5

6,245 points

Jul 18, 2009 10:14 AM in response to iHope

Does System Profiler show anything else when you connect either of your Firewire drives?

My only other thought would be to try the SMC reset again, disconnecting all external device cables and leaving the battery out and AC adapter disconnected for 10 minutes before reconnecting and restarting.

iHope Author

Level 1

16 points

Jul 19, 2009 2:21 AM in response to jsd2

jsd2 wrote:
Does System Profiler show anything else when you connect either of your Firewire drives?

No. only what I've already reported.

My only other thought would be to try the SMC reset again, disconnecting all external device cables and leaving the battery out and AC adapter disconnected for 10 minutes before reconnecting and restarting.

Okay, will try again and report back.

iHope

Can security update be un-installed?