Security Update 2020-001

Question

Level 1

10 points

Security Update 2020-001

When trying to install this update for High Sierra 10.13.6 (Mac Pro 5,1) the computer attempts to shutdown, the screen goes black indefinitely, but it never actually shuts down or updates. A hard reboot gets the machine back on and running. However, any attempts at completing the update or even trying to do a standard shutdown/restart result in same problem. The computer simply not longer shuts down properly.

Standard troubleshooting tools like Reset Pram do nothing.

I was able to resolve the issue and restore the computer to proper working order by eliminating the current 2020-001 update process via the following terminal command.

sudo rm -f /Library/Preferences/com.apple.loginwindow.plist
sudo rm -f /private/var/db/.AppleUpgrade
sudo rm -f /private/var/db/.SoftwareUpdateAtLogout
sudo reboot

This fix was authored by nohillside.

Apple please let me know when this security update won't break my computer, much thanks !!!

Mac Pro, macOS 10.13

Posted on Feb 5, 2020 11:38 PM

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Answer 1

Mar 10, 2020 8:28 AM in response to fiasko5k

A re-install following the disk initialisation solved everything for me, including the recent security update. I'm pretty sure that nothing was changed on the update itself. Furthermore, since 26th Feb, I have not experienced the "Bluetooth Not Available" problem either (and my imac is used several hours every day). Fingers crossed....

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Answer 2

Apr 13, 2020 8:00 PM in response to PossumGouge

Okay, having the same issue, running a mid-2011 iMac, High Sierra 10.13.6. It's a Safari update and a Security update. It's gotten to the point where I just tell the reminder to "remind me tomorrow" but it's just a pain when I would rather just clear the update entirely since clearly it doesn't want to install.

I tried the Terminal fix, but when the computer restarted the updates are still showing up in the App Store. Yes, I know based on the suggestion here that I shouldn't do that, which I'll keep in mind going forward, but I just want the computer to stop trying to restart. Am I doing something wrong with the Terminal fix? I followed the steps from the OP, but wondering if there is just something I missed when working with the Terminal.

Thanks!

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Answer 3

PossumGouge Author

Level 1

10 points

Apr 13, 2020 9:01 PM in response to Jeff McConnell

If you follow the Terminal commands I started the post with, the computer will force the update protocol to stop and then hard restart by itself. After which the update process which was interfering with normal operations will end, although the app store will still try to get you to run the update, which you have to just ignore.

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Answer 4

fiasko5k

Level 1

9 points

Apr 14, 2020 7:18 AM in response to PossumGouge

I can confirm that this works to allow your computer to run normally again, but it does not solve the problem of not being to install the update. I'm in the same boat as Jeff McConnell. I have this albatross of an update just hanging out, not being installed.

Jeff McConnell

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Answer 5

rozettj

Level 1

14 points

Apr 14, 2020 2:18 PM in response to fiasko5k

When I have a problem installing updates (including this one) I DO NOT try to install from the app store. I go to the apple website and find the update and use the stand-alone installer. It has always worked or me in these circumstances.

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Answer 6

May 26, 2020 5:39 AM in response to PossumGouge

I have tried all the things suggested here including the terminal command and reinstalling High Sierra using Recovery Mode but the issue remains, exactly as others have described. This is hugely frustrating as I can't shut it down without using the button and can't restart it at all. Any more suggestions?

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Answer 7

May 26, 2020 6:30 AM in response to Appleyeverafter

I don't know if this helps - I only managed to recover from this problem by a complete re-installation - i.e. completely wiping the disk using the disk utility in recovery mode, prior to re-installing. Re-installing over an existing installation had no effect.

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Answer 8

May 26, 2020 6:46 AM in response to CS-Oldendorf-DE

Thanks, yes, that was my experience. Simply reinstalling High Sierra didn't do anything in Recovery mode. Did you do what they call a 'clean install' or just wipe the disk then reinstall from a backup?

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Answer 9

coachrkr

Level 1

13 points

May 26, 2020 8:21 AM in response to Appleyeverafter

I warned everyone about this Apple security update. You are dealing with morons at Apple. Their programmers are as incompetent as it gets. NEVER, NEVER, install any of their so-called updates for at least 4 months because there are always bugs in them. They like to make guinea pigs out of their customers. They never field test their work. I will not install that security update as it crashed, and froze my iMac. I ended up installing a new SSD hard drive. It appears this security update the morons at Apple designed contaminates the hard drive. Erasing the hard drive doesn't work. I tried repeatedly. Only until I installed a new hard drive did the problem disappear. DO NOT INSTALL THAT SECURITY UPDATE. Apple should be sued in a class action.

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