roam wrote:
Hi FatMac, I doubt if a combo update would reinstall that kernel extension, because it could be taken as given the existing one is just fine as it is, but your suggestions are welcome., don't be put off.
It could be reinstalled if extracted from the Install DVD using Pacifist
On that page click on Screenshots to see examples...
It's my understanding (which may not be saying much) that when OS components are installed as part of an install or upgrade process, the components are not only installed but integrated with other components, permissions are set and cross-references are made among them. Actually, I'm surprised that an update evaluates what's there and leaves alone anything already present rather then replacing it just to be sure, which, I assumed, is why using a combo rather than a delta update is often recommended in case of difficulty or a even a simple one step update. But as I've often said, nobody is born knowing all this stuff so my advice can often lead to further learning on my part.
I've used Pacifist to override downgrade restrictions in installer packages (e.g., when a Quicktime update killed TurboTax and WOW during tax season some years ago) but not to plug in a single part so I didn't know if Pacifist would do the integration which I expect installer scripts do when run as part of an installation process.
Moreover, since it's not clear what OS the OP is using, there may not be a DVD anymore. With Apple's App Store distribution system, the OS installer deletes itself after running, starting with Lion, so there may not be an installer to run Pacifist on. And I'd imagine that the versions mentioned in both the info.plist and version.plist of that .kext on my own Lion installation are keyed to a particular build of the OS so getting the right installer or updater to extract from might become an issue.
The combo updater figures all that out as its blue bar grows, which is why I recommended it.
