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Why won't any of the updaters for Leopard work on my single processor 1.8GHz G5 running 10.5? For combo or standalone updater - regardless of the incremental update, they always fail. I don't get it.

This is an old G5 I'm trying to "rehabilitate" for simple use at school. I used an original Leopard DVD to load the system. Now, regardless of whether or not I use Software Update or download directly from Apple Support site, the updaters fail. Doesn't matter if they're combos or singles. I first tried going directly to 10.5.8 with the combo - via both SW Update and via Apple download. If the package verifies correctly (that doesn't always happen) then if fails part way through the install.


It's just weird. I kind of recall having a few problems with these updaters back in the Leopard days, but nothing like this. I'd just toss it all except the G5 still has some life in it.

PowerMac, Mac OS X (10.5), 1.8GHz SP with 2.5GB RAM

Posted on Nov 3, 2012 12:47 PM

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5 replies

Nov 3, 2012 3:04 PM in response to LordZedd

The DVD is retail, and I just reinstalled. No problems with the base install. I did an erase and install.


But there's still the same problem as before with the combo installer (from SW Update):


"The installer could not validate the contents of the MacOSXUpdCOombo10.5.8 package. Contact the software manufacturer for assistance."


Now I'll try to download separate packages (non combo) from Apple support site and work my way up. But I've been down this path before.


Edit: 10.5.1 single downloaded and installed OK, on to 10.5.2…

Nov 3, 2012 4:22 PM in response to Steve Klass

Some general advice on updating Leopard:


It is worth noting that it is an extreme rarity for updates to cause upsets to your system, as they have all been extensively beta-tested, but they may well reveal pre-existing ones, particularly those of which you may have been unaware. If you are actually aware of any glitches, make sure they are fixed before proceeding further.


So before you do anything else:


If you can, make a full backup first to an external hard disk. Ideally you should always have a bootable clone of your system that enables you to revert to the previous pre-update state.


Turn off sleep mode for both screen and hard disk.


Disconnect all peripherals except your keyboard and mouse.


1. Repair Permissions (in Disk Utility)


2. Verify the state of your hard disk using Disk Utility. If any faults are reported, restart from your install disk (holding down the C key), go to Disk Utility, and repair your startup disk. Restart again to get back to your startup disk.


At least you can now be reasonably certain that your system does not contain any obvious faults that might cause an update/upgrade to fail.


3. Download the correct version of the COMBO update from the Apple download site.


The Combo updater of Leopard 10.5.8 can be found here:


http://support.apple.com/downloads/Mac_OS_X_10_5_8_Combo_Update


If you prefer to download updates via Software Update in the Apple menu (which would ensure that the correct version for your Mac was being downloaded), it is not recommended to allow SU to install major (or even minor) updates automatically. Set Software Update to just download the updater without immediately installing it. There is always the possibility that the combined download and install (which can be a lengthy process) might be interrupted by a power outage or your cat walking across the keyboard, and an interrupted install will almost certainly cause havoc. Once it is downloaded, you can install at a time that suits you. You should make a backup copy of the updater on a CD in case you ever need a reinstall.


Full details about the 10.5.8 update here: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3606


More information on using Software Updater here:


http://support.apple.com/kb/TA24901?viewlocale=en_US


Using the Combo updater ensures that all system files changed since the original 10.5.0 are included, and any that may have been missed out or subsequently damaged will be repaired. The Delta updater, although a temptingly smaller download, only takes you from the previous version to the new one, i.e. for example from 10.5.7 to 10.5.8. Software Update will generally download the Delta updater only. The preferable Combo updater needs to be downloaded from Apple's download site.


Now proceed as follows:


4. Close all applications and turn off energy saving and screensaver.


5. Unplug all peripherals except your keyboard and mouse.


6. Install the update/upgrade. Do not under any circumstances interrupt this procedure. Do not do anything else on your computer while it is installing. Be patient.


7. When it ask for a restart to complete the installation, click restart. This can take longer than normal, there are probably thousands of files to overwrite and place in the correct location. Do nothing while this is going on.


8. Once your Mac is awake, repair permissions again, and you should be good to go!


If your Mac seems slightly sluggish or ‘different’, perform a second restart. It can’t hurt and is sometimes efficacious! In fact a second restart can be recommended.


9. Open a few of your most used applications and check that all is OK. In this connection please remember that not all manufacturers of third party applications and plug-ins, add-ons, haxies etc, will have had time to do any necessary rewrites to their software to make them compliant with the latest version of your operating system. Give them a week or two while you regularly check their websites for updates.


N.B. Do not attempt to install two different updates at the same time as each may have different routines and requirements. Follow the above recommendations for each update in turn.


Lastly, Apple's own article on the subject of Software Update may also be useful reading:


http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106695


[b]If you are updating Safari (or just have):[/b]


Input Managers from third parties can do as much harm as good. They use a security loophole to reach right into your applications' code and change that code as the application starts up. If you have installed an OS update and Safari is crashing, the very [i]first[/i] thing to do is clear out your InputManagers folders (both in your own Library and in the top-level /Library), log out and log back in, and try again.

So, disable all third party add-ons before updating Safari, as they may not have been updated yet for the new version. Add them back one by one. If something goes awry, remove it again and check on the software manufacturer's website for news of an update to match your version of Safari.


Most errors reported here after an update are due to an unrepaired or undetected inherent fault in the system, and/or a third party add-on.


Additional tips on software installation here:


http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106692


To reiterate, Input Managers reach right into an application and alter its code. This puts the behavior of the affected application outside the control and responsibility of its developers: a recipe for problems. That's not to say that issues absolutely will ensue as a result of Input Managers, but you, as a user, must decide. If the functionality of a specific Input Manager or set thereof is really important to you, you may well choose to assume the associated risk.

Again, the advice is to remove all Input Managers from the following directories:

  • /Library/InputManagers
  • ~/Library/InputManagers

especially prior to system updates (they can always be added back one-by-one later).

Solutions for troubleshooting installation, startup, and login issues in Mac OS X v10.5

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1541?viewlocale=en_US

Why won't any of the updaters for Leopard work on my single processor 1.8GHz G5 running 10.5? For combo or standalone updater - regardless of the incremental update, they always fail. I don't get it.

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