Why is 10.8.2 so slow to download from the app store?

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Level 1

14 points

Why is 10.8.2 so slow to download from the app store?

I live in downtown Toronto and have very fast speeds and the rest of my nework is working fine. However, it's taking two days to d/l 10.8.2 and I still don't have it. Is this normal?

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8), core i7

Posted on Mar 3, 2013 5:55 PM

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Answer 1

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Mar 3, 2013 6:53 PM in response to kathigitis

Are you using OpenDNS or any other DNS service other than your ISP's?

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Answer 2

Mar 3, 2013 6:58 PM in response to kathigitis

It's not normal, no. I can download the installer in < 15 minutes.

Linc's suggestion about non-ISP DNS is a good one. Check that.

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Answer 3

kathigitis Author

Level 1

14 points

Mar 3, 2013 7:10 PM in response to William Lloyd

I haven't changed any DNS settings. Strictly my ISP's.

Anything I can do?

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Answer 4

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Mar 3, 2013 8:09 PM in response to kathigitis

Please read this whole message before doing anything.

This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.

The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login.

Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode* and log in to the account with the problem. The instructions provided by Apple are as follows:

Shut down your computer, wait 30 seconds, and then hold down the shift key while pressing the power button.
When you see the gray Apple logo, release the shift key.
If you are prompted to log in, type your password, and then hold down the shift key again as you click Log in.

*Note: If FileVault is enabled under OS X 10.7 or later, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t boot in safe mode.

Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including wireless networking on certain Macs. The next normal boot may also be somewhat slow.

The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.

Test while in safe mode. Same problem?

After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

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Answer 5

kathigitis Author

Level 1

14 points

Mar 4, 2013 5:00 AM in response to Linc Davis

As you predicted, no change in speed when booted in safe mode.

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Answer 6

kathigitis Author

Level 1

14 points

Mar 4, 2013 5:37 AM in response to Linc Davis

I've tried it with both wireless and by ethernet and on a different machine. No change. Still not downloading.

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Answer 7

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Mar 4, 2013 6:17 AM in response to kathigitis

I suggest you test the download speed on another network, such as a public hotspot. You don't necessarily have to download the whole file; just enough to see whether it's faster.

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