my computer won't update to 10.8.3. why not?

The only thing I found that resolved my issue was to reinstall OSX. It took around an hour and updated straight to 10.8.3. Someone else mentioned trying to download the combo update directly from apple but it didn't work for me. If you're still within warranty give AppleCare a call, they might have some little trick that resolves it. Generally they just have you reinstall the OS if it's something weird like this.

HI,

You can use the App Store (the Update is Free).
Or you can Google "OS X 10.8.3 COMBO Update" and then follow the links to the Apple Download page.

The Combo can seem to correct issues with an install.

9:44 PM Saturday; April 13, 2013

Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"

 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb( 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
 iMac OS X 10.8.3
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

Wow, this thread is really active!!! I started this thread, or one just like it. The solution that worked for me was in two steps. 1. Open Applications -> Utilities -> Disk Utility -> wait until it lists your disks -> select your system disk (probably "Macintosh HD" -> Verify Disk. If it has any problems (mine didn't), then do "Repair Disk" to fix it. 2. Go to Apple Support (do NOT use Google or any search engine, other than Apple), just type in: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1640 , load and run. This "Combo" appears to load in the entire list of updates to Mountain Lion up to and including 10.8.3. When it's done, you should be done. I was - this works.

The system where I had trouble had a hard disk failure several months ago, and the repair shop (Apple certified distributor, but not Apple itself) installed Lion and all my files. I updated Lion to Mountain Lion. Along the path, I suspect that some files were missed -- and COMBO filled it in. All is wll now.

How do you reinstall OSX? It won't remove any of my documents, photos, apps, etc., will it? Sorry to sound "dumb", but I'm not super techie and I don't want to screw anything up.

Thank you!! 🙂

Turn off your mac, power on then hold the command key and the R key at the same time, you will see a screen that asks for your language, select language then click the arrow to continue, click reinstall OSX, select the volume (usually called Macintosh HD). You will need to have an internet connection and sign in using the Apple ID OSX was purchased with or the one you registered your system with since this process downloads the latest version of OSX from Apple's servers. It generally says it takes a few hours but it all depends on your internet speed. I have 12mbps and it took about an hour.

This process does NOT delete your user information. All of your pictures, apps, movies, music, passwords, and anything else in your user accounts will still be there. The only way to erase your information is to format with disk utility first and the reinstall the OS. Below is a link to the Apple knowledge base article.

http://support.apple.com/kb/PH10763?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

It worked perfectly! All updated to 10.8.3 now - thank you!! 🙂

I have a smiliar problem. I am stuck in 10.8.2 and can't seem to update to 10.8.3 (and now I think there is a 10.8.4). I have tried the combo download but it did not work for me. The update seems to complete and when my iMac (Mid 2010, came with snow leopard installed), restarts after the install, I get the spinning wheel with the apple logo underneath and the machine gets really hot. I have tried this a few times, left it spinning overnight etc, but it never does work. When eventually I switch off the machine through the on/off switch, I end up restoring it through TimeMachine to 10.8.2 which takes 7 or 8 hours each time.

I have tried migration assistant with a machine that is on 10.8.3 (no luck, it stays on 10.8.2) and I have tried reinstalling OsX through command+R, neither of which has produced the desired result. It ALWAYS freezes after the supposed install of 10.8.3 and wont start up properly.

Any advise?

When you do the restore that I mentioned it should download and install the latest version and you shouldn't need to update afterwards. But since you say it freezes it seems like something else is going on. Also, if you are having issues with your iMac not working correctly after an update or having issues with an update most of the time AppleCare will give you an exception and help you out free of charge. Just be sure to tell them that you've had issues since updating and if they get too mouthy ask to speak to a Senior Advisor. If not it's only about $20 and you can speak with a Senior Advisor which are usually very knowledgable with these issues. Here is their number if you need it: 1-800-APL-CARE (1-800-275-2273)

Have you tried running disk utility to see if the drive is malfunctioning? You could also run the "apple hardware test" AHT to see if something is going on. Here is the article and instructions:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1509

Using Apple Hardware Test on computers with OS X 10.7 or later

Mac NoteBook and Desktop computers shipping with OS X 10.7 or later have a partition on the hard drive or flash storage that contains AHT. To start AHT on these computers please follow these instructions:

1. Press the power button to turn on your computer.
2. Press and hold the D key before the gray startup screen appears.
3. It takes a minute or so for AHT to start up and inspect your hardware configuration. While this is taking place, an icon appears on the screen:
   
4. When the process is complete, select your language and click the right arrow. If you aren't using a mouse, you can use the up and down arrows to select a language and then press the Return key.
5. The AHT console appears. You can choose which sort of test or tests to perform:
   • To perform all of the basic tests, click the Test button or press the "T" key or the Return key.
   • To perform a more thorough diagnostic test, select the "Perform extended testing" checkbox under the Test button before you click the Test button.
Note: Your test results will appear in the window in the bottom-right of the console.
6. To exit AHT, click Restart or Shut Down at the bottom of the window.

Some Macintosh computers that shipped with OS X Lion and later support the use of Apple Hardware Test over the Internet. These computers will start up to an Internet-based version of AHT if the hard drive does not contain AHT. An Internet-enabled connection via Ethernet or Wi-Fi is required to use this feature. Internet-based AHT functions the same as AHT on the hard drive or flash storage outlined above.

The Mac NoteBook and Desktop computers listed in Computers that can be upgraded to use OS X Internet Recovery will require a firmware in order to support the Internet version of AHT. Without this update you may see the behavior discussed inthis article.

You can try the 10.8.4 combo updater.

10.8.4 Combo Update