Mac OS X 10.4.8 Special Report: Classic: Problems starting up; launching apps

Several readers have reported issues where they are unable to start Classic, or launch Classic applications after updating to Mac OS X 10.4.8.

In some cases, this issue is caused by the presence of a DivX plug-in located, in /Library/QuickTime as per Knowledge Base article #301585. The solution is to remove the "DivXNetworks" folder from /Library/Application Support.

You should also make sure you are running Mac OS 9.2.2 in the Classic environment. You can determine which version of Mac OS 9 you are running by opening the Startup Disk pane of System Preferences and looking at the Mac OS 9 System Folder version.

Finally, you may want to try turning off Classic extensions by going to the Classic pane of System Preferences, clicking Advanced, then choosing "Turn Off Extensions" from the pop-up menu. If Classic starts properly, you can then go back to this pane, and turn extensions back on in groups to see which item(s) is causing the problem.

Index:

• Release Notes: Delta vs. Combo; Enhancements in this release, more
• Update procedure recommendation: How to apply Mac OS X 10.4.8
• Common workarounds: Resolving typical incremental update issues

• Adobe Illustrator: Problems with pathfinder function, other issues
• Audio issues
• Black border around cursor 
• Burning media issues
• Classic: Problems starting up; launching apps
• Closed-lid portable functions broken
• Display coloring issues: Blue tinting and more
• External devices (USB/FireWire): Not recognized; can cause issues after system updates
• Finder Crashes, other issues
• Flash: Slowness caused by new version
• Incomplete update: Installing Mac OS X 10.4.8 stalls or otherwise fails
• Increased fan activity
• iSight difficulties: "In use," won't turn on, more
• Math problems in Rosetta applications
• Menu items: Disappearance, other issues
• Mighty Mouse problems: Scrolling, more
• Non-launching applications (including Rosetta apps): Fixes
• Printing issues -- fixes
• Safari Issues: Bad plug-ins, caches, more
• Spotlight issues
• Startup problems: Stalls, extremely slow booting, more
• Universal Access: New features, processor usage questions
• Wireless connectivity (AirPort, etc.) issues and fixes

Resources