QuickTime 7.2 (#4): Another fix for broken Rosetta CFM apps; Problems with AVI files -- fix; more

[Published Monday, July 16th]

Another fix for broken Rosetta CFM apps We continue to report on an issue where the QuickTime 7.2 update appears to cause functionality problems -- particularly an inability to launch and crashes -- with Carbon CFM (Code Fragment Manager) applications on some Intel-based Macs. These include Microsoft Office, older versions of Photoshop (including CS2), and many, many others.

Previously reported fixes include re-applying the Mac OS X 10.4.10 combo updater, and a rather involved uninstallation of the Java SE 6.0 developer preview.

Another workaround that has proved effective for some users (especially those who never had the pre-release Java system installed) is to force installation of QuickTime 7.1.6 using the tool Pacifist, then re-install the Mac OS X 10.4.10 combo updater via these steps.

1. Download QuickTime 7.1.6 but do not attempt to install
2. Download and launch Pacifist
3. In Pacifist, click the "Open Package" button, then locate and open the QuickTime 7.1.6 .pkg file.
4. Click the lock and enter your administrator password, then click the "Install" button.]
5. Download and install the Mac OS X 10.4.10 combo updater.

Problems with AVI files -- fix Several readers have reported issues with AVI-formatted files after updating to QuickTime 7.2. Some files won't play, and others are extremely slow to open. One reader writes:

"After installing QT 7.2, it is very, very slow opening .avi files that worked with the previous version of Quicktime. Previous version 7.1 would open and run my compatible .avi movies within 2-3 seconds. It now takes a minimum of 1.5 minutes to over 5-6 minutes to open these same files or I get Quicktime is not responding. Shows Quicktime 7.2 as using over 90% of my CPU during this."

A highly effective workaround for this issue is to install Perian, a free, open source QuickTime component that adds native support for many popular video formats. This will bypass QuickTime's built-in AVI playing routines, and allow them to be played with the alternative components.

Cannot startup Some users are unable to boot their Macs after applying the QuickTime 7.2 update. One reader writes:

"I made the mistake of running Software Update and installing the Quicktime 7.2 update last night. Following the installation, the G5 iMac running OS 10.4.10 would not boot up, hanging at the progress bar with the blue background and never bringing up the user login window. I could boot from my backup 10.4.10 on a Firewire external HD, so I knew the hardware was OK. Running FSCK, Applejack, Disk Warrior, Tech Tools Pro, resetting the PRAM/NVRAM, and repairing permissions did not resolve the problem. After hanging at the startup screen, the computer would simply shut itself off after a while. Eventually I had to reinstall OS 10.4.9 to get things working again. That meant reinstalling my Palm software, Missing Sync, printer and scanner drivers, among other things. I was already having a lot of annoying problems caused by the OS 10.4.10 update, so I won't be updating to 10.4.10 or Quicktime 7.2 again."

See our tutorial on reinstalling the system if you're in the same boat.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

• QuickTime 7.2 breaking Rosetta CFM apps on Intel-based Macs: The definitive fixes; Crashes and other problems? remove components
• The QuickTime 7.2 disaster: Appears to break all CFM apps on Intel-based Macs (Office, Eudora, older Photoshop versions); Problems playing Flash, fixes

Resources