Mac OS X 10.5.5 (#6): SystemUIServer crashing; Apple TV sync issues; MacBook external display issue (cont.)

SystemUIServer crashing Some users have reported repeated SystemUIServer crashes under Mac OS X 10.5.5. SystemUIServer is a process that is responsible for various Mac OS X interface components. When it hangs indefinitely, it can cause a complete ostensible system freeze.

One MacFixIt reader writes:

"I have detected that SystemUIServer is crashing about twice a minute on my system. I recently installed the Mac OS X 10.5.5 update. This shows up in Activity Monitor with WindowServer jumping to the top user of CPU (74% on my Macbook), with SystemUIServer close behind, for a few seconds, then disappearing, with CrashReporter showing up. In the Console log, the crash of SystemUIServer gets reported over and over. I tried rebooting with Shift down (to eliminate startup items), but the same crashes occur. I am in the process of reinstalling 10.5.5 from the combo updater, to see if that helps."

On numerous occasions we've covered troubleshooting issues where killing the SystemUIServer process can prove helpful. We've also covered situations where the SystemUIServer process hogs an inordinate amount of processor resources. However, we've yet to encounter a situation, as described by Marc, where this process cannot be quit.

One potential method for obviating this problem is to delete the file com.apple.systemuiserver.plist located in ~/Library/Preferences/, though we don't yet have confirmation of success with this procedure.

Apple TV sync issues Several users have reported an issue in which iTunes will no longer sync with the Apple TV under Mac OS X 10.5.5.

One reader writes:

"I have noticed since my upgrade to iTunes 8 / 10.5.5 I am not able to see my Apple TV in the Devices list in iTunes. (I have re-installed iTunes 8, and OS X 10.5.5) no difference, removed the plist files still the same. But what is strange is I can use my Apple TV to stream music using the remote speaker facility, I can also connect to my iTunes library form the Apple TV to stream music from the Mac."

The single most effective fix for this issue is a simple one: unplug your Apple TV from the power outlet then plug it back in. Failing that, however, there are other, potentially more permanent fixes.

If you're having WiFi issues, for instance, try switching the protocol used by your router. Some users have found that using 802.11b+g or b+g+n on the 2.4GHz spectrum rather than 802.11 a+n allows connections to take place.

Other potential fixes include:

• Make sure your settings are correct Open iTunes and navigate to Preferences under the iTunes menu. Click on the Apple TV tab, and make sure the option "Look for Apple TVs" is selected.
• Turn off the Firewall Open System Preferences, then click on the Security pane. Check the box next to "Allow all incoming connections."
• Reconnect to network On the Apple TV, navigate to Settings then Network and select "Reconnect to network."
• Don't use SOCKS Some users have reported problems when using SOCKS proxies. Try using an alternative connection method.
• Reinstall iTunes Try reinstalling iTunes 7.6.1.
• Change wireless channels Change the channel used by your wireless router -- interference may be at play. See our wireless tutorial for more information.
• Recreate library Recreating your iTunes library may work to resolve this issue.
• Restart Mac or Apple TV In some cases restarting the host Mac or the Apple TV (or both) can temporarily resolve this issue.

More on the MacBook external display issue MacBook and MacBook Pro users continue to experience difficulty with external monitors after applying the Mac OS X 10.5.5 update. Users have found that either the internal or the external monitor does not function correctly, with some users reporting one or the other displays only a white screen. Other users have experienced distorted "psychedelic"-looking displays.

THe latest report from a MacFixIt reader:

"We've run into the issue with video not working properly on MacBooks following the 10.5.5 update. However, we were able to determine that it's a problem only with specific monitors. We have some Acer 17" displays and get no video through DVI with the new update. However, the same machine can be attached to a Viewsonic display or an Apple display and it works just fine. This monitor and computer were happy together until the update and will work fine when booted off an older system."

Though initial reports indicated that PRAM resets were unsuccessful in resolving this issue, w've now received reports to the contrary. To reset PRAM, hold options-command-P-R keys at bootup until the computer chimes three times.

OpenGL issues Users continue to report odd OpenGL issues after the update. One reader writes:

"I read with interest the news that there have been reports of OpenGL problems with the latest 10.5.5 update from Apple. The problem I experienced after the update was rendering probems in Battlefield 1942 under it (yes, some of us still play the old games!) which made it totally unplayable. The latest versions of DiskWarrior & AppleJack made no difference, but downgrading and reupdating to 10.5.4 totally resolved the issue."

"Possiblly of interest is that this problem surfaced on a Mac Pro with an ATI X1900 (sound familiar?)... Not sure if the rendering problem exists in other areas yet, and this particular game was running under Rosetta, but without doubt the downgrade fixed it."

Feedback? http://www.macfixit.com/contact.

• Mac OS X 10.5.5: green/purple video
• Apple Support aware of MacBook external monitor issues in Mac OS X 10.5.5
• Mac OS X OS X 10.5.5 (#3): Address Book freezes; External display problems; SSH not working; Printer issues
• Mac OS X 10.5.5 (#2): Updater issues; Startup problems; Unexpected quits; more
• Mac OS X 10.5.5 released: MobileMe, Time Machine, Spotlight, iPhone, graphics fixes

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