Wireless problems after updating to 10.5.8.
Written by Topher Kessler
A number of people are experiencing problems with their wireless network connections after updating to 10.5.8. A few have not been able to connect to their Wi-Fi networks, some have had slow connections, and others have had problems with specific devices and services such as using Airtunes with an Airport Express.
MacFixIt reader "gfs2000" writes:
"I just updated to 10.5.8 and I also can't connect with my wireless router. I'm using an early 2008 white MacBook. I'm sending this via a direct connection via an ethernet cable."
Apple discussion poster "Jade Curtis" writes:
"I ran software update and updated my Mac to 10.5.8 restarted and now can no longer get online with airport."
Many of these problems seem to be caused by faulty PRAM settings, so our first suggestion is to reset the PRAM if you are experiencing WiFi difficulties. The update does force the computer to reset twice, which indicates some hardware settings may have been changed with this update.
To reset the PRAM, reboot the computer and hold the options-command-P-R keys down until the computer resets and makes the boot chimes again. It will keep resetting until you release the keys (just hold them for one or two resets) and then release the keys and allow it to boot normally. After this some settings such as the mouse pointer speed and system volume may be different, but the WiFi connections should hopefully be working again.
In addition to a PRAM reset, try removing and re-adding the airport interface in the Network system preferences. Be sure to write down the settings for the connection, and then highlight it and click the "-" button to remove it. Then click Apply to save the changes and re-add the interface by clicking the " " button.
Lastly, reapplying the combo updater has worked for a few people, so try downloading it from here and applying it when booted into Safe Mode.
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Topher has been an avid Mac user for the past 10-15 years, and has been a contributing author to MacFixIt for just over a year now. One of his diehard passions has been troubleshooting Mac problems and making the best use of Macs and Apple hardware both for family and friends, as well as in the workplace. He and the newly formed MacFixIt team are hoping to bring enhanced and more personable content to our readers, and keep the MacFixIt community going here at CNET. If you have questions or comments for Topher or the other MacFixIt editors, feel free to contact us at http://www.macfixit.com/contact
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Richard Drdul
Vancouver, BC
I spoke too soon. After connecting without problems a few times, my MBP suddenly couldn't connect. BTW, this was with the power adapter plugged in, so the suggestion that it works with the power adapter isn't necessarily the case. In any event, a PRAM reset worked this time.
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Richard Drdul
Vancouver, BC
1) Go to Network Preferences
2) Delete the AirPort interface from the list
3) Click "Apply"
4) Add the AirPort interface back to the list
5) Click "Apply"
I tried resetting PRAM, deleting the airport from the Network settings. Resetting permissions. All to no avail. Starting in Safe-Boot mode was successful first of four tries only.
I can see the other computers on the network but I can't connect to them nor the router. I created a new user account and that account can't connect either.
Next stop friendly Apple Genius Bar. Let them fix it!
Found some info on the macrumors site.
Airport only works when the power adapter is plugged in! I tried it and it connects and shuts off when I play with the power plug on my MacBook. Aha, now any guess as to what pref file or setting to change? I tried resetting energy saver to normal without success.
here's the link
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=760780
All of these problems were completely fixed by applying the 10.5.8 update.
I finally hooked the base station to a different mac that was still at 10.5.7. From there the AirPort Utility worked fine and I was able to update the firmware on the base station from 7.3.2 to 7.4.2 and then configured it as it was previously. I then reconnected the base station to my cable modem and everything is working again.
I believe upgrading the base station firmware fixed the problem.
- by lubar--2008 August 17, 2009 4:58 PM PDT
- My problem was even odder - some sites would come in, some wouldn't - it seemed that only non-graphic intensive sites would load. I tried each of these things, but what seems to have done the trick was the last one, deleting airport from the Network preferences, and then adding it back in. This took several tries, for some reasons, but once it took everything worked fine. Macbook Pro 10.5.8 with all upgrades.
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