MacBooks affected by Airport bug not able to install Airport Client Update 1.0

Written by Topher Kessler

Some people who had Airport problems after upgrading to 10.5.8 may not be able to install the patch Apple released today, especially if they have modified their system with various workarounds to get Airport working again.

When we posted our workaround for the problem, we specifically mentioned to back up the current kernel extensions before replacing them with old versions that were more stable. Before applying the current patch from Apple, be sure to revert the workaround and copy the replaced extensions back to the Extensions folder. After this is done, restart the computer and try running the installer again.

A second option is to download the AirPort Client Update installer manually and use Pacifist to extract the kernel extension replacement from it. This should only be done if you are sure your system is one of the ones mentioned in Apple's documentation for the update. These include the following:

• MacBook (13-inch, Late 2007)
• MacBook (13-inch, Early 2008)
• MacBook (13-inch, Late 2008)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008)
• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2008)
• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2008)

To revert workarounds and install the update manually, be sure to copy back the most recent version of the "AppleAirPort.kext" extension that we mentioned to replace in the workaround (this apparently was not involved in the problem, and a replacement is not included in Apple's update). After this, use Pacifist to open the installer file and navigate to the kernel extension provided there. Then either extract it or install it to the /System/Library/Extensions/ folder, replacing any current extension you may have there. You can then load it into the extensions caches by running the following commands in the Terminal:

WARNING: After running the "kextload" command, if there are any errors do not continue, and remove the new kernel extension (replacing it with an older version). This command will test the kernel extension for dependencies and if some are not met, you may destabilize your system if you continue.

After these commands are run, restart your system to load the kernel extension.

A final option is to download and apply the latest "Combo" updater for 10.5.8, which should refresh the Airport extensions. After this is done, run the Airport client update again.

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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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