Mac OS X 10.4.2 (#5): Sleep issues may be USB device, network-related -- solutions; iCal search broken -- solution; more

Sleep issues may be USB device, network-related -- solutions Readers continue to note a variety of sleep issues under Mac OS X 10.4.2 -- particularly a syndrome where the system re-awakens shortly after being put to sleep, either returning to normal, awake state, or entering a blank screen mode where the fans continue to run but the system is unresponsive.

It appears that in many cases, these issues are either related to USB signals inadvertently triggering a system event (which will wake a Mac OS X system) or response to network activity.

MacFixIt reader Tim's case is typical:

"My wife's 20" iMac and my Dual 2.5 GHz G5 both have now (though only once or twice, as we sleep regularly) have had the 'jet engine' start with the fans moments after being put to sleep. Keyboard or Wacom tablet has no response when this happens. I'm forced to hold the power button to shutdown. This problem seems random (never happened on a previous OS X system), but on two different machines --something is up."

The problems occur in previous releases of Mac OS X as well, though with less frequency, indicating that Mac OS X 10.4.2 may more sensitive to external USB device signals or network-related wake triggers.

As such, the workarounds we have identified thus far involve limiting network-caused waking and temporarily disconnecting USB devices.

One workaround involves turning off the option to "Wake for Ethernet network administrator access" in the "Options" tab of the Energy Saver pane in System Preferences.

One reader writes:

"My Energy Saver setting did include a setting to 'Wake for Ethernet network administrator access.' I have changed this. I ran an experiment: I set the system to sleep manually, came back about 20 minutes later and the system was still asleep."

As mentioned by this reader, sometimes putting the system to sleep manually rather than allowing it to automatically nap based on Energy Saver settings can result in the system staying asleep.

David Anderson corroborates "Since installing Mac OS X 10.4.2 both my PowerBook G3 Pismo and my iMac G4 will not automatically go to sleep. The displays will dim and then the display goes off OK as per the settings in the Energy Saver system preferences, but the Mac will not go to sleep. If I manually choose sleep it does sleep however."

In cases where errant USB devices may be causing the unwelcome re-awakenings, simply disconnecting the offending peripherals before the system is put to sleep may provide relief.

MacFixIt reader Chile Buzz writes:

"A system log indicated a USB device was causing the machine to awaken. The only USB devices connected were an Iomega portable zip drive and a Microsoft Intellimouse. I was using the Apple wireless keyboard. An Apple tech said Iomega was known to cause some problems. He said there were a number of possible reasons for awakening, that even a slight vibration could do it. But the iMac was even awakening in wee hours of the night when no one stirring or anywhere near it (no pets, either). The whole floor would have had to have vibrated for there to be a vibration of the heavy desk. Not impossible, but not exactly likely, either, especially repetitively."

Menu items disappearing -- may be a screen resolution problem in some cases Last week we reported that a problem with menu bar items disappearing after updating to Mac OS X 10.4.2 was related -- in most cases -- to manual user disabling of Spotlight in a previous iteration of Mac OS X 10.4.x.

As also previously noted, however, the problem can also have causes other than Spotlight.

One such cause is an apparent screen real-estate issue that can sometimes be resolved by simply switching the resolution setting.

MacFixIt reader Lewis Jenkins writes:

"I have had the problem (but only using Safari) after upgrading to 10.4.2. The menu bar would simply disappear and nothing would bring it back. I would have to reboot the computer. It only happens occasionally, and today it happened again.

"The thought that it might be monitor resolutions, I went to Sys Prefs and changed from the top (1280x1024) to the next one in line (1280x960) and the menu heading returned and this problem has not returned."

iCal search no longer working -- solution Several readers have reported that iCal 2.0.2 -- included with Mac OS X 10.4.2 -- breaks search functionality in some instances.

One reader writes: "I just found I was a victim of iCal no longer returning search entries in Mac OS X 10.4.2. No entries before this week would be retrieved. Most every search came up blank yet I'd be looking at the item in the calendar.

A trip to Apple's forum found a few entries with this problem and a fix in the Terminal. The Finder version of the fix is to find all the 'index' files and delete them. I just tried it and it worked for me.

Another reader adds: "Since instal 10.4.2 I have notice that iCal fails to find some items in my calendars. Using Spotlight it will find the items, but iCal's search does not."

The problem can be worked around by exporting the problematic calendar, deleting it from iCal then re-importing the calendar.

This process will restore search functionality for the afflicted calendar file.

Mail.app IMAP problems Readers continue to note problems with IMAP since updating to Mac OS X 10.4.2.

Pete McFetridge writes:

"Good morning, since the new update (10.4.2) Mac mail has not been connecting correctly to the server at the university (IMAP account). I receive mail and it will eventually send mail but takes a very long time...if at all. The whirly thing that's in the 'inbox' folder line just keeps whirling around as if it's trying to do something."

Similar issue? Please let us know.

Safari conflict with old version of Saft The version of Safari (2.0 v412.2) included with Mac OS X 10.4.2 exhibits a conflict with outdated versions of the utility, providing the error message: "Saft Loading Problem The current version of Safari (v412.2) is not supported!" when Safari is launched.

The problem can be resolved by downloading the new, Mac OS X 10.4.2-compatible version of Saft.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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