QuickTime 7.1.5 (#5): Dealing with disaster; VLC: problems playing media, fix; more

CNET staff

Sept. 2, 2009 1:07 a.m. PT

4 min read

Dealing with disaster A surprisingly high number of users are reporting dire issues after applying the QuickTime 7.1.5 -- particularly an inability playback media in various applications and problems starting up.

For problems starting up, we would like to remind users to check our tutorial "Startup fails (particularly after a system or security update); solving.". The first step you should take in the case of failed startup after a significant system update is to startup in safe mode -- hold the "Shift" key while you startup -- then try disabling specific kernel extensions and deleting specific cache files.

If you need to uninstall QuickTime 7.1.5 and revert to an earlier version, note that there are some risks associated with replacing specific components using Pacifist or another method. A better, and safer method is the following process (as previously described): [Reverting to an earlier version of QuickTime will remove any refinements brought by the update and leave your system open to potential vulnerabilities.]

First, make a backup of your current Mac OS X installation with QuickTime 7.1.5 applied, problematic as it may be. If there is an issue along the way, your valuable data will be safely intact in its current form.

Next, you'll need to perform an Archive and Install process to remove all of the Security Update's (and potentially problem-causing) components, and replace them with the components of a fresh copy provided by the Mac OS X disc that shipped with your system, or a retail Mac OS X disc. Unfortunately, this means you will lose some system settings and some or all third-party system add-ons.

To begin the process, insert your Mac OS X CD or DVD, as indicated above. Restart your machine and hold down the "C" key to boot from the newly inserted disc. Follow the on-screen instructions, and after accepting the license agreement, click "Options." Select "Archive and Install," and check the "Preserve User and Network Settings" option if you'd like to do so.

After the installation process is complete, you will be left with an earlier Mac OS X system that (hopefully) does not suffer from the problems generated by QuickTime 7.1.5.

Download and install the Mac OS X 10.4.8 combo updater [PowerPC | Intel], then QuickTime 7.1.3.

Embedded media Users continue to report issues with embedded media after installing QuickTime 7.1.5.

One reader writes:

"I have been active on a video sharing site Vimeo for almost a year I updated yesterday and now each clip I click on becomes a QT symbol with a question mark it does not play any of the clips."

As previously noted, if you are having problems viewing QuickTime media embedded in Web pages after the 7.1.5 update, quit Safari (or your current browser) and look in the /Library/Internet Plug-Ins directory (this is the Library folder at the root level of your hard drive, not the one inside your home user directory). Try removing the following files from that directory:

VLC Plugin.plugin
QuickTime plugin.plugin

Failing this workaround, you may want to consider reverting to an earlier version of QuickTime as described above.

No sound after update -- fix If you are having issues with sound not playing in QuickTime content after the update to QuickTime 7.1.5, try launching then quitting GarageBand, or launching then quitting the "Audio MIDI Setup" application located in Applications/Utilities.

Third party applications

TurboTax issue update -- fix coming today We continue to report on an issue where TurboTax 2006 quits immediately after the splash screen after applying the QuickTime 7.1.5 update. As previously noted, Intuit posted a support document acknowledging this issue.

A company representative has now posted a message to the Intuit support forums indicating that a fix will be released later today:

"The patch should be going out later today. I'll post here and send out a global e-mail when it's available."

If you'd liked to be notified when the patch is released, use this sign-up list

VLC: problems playing media After our initial note on the issue, many users are reporting a problem where VLC repeatedly quits upon attempting to play media after the update to QuickTime 7.1.5. One reader writes:

"After updating manually, VLC 0.8.6a on play opens window then crashes out when attempting to play all files. Same files previously played without problem this includes avi, mpg. EyeTV files play without problem but same will not play in VLC anymore. All files will import & play in iMovie. Re-installing etc, makes no difference.

Another adds:

"VLC on my daughter's iMac running OS X 10.3.9 crashes since she updated to QT 7.1.5. Media will start, play for @ 5 seconds, then shut down."

Most users experiencing the problem are running Mac OS X 10.3.x (Panther).

Fix At this point, the only viable fix for this issue appears to be downgrade to an earlier release of VLC -- such as version 0.8.2.

EyeTV Some users are reporting an issue where the EyeTV application quits on launch after updating to QuickTime 7.1.5.

One reader writes:

"EyeTV will not work after update. Unexpectedly quits."

If you are experiencing a similar issue, please let us know.