Security Update 2007-001 (#6): Finder issues; Classic: problems launching; Loss of keyboard/mouse recognition; more
Security Update 2007-001 (#6): Finder issues; Classic: problems launching; Loss of keyboard/mouse recognition; more
Finder issues Some users are reporting problems with the Mac OS X Finder after applying Security Update 2007-001.
MacFixIt reader Bert Berla writes:
"I installed this update this morning, and now my Finder won't load. I can browse to open files from within applications, and my dock works okay, but my menu bar goes away if I quit all applications and I can't get the finder to load for anything."
In many cases, these issues can be resolved by simply deleting the following file:
- com.apple.finder.plist
from ~/Library/Preferences/ (where ~ is your home user directory)
Classic: problems launching A handful of users report issues launching Classic after applying Security Update 2007-001.
One reader writes:
"The latest Security Update 2007-001 has broken Classic on my iBook G4. Classic startup window launches, then locks up.
There are two potential solutions for this problem:
- Delete "Classic Support" and "Classic Support UI" from the Mac OS 9 System Folder then restart the Classic Environment.
- Use the Classic preferences pane in System Preferences to disable any extensions you think might be causing the issue.
Loss of keyboard/mouse recognition MacFixIt reader Stephen Beck reports loss of keyboard and mouse recognition after applying Security Update 2007-001.
"I installed Security Update 2007-001 on my Intel-based iMac and now I cannot wake from sleep because my keyboard and mouse are not recognized. They are both hard wired but it detects that they are bluetooth and tells me I need to replace the batteries. I have never even used or activated bluetooth before but had to shut it off after the install."
Potential fixes for this issue include:
Unplug then re-plug, switch ports One of the simplest solutions for USB-based input devices that suddenly stop functioning is to unplug then reconnect them. Doing so can eliminate arbitration problems and other issues preventing normal use. Switching the USB port to which a given device is connected can have a similar effect.
Turn off 'Ignore accidental trackpad input' SIf you are using a portable Mac, try turning off the option to 'ignore accidental trackpad input' in the Keyboard and Mouse pane of System Preferences reduces frequency of this issue.
Toggle number lock In some cases, keyboard accessibility can be revived by turning off the num-lock function by pressing the F6 key (you may need to hold down the fn [function] key while pressing F6).
Restart kernel extensions Some users have reported that unloading then re-loading appropriate kernel extensions can resolve this issue -- especially with regard to trackpads that stop functioning after sleep. This can be accomplished by opening the Terminal (located in Applications/Utilities) and entering the following two commands (in order) and pressing return after each. You will be prompted for your administrator password.
- sudo kextunload
- /System/Library/Extensions/AppleUSBTopCase.kext/Contents/PlugIns/AppleUSBTrackpad.kext
- sudo kextload /System/Library/Extensions/AppleUSBTopCase.kext/Contents/PlugIns/AppleUSBTrackpad.kext
Remove third-party keyboard/trackpad drivers If you are still experiencing this issue after trying the aforementioned workarounds, remove any third-party keyboard/trackpad drivers, including the popular Sidetrack.
Compressor failure One MacFixIt reader reports problems using Compressor after application of Security Update 2007-001:
"I constantly use my macs to compress digital video using compressor. After installing the security update (2007-001), the background server that does batch compression no longer is available for use. It has happened on two different machines, one a dual G5 2.0, and the other a dual G5 2.5."
If you are experiencing a similar issue, please let us know.
Most overlooked fix -- just restart As with previous updates, a surprising number of problems apparent after applying Security Update 2007-001 can be resolved by simply restarting again after the initial restart required by the update.
One reader writes:
"I have an Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer connected through firewire. It suddenly lost connection and wouldn't regain it on being reset by being turned off and on. Also tested to find that an external disk connected through the same port would not mount and could not be seen by DiskUtility. Problem went away upon reboot."
Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.
Previous coverage:
- Security Update 2007-001 (#5): Success with cache clearing for file sharing issues, continued problems; more
- Security Update 2007-001 (#4): File sharing problems; Loss of peripheral recognition (including external drives); more
- Security Update 2007-001 (#3): Problems installing; File sharing issues; more
- Security Update 2007-001 (#2): QuickTime playback issues
- Apple Security Update 2007-001 released: Addresses QuickTime RTSP flaw
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