Software Update

[Gregg]

"combo updater"?

You mean download from Apple and install???

I used Software Update. And now I can't even post here... oops! just did that.

[Bruce_F]

Gregg,

Here's a link to 10.5.2 Combo Update.

About fsck -fy:

In Safe mode the command fsck -y will go through the system files and correct stuff sort of like repairing permissions.

[Gregg]

I see. So I was right, I think. Looking at that page didn't clue me in on why the name is "Combo".

So I wonder if fsck -y does more than TechTool Pro can do...

You just boot into Safe Mode and then...

[Xairbusdriver]

The "combo" updater can take the OS from the very first iteration ( 10.x.0) all the way up to the latest version. No sequential updaters to run. If you do each one, as it comes out, you don't need the combo. But, many of us use them because they make sure that things changed in the individual updates are corrected as well as the last one to come down the pike. Further more, if you decide to re-install the System, one 'combo' update is faster/easier than 10 or 11 individual ones. At this point in Leopard, it's a moot point, I guess, but there'll come a day, later this year, when you'll be on your 6,7 or 8th update and it might pay to be sure all the previous changes are made. Of course, I recommend waiting a few days/weeks after any major update to see what secondary effects it might bring.

Many people are just plain nervous about updating a System while that very System is running. It seems that Apple has answered those fears by having a lot of the changes occur only after the actual OS has started to Shutdown. You'll sometimes see this in other Apple app upgrades, also.

[Gregg]

Combo? Who came up with that? What you're describing used to be called a "Universal" Updater. That would have computed. Man, I really need to take shorter naps!

It took about an hour on my relatively slow DSL connection for SU to do 10.5.2

But, start it just before you go out to chop more wood or cut another ice block. Then who cares?

[Xairbusdriver]

QUOTE

What you're describing used to be called a "Universal" Updater.

Maybe so, but Steve already had that word busy in describing apps that run on PPC or Intel Macs. But "Combo" works, anyway, since they are 'combinations' of all previous updates, not just the single one you usually get from SU. If you ever skip an update, you'll not be able to use the next one unless you go back and do the one you skipped, first. Or, you can just do the current "combo" updater and it will add all the things since the original 'cat' was released. At least that's the way I understand it, so don't try to confuse me with facts and reasoning!

BTW, there were reasons to skip some updates last time. At least until Apple fixed the bugs that were caused by one of them. Remember, make sure your data has been backed up in a usable form before making any update to the OS. And even then, do so at your own pace. There is no law that says you have to be the first one to use an offered update. OTOH, I think I'm preaching to the choir where you are concerned!

[MamaMoose]

Greg,

fsck -y does the same thing as verify and repair volume does in Disk Utility. But, it does solve the type of proplems that Disk warrior does.

MamaMoose

[Gregg]

Thanks, but could someone tell me how to execute fsck -y? I couldn't find anything on it in Help.

We're not it DOS here.... Is it in a menu?? (I doubt it.)

[Bruce_F]

First, I must apologize for confusing Safe Mode with Single User Mode.

Booting in Single User Mode and Running fsck -y:

fsck (file system check) is a start-up Unix utility ran from the command line.
Here is Apple's technical article on running FSCK.

Apple tech article states that Disk Utility Repair Disk is the same as running as fsck, yet many users have said they prefer fsck -y from a Shut Down. In the linked Apple tech article, Apple states, "For Mac OS X 10.4 or later, you should use Disk Utility."

In any case, we do NOT need an Apple boot Install CD or DVD to run fsck -y.

Here's how to fsck -y:

Shut Down Mac completely, Restart your Mac.
Immediately press and hold down the Command and S keys until text begins to scroll on screen. In a few more seconds, the Unix command line prompt (%).
Type fsck –y (fsck space minus y).
Press Return key.
Text will start updating the progress...if there is damage, the final line will say ***** FILE SYSTEM WAS MODIFIED *****.
If you see that message, REPEAT Steps 3 and 4 again and again until that message no longer appears. Having to run fsck more than once is normal, because the first run's repairs may uncover additional problems.
The end should read: "The volume <name of disk> appears to be OK."
Then type "reboot", then press Return to boot back off the hard drive.

[Gregg]

Now it makes sense. Thanks!

[tacit]

If you can not boot normally but you can boot in Safe Mode, that usually means that you have installed some third-party program that starts running when the computer boots, or instructed your computer to start some program running at startup, and the third-party program is not compatible with the new operating system.

Norton Antivirus is a common culprit here, but any program that starts itself when the computer boots, or that installs a kernel extension, may be at fault.

Do you have any programs set to start automatically? When you start in verbose mode, you say that you see an error message. Can you tell us what the error message says?

[Bruce_F]

QUOTE(tacit @ Feb 19 2008, 02:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Can you tell us what the error message says?

Nope... too late. That all happened last week. That's ancient history in my head.

Yeah, there were a few apps that started at bootup. Not any more...