Security Update 2006-008 Special Report: General fixes for common issues

CNET staff

Sept. 2, 2009 12:45 a.m. PT

2 min read

If you are experiencing a host of issues after application of Security Update 2006-008, there are a few blanket workarounds you can try first before investigating specific fixes.

Re-apply the Mac OS X 10.4.8 combo updater Once again, re-application of the current combination updater (Mac OS X 10.4.8 for PowerPC or Intel) has proven useful in the case of Security Update 2006-008. Doing so overwrites potentially problem-causing files.

Re-apply the Mac OS X 10.4.8 combo updater from an alternate startup volume Failing the above, a more involved process that requires applying the combo updater from a separate startup drive can clear various issues.

Download and save the Mac OS X 10.4.8 combo updater (PowerPC or Intel).

Startup from an alternate boot volume, such as an external FireWire drive, or use another Mac to boot the problematic system in FireWire target disk mode (connect the two machines via a FireWire cable, and boot the target [problematic] system while holding down the "T" key)

Once booted from an alternate drive, select the problematic volume in the Finder, and "Get Info" -- either by pressing the Command-I keyboard combination or accessing the "Get Info" option in the File menu. Check the box marked "Ignore ownership permissions on this volume."

If you have a third-party disk repair utility like DiskWarrior, use it to re-build the directory on the problematic volume (this step may not be necessary)

Re-install the Mac OS X 10.4.8 combo updater on the problematic drive.

Re-attempt booting from the problematic volume (hold down the option key at startup to select the desired drive)
Delete kernel extension caches, other caches for some issues A number of common issues that crop up after major system updates (including security updates) can be resolved by deleting specific cache files -- specifically kernel extension caches -- and restarting.
This can most easily be accomplished with a shareware utility like Tiger Cache Cleaner, but also bears a manual process which involves dragging the following files to the trash:

com.apple.kernelcaches (a folder in /System/Library/Caches)

Extensions.kextcache (a file in /System/Library)

Extensions.mkext (a file in /System/Library/)

com.apple.ATS (a folder in /Library/Caches/)

Files that start with com.apple.LaunchServices (in /Library/Caches)

You will be prompted to enter your administrator password when dragging these files to the trash. You may need to restart after moving them to the trash.