Art Of Geek

Time Machine & AirPort Update breaks 10.5.2 Combo Update [Update 2]

March 25th, 2008 at 12:28pm madgunde

[Update 2] So I recently attempted to re-apply the Mac OS X 10.5.2 Combo update to my MacBook Pro in the hopes that it would fix an annoying little bug that is preventing the contents of my Desktop folder to get dynamically updated. To my surprise, when I went to select my boot volume to install on, the Installer wouldn’t let me continue stating:

“You cannot install Mac OS X Update Combined on this volume. This volume does not meet the requirements for this update.”

At first I thought my OS installation was corrupted, but before I reached for my Leopard install DVD to do a clean install I decided to investigate whether one of the recent Apple software updates may have caused the problem. I hadn’t installed the recent Safari, Security and Time Machine & AirPort updates on my Mac mini, so I installed each, one at at time, and then attempted to install the 10.5.2 Combo update after each to see if at any point it would give me the same problem I’m having on my MacBook Pro. I installed the Safari update first, followed by the latest security update, after both, I had no problems selecting the boot volume for the 10.5.2 Combo Update, but after installing the Time Machine & AirPort Update, the Combo update now said my mini’s boot volume did not meet the requirements for the update, just like my MacBook Pro!

A quick search through Apple’s Support forums didn’t reveal any other reports about this issue, so I posted a topic there and it quickly got responses from others who have run into the same problem. One post lead us to the culprit, which was that the Time Machine & AirPort Update changed the build number of Mac OS X from 9C31 to 9C7010. Since the latest Combo Update available as of this writing is for build 9C31, it won’t let you install overtop of the newer build.

So great, we know what the cause is, but what’s the solution? Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait until Apple either releases a new Combo updater for build 9C7010, or for Mac OS X 10.5.3 to be released, which will have a new Combo Updater. Otherwise, right now, the only workaround if you really need a reinstall to fix a problem would be an Archive and Install or Format and Install using your original Leopard install DVD–which isn’t a solution at all.

Thankfully my problem is minor enough that I can wait, but for those who are having bigger issues, and for my own peace of mind, I hope we don’t have to wait too long for a proper solution from Apple.

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Update 1 - 4/10/2008, 5:00 pm: I tried a workaround which was discussed in this Apple support forum topic which seems to have worked for me. Before you try this yourself, please note that I take no responsibility for any damage you do to your computer. Proceed at your own risk, and before you try this, make sure you have a good backup! I also only recommend trying this if you are comfortable working in Terminal.

1. Enter the following command in Terminal:
   sudo defaults write /System/Library/CoreServices/SystemVersion ProductBuildVersion 9C31
   This is all one command. Enter your admin password when prompted and hit return.
   If you’re typing manually, be 100% certain you type it correctly with all spaces and upper/lowercase letter exactly as shown. If you are going to totally screw up your system, this is the most likely point it will happen! This will change your OS X build number to the previous build so the Combo update will install.
2. Correct permissions on /System/Library/CoreServices/SystemVersion.plist using this command:
   sudo chmod 644 /System/Library/CoreServices/SystemVersion.plist
   This is so you don’t get a javascript error trying to run Installer. Again, this is all one command and be certain you type it exactly as shown, otherwise you could really screw something up.
3. Install the Mac OS X 10.5.2 Combo update and reboot.
4. Install the Time Machine & AirPort Update and reboot.
5. Install the Security Update 2008-002 v.1.1 (Leopard) and reboot.
6. Install the Safari 3.1.1 Update and reboot.
7. Repair disk permissions using Disk Utility.

Everything seems to be working right so far, and I’ve confirmed that the permissions on /System/Library/CoreServices/SystemVersion.plist are correct. You can check by entering the following command in Terminal:
ls -l /System/Library/CoreServices/SystemVersion.plist

The result should look exactly like this (although the date/time may be different):
-rw-r--r-- 1 root wheel 479 Mar 13 14:03 /System/Library/CoreServices/SystemVersion.plist

Good luck and if you’re brave enough to try this, post your results in the comments.

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Update 2 - 5/28/2008, 2:10 pm: Apple has released the Mac OS X 10.5.3 Combo update. You’re better off installing the new version unless you have a specific application compatibility issue with 10.5.3.

Entry Filed under: Apple, Computing, Mac OS X, Macintosh, Software, Tips