I really should know better by now. But, when I read that the 10.5.6 fixed all kinds of things (see Apple support item linked below)...
About the Mac OS X 10.5.6 Update
...like Address book syncing with the iPhone, AirPort connections, graphics performance, improved network performance, and Time Machines fixes, I decided to update my Macs right away.
The iMac updated fine using the 190MB update brought down by Software Upate. It seemed like the update preparation took a long time though. In fact, I thought my iMac was frozen for a second or two during the process. However, for what seemed like 10 minutes after the actual update began (after the download had finished), the iMac rebooted (twice I think) and all was well.
The next step was to update my first generation MacBook. It has the older Core Duo processor available at that time and a slower hard drive than my iMac. So, I expected the update process to take a bit longer. But, after waiting 45 minutes and not seeing the progress bar above move beyond the Configuring Installation step, I decided to force a shutdown and rebooted back to 10.5.5.
I patiently waited about 15 minutes during a second attempt at using the 190MB download file. But,the update process froze on the MacBook at the same point.
At this point (second try), I gave up and decided to go look for the...
This thing is huge! 668.7MB to be a bit more precise. So, it took a while to download and start it going.
Once It got started up, it estimated a 10 minute install time. I think it took a bit longer than that.
But, the main point is that the Combo Update worked fine on my MacBook where the normal updater froze.
If you are traveling and brave enough to update while on the road, you definitely want to make sure you have some time to spare for the download and installation. This is definitely not something you want to do while waiting an an airport gate. And, don't forget to delete that 668.7MB file (most likely) in the Downloads folder after the update is done.
UPDATE 2008.12.18: Apple wrote a support page discussing this problem. You can find it here:
Mac OS X 10.5: Software Update stops responding during "Configuring installation"
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Same problem now with 10.5.6. The combo's going to need another few hours to finish downloading.
This combo update helped me FINALLY download the OS update on my Macbook- THANK YOU!!!!
Mine won't work, even with the 668Mb combo updater...
Same problem. With the combo update, it works. I expected this only from Microsoft...
I have a 12" Powerbook with a 1.33 PowerPC G4 and encountered the same issue. The Combo Update worked. Thanks for posting this solution.
Please help!
The same thing happened to me (i.e. after downloading the 377GB update, the install stalled and I had to shut down my MacBook). After restarting again the install did not come up again.
I assume that I have the 377GB saved somewhere on my computer (I checked in the downloads and couldn't see it). Can I somehow manually activate the installation again (provided I can find it that is)?
What should I do?
our help is greatly appreciated!
Two issues I've had both on G4s. Imac G4 1.25Ghz 17 inch updated fine from the Software updater BUT Photoshop Elements 3 wont work.
My PISMO Powerbook uprated to G4 by Daystar loves 10.5.5 but blue screens 10.5.6 or if started in 'safe' mode just recycles between log-in and blue screen.
So for both it was the boring case of reloading 10.5, updating to 5.5 and transferring applications & data (again)
I always use the combo updater, as I update several computers with it (both PPC and Intel). No problem for me on my computers (PowerBook's and MacBook Pros).
My last update (10.5.5) also failed until I resorted to the Combo Update. Same problem now with 10.5.6. The combo's going to need another few hours to finish downloading.
I had the same problem with my PowerBook, but was able to update without incident using a different profile or user.
Updated my iMac & early 2006 Macbook from software update, no problems.