HackBook Running Mac OS X 10.5.6

December 15th, 2008

Apple / Mac, Featured, OS X Updates

It looks like another release of our favorite Operating System is out: Mac OS X 10.5.6. Has anyone tried to upgrade yet from 10.5.5 (Kalyway)? I’m hitting the update button now. Wish me luck!

UPDATE!

Downloaded fine but the installer stuck at 61% — screen frozen solid. After a reboot, a whole bag of errors (not hurt) has entered my computer. It appears to be completely toasted. I’m going to start the recovery process and I’ll update this post with more information.

For those of you who don’t want to reinstalll, check out this URL for more detailed information on why 10.5.6 kills your computer and how you can safely upgrade. *READ IT BEFORE YOU ATTEMPT TO UPGRADE* http://netkas.org/?p=78

UPDATE (AGAIN)!

I’m back on 10.5.5. Funny thing is I ended up downloading my own files from this site because I couldn’t locate my Dell 1525 “Goodies” DVD. I’m going to make a better (Read: real) backup of my system before playing with 10.5.6 again (Thanks, Dave).

Has anyone successfully upgraded to 10.5.6? Post your story/instructions here!

UPDATE (YET AGAIN)!

Dave Wolf saves the day, and here is his comment on upgrading to Mac OS X 10.5.6:

Wolfer said,

December 16, 2008

UPGRADING TO 10.5.6

(Richard and I talked last night about upgrading to 10.5.6; I did some testing. I’m posting this to both the 10.5.5 thread and the Tutorial thread. Richard. . . Maybe a new thread for this one is in order. You’ll see what I mean when you check out the below.)

Richard tried a stock install of 10.5.6 straight from the Software Update app. Well, as suspected, this didn’t turn out to well. Update froze, wouldn’t boot, etc. He needed to re-install; there might have been other ways to correct, but he determined re-installing would be the quickest way to get back up and running. Backups (as I discussed in the Tutorial thread) are ESSENTIAL when doing 10.5.x upgrades! You HAVE to play with these things on volumes that ARE NOT your primary volume. At least, I can’t. I use the machine for daily work it’s so stable anymore.

Anyway. . . My testing. . .

I got 10.5.6 up and running. I’ll post more below on how I got there. But, let me tell you what you’ll loose and need to mess with in order to get back and working after you have 10.5.6 on there and booting.

1) Audio will be gone. Needs restored from prior 10.5.5 kexts.
2) Wireless will be gone. Needs patched with the Broadcom patcher again.
3) USB will be running at 11Mb. Needs patched with multiple USB kexts.
4) PS/2 support will be gone. So, no laptop mouse and keyboard; needs kexts.
5) Time Machine will be broken, requiring tweaking of a plist file as it wants to see a NIC.

And this was just what I noticed in playing with the booted OS for about 20 minutes before I hit the sack last night. My thoughts. . . If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it… YET. There is a ton of f#%k-with that needs done to even install the update successfully, and then once at 10.5.6 there’s a ton more, of which I haven’t even dove into yet, although I’m sure it can all be corrected. But, based on the release notes from Apple, I don’t see this update as needing to be applied IMMEDIATELY:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3194

There’s nothing tremendously necessary in this update. At least for me there’s not. That said, I am going to head to it for the fun of it. I’m a masochist like that. ;)

So, if you want to get to the totally broken state I listed above, here’s the steps. These are ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY to install the update successfully. I’ll post more on how to correct all that’s broken later, or someone else can along with me.

Steps to update from 10.5.5 to 10.5.6 (Remember, best practice this one on a backup OS, not your running/working volume):

1) Head to http://pcwizcomputer.com/blog/?cat=3 and download all 3 of the new tools.
2) You’ll need to update to PC-EFI v9 and Chameleon. Use the ‚ Universal OSx86 Installer tool to handle this job for you. Select main package, select ‚ Apply Kext Package, and select ‚ Install PC_EFI v9 Chameleon Edition 1.0.12. This is necessary to take advantage of the DSDT.AML file we’ll be making in the next step. Click install, just make sure you’re making these changes to the right volume (which can be selected in the combo box up top). Make sure the boot file in your root changed, so make note of the size/time of the original one and then check to ensure it got updated. OR, you can use the one from here. The ‚ chameleon‚  file in the package is really the ‚ boot‚  file. You just need to rename ‚ chameleon‚ to ‚ boot‚  and copy the file over. That said, it’s probably best to just let the ‚ Universal OSx86 Installer‚ tool do the work and ensure the ‚ boot‚  file got updated.
3) Grab DSDT Patcher – http://forum.insanelymac.com/index.php?showtopic=133683&st=0&start=0 – and make yourself a ‚ dsdt.aml‚  file for your specific machine and place it in the root of the install volume. I suspect you can use PCWIZ’s ‚ DSDT Patcher‚  GUI as well, although I used the command line version.
4) You’ll find a new directory called /UOIBackup or something like that (created by the Universal Installer). It will contain 3 kext files. These are the  defensive kexts that are used with a Boot-132 install. Me, I installed these kexts last go-round with 10.5.5. So, I had them already installed. One was updated from what I had installed, but anyway, use KextHelper or whatever kext installer you use and install them to your Extensions folder Kill your extensions cache after installing them and repair permissions.

At this point, you’re ready to reboot with the new bootloader/EFI, the dsdt,aml in use, and the defensive kexts loading up still at 10.5.5. So, reboot, watch the new stuff, and get back into 10.5.5. Everything should still be as it was at this point.

You can now load 10.5.6 from the Software Update app. Just be aware of what you’ll run into after a couple of reboots. You’ll get into the OS, but most of all your devices will be broken at least for now.

Stay tuned. . . I’ll have more to come regarding getting a broken 10.5.6 install actually working in a bit. In the meantime, READ, READ, and READ everything related to all the links I listed above‚ including any readmes or instructions that are included with the packages. They’ll help you understand the whole process a lot better than I detailed it.

Dave

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About the author of this post:

Richard has written 94 posts on Daily Blogged.

Richard is a professional web developer and business consultant. He opened his first web hosting company at the age of 13 out of his bedroom on an ISDN connection and hasn't looked back since. Richard currently resides in sunny Florida.

283 Responses to “HackBook Running Mac OS X 10.5.6”

  1. Joshua Says:

    Thanks! I did that and I am going to pick up some thermal paste tomorrow. Thanks for your help!

  2. Joshua Says:

    It has been getting so hot it shuts off. Do you know of any kexts that might have anything to do with this. I remember there were a couple that had to do with the cooling down the temperature, but I didn’t look into them. Would any of those help?

  3. Thomas Says:

    The reason it jumps is because the processor has a heavier load and more processing = more energy = more heat. Regardless, 190 degrees is quite high (my processor idles at about 118). Try reapplying the thermal paste to your processor and it should bring the temperature down substantially.

  4. Joshua Says:

    Hey Thomas, I have a question. I am running 10.5.6 and I do a LOT of iMovie work. I just started noticing that when I export it raises my CPU temp 20 degrees! When I hit cancel it drops down! I have no idea but the last time I checked it was at 190 degrees F! Thanks for your help!

  5. Neal Says:

    Have finally updated to 10.5.6, but think the dell 1525 update pick is no longer on mediafire, would anybody have this as am having trouble getting the keyboard on my laptop to work. Everything else I have got to work but the keyboard….currently got a usb one plugged in.

    Thanks
    Neal

  6. Thomas Says:

    Assuming that you meant Chameleon (instead of grub), this is ok because both Chameleon and the Vista/7 Bootloader are installed. If you don’t like seeing the Chameleon Bootloader then try setting the timeout to 0 in com.apple.boot.plist and it should automatically load OS X after selecting it from the 7 bootloader.

  7. B Unit Says:

    Hey Thomas, I have the 1525 running. I have installed Win7 and OSX 10.5.6 using the last XxX release. I installed Win7 first, then OSX. I then repaired Win7, and attempted to add Mac OSX to the Vista bootloader. I am able to add it to the list, but when I select OSX it stops at the grub> prompt. Am I forgetting a last step somewhere?

    Thanks,
    B

  8. Thomas Says:

    That is correct. It’ probably best to install Windows 7, then Leopard, and then SL.

  9. B Unit Says:

    I replaced the LCD on it today :) just waiting for the new HD delivered on Monday. Its a 160 gig so I’m thinking 100GB to win7 and the rest for OS X…I wish I had the model with the camera/mic -_-

    I’ll need to install Leopard before installing Snow Leopard, right?

  10. Thomas Says:

    When you get the laptop up and running, check out this guide to install Snow Leopard. Also, stay tuned for a Windows 7/Snow Leopard dual boot guide in the coming weeks.

  11. B Unit Says:

    Thanks for all this info. I just picked up a Insp 1525 with a cracked LCD for cheap from a friend. Once I replace the screen I’m setting up a dual boot win7/mac os x. Can’t wait!!

  12. Thomas Says:

    Now that you are on 10.5.5 and its working good, once again try the 10.5.7 combo update and see how it works for you. Once again, remember to backup first.

  13. Neal Says:

    Files you will need:
    1. Universal OSx86 Installer as found at http://pcwizcomputer.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=149&Itemid=48
    2. DSDT Patcher GUI as found at http://pcwizcomputer.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=150&Itemid=48
    3. Dell Post Installer as found at http://forum.insanelymac.com/index.php?showtopic=97966 (scroll to the bottom of the first post to get the latest version)
    4. Kext update package as found at http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=7f84da0b0520e9bfd2db6fb9a8902bda (original link posted by Chris so all credit goes out to him)

    Instructions to update from 10.5.5 to 10.5.6:
    1. Open Universal OSx86 Installer
    2. Select “apply kext package”
    3. Select “Install PC_EFI v9 Chameleon Edition 1.0.12″
    4. Click Install
    5. Open DSDTPatcherGUI
    6. Select “Darwin/Mac OS X”
    7. Select Run
    8. Reboot Computer
    9. Install 10.5.6 Delta Update
    10. Click restart but then plug in keyboard/mouse while rebooting
    11. Log in as usual
    12. Open “Dell_1525-10.5.6_Update_Pack” folder
    13. Install all files except ApplePS2Trackpad (pointless install unless you use the scrolling
    14. Run Dell Laptop Post Installer
    15. Install Sigmatel 9228 fix and SD Card Reader
    16. Repair Permissions
    17. Restart computer and remove usb keyboard/mouse

    Thomas – I am upto 10.5.5 with a little bit of playiing (still no joy on the question mark the back slash works but not question mark)

    Can you point me in the direction of the Delta update, I have downloaded one but it doesnt appear to work when I follow the instruction above, had to step back to 10.5.5. It won’t boot, goes through chameleon, gives me the apple and then its goes bacl and dies.

    Any ideas – sorry to be a pain

  14. Thomas Says:

    10.5.7 is rumored to be released in the very near future so it could very well be Friday. When it is released though, we will be putting up an updated guide on installing 10.5.7 (much like the original tutorial only updated)

  15. Cristian Says:

    I’ve read some speculations today on Maclife.com claiming that 10.5.7 is to be released this Friday. Have you got any other updates on this?
    have a nice day!

  16. Thomas Says:

    All is working now with the Voodoo kernel, no?

  17. nickstobie Says:

    ive tried a couple installs but still no luck… any suggestions on what exactly to install?

  18. Genaro Bonilla Says:

    Nick you should be able to boot with “-x -f” on first boot and it will bypass having to use clamshell.

  19. Richard Says:

    nickstobie,

    Clamshell display shouldn’t be dependent on your power source to function. This means that even while plugged in, your computer should sleep/wake just fine. My laptop is almost never unplugged and I use clamshell to sleep my computer when I’m away from it, or it’s in the bag. It seems like there’s a problem with the kernel you selected that doesn’t allow your computer to sleep.

    Without knowing much more about it, I’d start there by selecting different installation options (kernels/kexts). It only takes about 10 minutes to install a fresh copy of Mac OS X on my laptop, so you should have a working setup soon by finding out what works and doesn’t by some trial and error.

  20. nickstobie Says:

    hey richard. so i have a little problem. i recently decided to reinstall os x as a fresh install. when i erased my hard drive and reinstalled, my battery began to drain. by the time i had to put my computer to sleep the battery had died. i went to plug it in and it would not charge. i researched this and discovered that the problem was with my motherboard and it cant be repaired for a cheap price. thomas has been trying to help me with this but we cant really seem to find a solution. i have ipc and xxx 10.5.6 disks. when i install, i install the clamshell and many other of the necessary kexts. when it comes time to put my laptop to sleep, i close the lid then open it, but instead of the computer waking up to the set up screen, it restarts. is there any way to install os x without the computer being unplugged? i hope sop because windows sucks! i might have to buy a real mac! (what a waste)

  21. mbebop Says:

    glad to hear some people are finding this useful. again, the goal is to get some feedback from you guys regarding which of these kext’s you’re using to get your 1525 running top notch (or not using, superfluous ones should probably be scratched off the list), a more detailed description of what exactly they do (understanding the workings of the system is more useful to me personally than a walk through of how to get a working install), and eventually, if we feel like being SUPER helpful, links to where you can get the most up to date versions of these drivers.

    If we do this, we may be able to submit a kext package (mkext or whatever needs to be compiled) for the Inspiron 1525 to be used with the UI installer, which would make a first time leo 10.5.6 install, or reinstall, for that matter, virtually effortless. This would reduce the need for walkthroughs for the 1525 (at least until 10.5.7), making it easy for those who just want an installation to get one running fast, without having to ask tons of questions; and, if we document everything as well as I’d like, will aid those who actually want to learn about how everything works so they can focus more on making the install work better.

  22. Thomas Says:

    Its not tl;dr at all. In fact, its actually vu;tsm (very useful; thanks so much)

  23. steve0suprem0 Says:

    tl;dr=too long; didn’t read.

  24. Thomas Says:

    mbebop- Thank you very much for that. This guide will really be useful for those newbies who might not be sure how to get a certain feature/function working. Do you mind if I ask what TL;DR is though

  25. mbebop Says:

    its been awhile gentlemen,

    today I have more of a request. The following is a list of all the 3rd party/modded kexts I’m currently running on my system (Dell Inspiron 1525, Leo 10.5.6). These are also backed up to an external, so if anyone wants them, really just ask. I didn’t create any of these, but (sorry) credits are mostly absent. I’ve compiled it to help me remember what’s important, and what everything does through numerous reinstalls. But the descriptors are vague/incomplete/inaccurate for some entries, and I would really like some help revitalizing and finalizing the list. This might also help some newbies joining the scene, but its mostly for my understanding of how everything works in preparation for building an OSX ready desktop. Anyway, here:

    IO80211Family.kext>>>>> patched WiFi driver, tested 10.5.6

    AppleYukon2.kext>>>>> fixes wired ethernet port (finally!), tested 10.5.6

    AppleHDA.kext>>>>> fixes audio-working internal mic, headphones, mute. May need to delete ALCInject.kext and AppleAzila.kext, or rerun patcher. Requires HDAEnabler.kext, tested 10.5.6

    HDAEnabler.kext>>>>> enables audio kext and displays audio information in “about this mac”, tested 10.5.6

    AppleACPIPlatform.kext>>>>> has to do with battery meter and keyboard/trackpad, tested 10.5.6

    AppleSMBIOSEFI.kext>>>>> displays hardware information in “about this mac”, tested 10.5.6

    AppleSMBIOS.kext>>>>> displays additional hardware info in “about this mac”, tested 10.5.6

    IONetworkingFamily.kext>>>>> fixes time machine, tested 10.5.6

    IOSDHCIBlockDevice.kext>>>>> fixes SD Card Reader! tested 10.5.6

    PowerManagement.bundle>>>>> fixes battery meter, tested 10.5.6
    *****note: must be installed to /Leopard/System/Library/SystemConfiguration/*****

    Disabler.kext and AppleDecrypt.kext (safe updates)>>>>> blocks installation of AppleIntelCPUPowerManagement.kext, allowing for safe updates, tested 10.5.6

    VoodooUSBEHCI.kext and IOUSBFamily.kext>>>>> fixes sleep! either follow instructions to mod IOUSBFamily.kext or just install the included one, tested 10.5.6

    ClamshellDisplay.kext>>>>> enables sleep when lid is closed, tested 10.5.6

    All kext in USB folder>>>>> something to do with the USB/PS2. Most of these are built into the IOUSBFamily.kext, tested 10.5.6

    Superhai mods>>>>> voodoo speedstep, better battery management, and sleep fix, tested 10.5.6

    dsdt.aml>>>>> place in root, enables normal display boot without sleep trick, tested 10.5.6

    Thanks in advance, hopefully this isn’t TL;DR

  26. Thomas Says:

    The best program for burning anything on a Mac is Toast Titanium 10. Nuff said.

  27. Jacob Says:

    Cheers
    What a program thatll burn as image to disk on mac, or better yet, the best program?

  28. Thomas Says:

    Short answer, yes.

  29. Jacob Says:

    I have a noob question, the xXx version of 10.5.6 is in numerous smaller parts. Will stuffit expander/winrar just make the one iso file out of it?

  30. Zulu Says:

    Ever since I upgraded to 10.5.6 I get getting my windows smb file shares disconnected after a while. They work fine after a reboot, and then at some point they stop working. The network is fine and I can actually RDP to the windows machine, but mapping drives does not work unless I reboot again.

    Anyone having the same issue? Any ideas on a fix or a work around?

    Thanks.

  31. Nick Stobie Says:

    I finally got my dual boot working with the new chameleon all thanks to thomas. It took a little while but all and all it went pretty well. everythings running perfectly! thanks thomas

  32. Thomas Says:

    Glad to hear its working for you! Now check out some of the other posts on the site so that you can get networking, audio, etc. working if you havent already.

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